Today Nintendo President Satoru Iwata told reporters in Tokyo that the console will be released in Japan on December 2nd for 25,000 yen (about $215). That much has been confirmed.
The New York Times is reporting that Nintendo is planning on releasing the Wii in North and South America on November 19th for $250. The article also mentions that the console will be bundled with Wii Sports – a game compilation that includes tennis, golf, baseball and bowling – a move designed to show off the Wii’s innovative controls. Other bits of information from the article include:
- Nintendo is planning on delivering 25 to 30 top-tier games for the Wii this year
- The next version of the popular “Mario” franchise will not arrive until 2007
- Wii games will cost $50
- 30 classic games will be available for download when the Wii is released. Price: $5-$10
Only time will tell if the information in the NYT proves to be correct. In the meantime, click here to read more details (SeattlePi)
Update: The November 19th release date and the $250 price tag have been confirmed by Nintendo’s Reggie Fils-Aime at today’s NYC media event. He went on to announce that the console will include everything you need to get started – including a Wii Sports disk (Tennis, Golf, Baseball, Bowling and Boxing).
Does the $250 price tag change your opinion about who is going to win the console race? Cast your vote in the Nerd Approved poll (located in sidebar).
Click here for the official Nintendo press release.
