[tabacco]

For the curious:

Suspicious google translation of the press release

December 2, at 25,000 Yen ($212ish USD). Also, the press release lists the package contents as:

- Console
- Wii remote with strap
- Nunchuck
- AC adaptor
- A/V cable
- Console stand
- Sensor bar
- Sensor bar stand

and most importantly...
- Two AA batteries

Virtual Console games are priced at 500, 800, and 1000 Yen ($4ish, $7ish, and $9ish) for NES, SNES, and N64 games respectively.

Seperate accessories are priced:
Wiimote: 3800 Yen ($32ish)
Retro Controller: 1800 Yen ($15ish)
Nunchuck attachment: 1800 Yen ($15ish).

http://www.wii.com/ is live now for Japan, but there are some interface movies for the curious.

I'm interested to see what the US launch details are, and whether that NYT article that was leaked is accurate (it says 11/19 and $250 for US). Based on the JApanese event tonight, though, it looks like we'll (wii'll) find out pretty much everything for sure tomorrow.

[Naveed]

Why they are not shipping it with 2 controllers, when the name of the console is 'We'. Essentially, the console is still close to the specs of Gamecube ($50) and $200 for the controller and the sensor bar.

[Toefur]

Man, december 2 for Japan. I hope it hits the rest of the world before Christmas, or I think it's going to be more tough for the Wii than it already will be.

[MoriartyL]

I'm disappointed to not be hearing about a Miyamoto-designed online game yet, but I guess there's still time, and they're focusing on the console itself right now. I'd hoped it would be a little bit cheaper, but I guess I can wait a year or two for the price to go down.

[bysmitty]

I've got a few hundred dollars and a handful of vacation days stashed away for this launch. I hope I'll be able to interface this through my computer monitor (24" LCD). I would hate to have to dust off my TV (19" tube w/ mono sound). We should be finding out the US launch details in just a few short hours.

...bysmitty

[Stiltzkin]

I'm very much for the Wii, but... AA batteries? I suddenly miss rechargable Lithium Ion a great deal.

[custard]

AA batteries work really well for the Wavebird, lasted ages.. probably last even longer if you get some decent rechargables and Nintendo don't need to replace your battery when it starts to degrade.

[Toefur]

I'm sure they'll have a rechargable battery for sale, like the 360. It's a great little money maker.

[Lucien21]

AA batteries work fine with the 360 controller. They last for ages.

[undeaf]

Originally Posted by Naveed

Essentially, the console is still close to the specs of Gamecube ($50) and $200 for the controller and the sensor bar.

I keep hearing this over and over, but it all sounds like FUD to me. What makes you so sure it'll be hardly any better than the gamecube?

[tabacco]

Originally Posted by Toefur

I'm sure they'll have a rechargable battery for sale, like the 360. It's a great little money maker.

They're just AA... get yourself some rechargeable NiMH batteries and a decent charger. I use rechargeable AAs in my keyboard, mouse, camera, game controllers, etc. and I just use one 4-battery charger on my desk for everything. It works great.

[SoccerDude28]

Originally Posted by tabacco

For the curious:

Suspicious google translation of the press release

December 2, at 25,000 Yen ($212ish USD). Also, the press release lists the package contents as:

- Console
- Wii remote with strap
- Nunchuck
- AC adaptor
- A/V cable
- Console stand
- Sensor bar
- Sensor bar stand

and most importantly...
- Two AA batteries

Virtual Console games are priced at 500, 800, and 1000 Yen ($4ish, $7ish, and $9ish) for NES, SNES, and N64 games respectively.

Seperate accessories are priced:
Wiimote: 3800 Yen ($32ish)
Retro Controller: 1800 Yen ($15ish)
Nunchuck attachment: 1800 Yen ($15ish).

http://www.wii.com/ is live now for Japan, but there are some interface movies for the curious.

I'm interested to see what the US launch details are, and whether that NYT article that was leaked is accurate (it says 11/19 and $250 for US). Based on the JApanese event tonight, though, it looks like we'll (wii'll) find out pretty much everything for sure tomorrow.

Any idea which games will launch with it?

[RLacey]

The console comes with Wii Sports. I'm sure someone will turn up a list of other launch titles.

[tabacco]

yeah, the US gets Wii Sports bundled in. also, Twilight Princess for Wii is a launch title for the Wii, but the cube version doesn't ship til 12/11.

The US launch, for those who didn't see the event, is in fact confirmed to be 11/19 at $250, with $50 games. Otherwise, with the exceptions of the price, date, and Wii Sports bundle, it's pretty much the same details as the Japanese launch.

[bysmitty]

US launch details here.
Nov 19th / $250

There is no emoticon to properly express my excitment right now!!!

edit: tobacco beat me to it.


...bysmitty

[Stiltzkin]

It's good to hear that the battery thing isn't so much of an issue as I had feared. Most of the wireless toys I've used in the past have had their own built-in battery so I was concerned, seeing how short a lifespan that some AA devices have. Thanks for the reassurance on this.

[Dasilva]

All details are on Gamespots feature: http://uk.gamespot.com/events/wiilau...pslot;action;1

And I'm impressed by the launch titles, Im definatly getting this to match my DS lite.

[Lucien21]

The NYT was correct with the details which is kinda worrying as they predict a December 19th release in the EU. for 300Euro (probably £199)

The week before Xmas. ARE THEY MAD???

[Kolzig]

Sounds good, I just hope it does end up being released in December in Europe. Man I hate the fact that Europeans are always cheated with the prices, we always have to pay the most...

[Naveed]

$40 for Wiimote and $20 for Nunchuck! wow!

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/14/critiquing-nintendos-wii-launch-details/

Hopefully Wii Music will be released at some point in the future, it looked fun, conducting the orchestra!