Nintendo is launching the Wii Mini. The crimson console is billed as a Canada-exclusive for now -- we're reaching out to confirm if and when it might go elsewhere -- and is clearly meant to catch those families that find the Wii U (or even a regular Wii) too pricey. To get there, though, they'll have to make some big sacrifices. The Wii Mini cuts out both GameCube compatibility (seen in some regular Wii variants) and, more importantly, internet access; unfortunately, this won't be your budget Netflix box. Still, when gamers in the Great White North can pick one up on December 7th for $100, it might be the ideal fit for that TV in the basement or the occasional party.

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What do ya think?

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@ludist210

Why "Gah!"? Is it really so horrible to have a drive that breaks less easily?

Posted by

Guillaume

on: 11/27/12, 19:31

Where is there a Maple Syrup dispenser?

Posted by

vids

on: 11/27/12, 19:42

@Guillaume

The only disc drives that I've had that broke were on my launch GameCube, PS2 Slim, and Wii. Two top-loaders.

I just kind of thought we were past top-loaders in game consoles...

Posted by

ludist210

on: 11/27/12, 19:48

@ludist210

Two of those are old...

I'd rather have top-loaders than slots any day.

Posted by

Guillaume

on: 11/27/12, 19:56

New Wii?? Canada only? No online (though it is the Wii lol...) ?

WHAT THE SHIT IS THIS!?!



Oh and really Nintendo? What is with you guys and cannibalizing your own goddamn sales. Focus on the Wii U now for fucks sake!

Now, I know this won't (actually I don't know...I'm assuming) seriously affect Wii U sales but what's the logic here? They are already facing critiques about their confusion with 3DS/DS/Wii/Wii U/ and now they're introducing a new console/design? What the hell is this? The Wii is done, can we seriously not focus on the brand new real console that just released?

Not sure if I've ever heard of something like this, ever. They are releasing this thing AFTER a new console JUST released....

Posted by

carlosrox

on: 11/27/12, 19:59

Edited:

11/27/12, 20:04

This really makes no sense at all.

Posted by

DeputyVanHalen

on: 11/27/12, 20:02

Having said all that though, it looks cool and I might be interested. Good thing I live in Canada, too.

Posted by

carlosrox

on: 11/27/12, 20:05

I'm so goddamn tired of all the goddamn overreacting all the goddamn time.

Posted by

Guillaume

on: 11/27/12, 20:20

Guillaume said:

I'm so goddamn tired of all the goddamn overreacting all the goddamn time.

I think you're goddamn overreacting about the goddamn overreacting.

Goddamn.

Posted by

rebonack

on: 11/27/12, 20:32

@ludist210

It's all about profit margins. No slot-loader, no wifi, and no GC components all equal lower manufacturing costs and more money in N's coffers.

Posted by

FINlos

on: 11/27/12, 20:32

No internet access? The hell?

Posted by

Hinph

on: 11/27/12, 20:35

@FINlos

I get that. I don't get releasing a new, gimped Wii around the same time as an entirely new console.

What on earth could the market for this possibly be?

Posted by

Kal-El814

on: 11/27/12, 20:45

@Kal-El814
Clueless people who come into a store asking for the new Wii?

Posted by

DeputyVanHalen

on: 11/27/12, 20:48

@Kal-El814

Whatever it is, can we agree it's certainly not the same market as the Wii U's? So I don't get how this could possibly cause confusion or have Nintendo eat up their own sales. If you want the new console with the screen in its controller, you're not gonna think "maybe it's this cheap Wii Mini thing".

Posted by

Guillaume

on: 11/27/12, 20:49

I think this was a real real smart move, it's cute, they will save tons of money by not including that expensive slot loading drive (fun fact: the Wii's drive was it's most expensive component), and it will still play great games (with a few exceptions for the rare online Wii games).

Posted by

deathly_hallows

on: 11/27/12, 20:58

Makes sense, the NES top loader was released after the SNES so the Wii "top loader" is doing the same. Still, kind of weird.

vinniebrock said:

I like the look of it. I'd consider getting one if it was coming to NA

Err... Canada is NA.

Posted by

ploot

on: 11/27/12, 20:59

Edited:

11/27/12, 20:59

@Guillaume

After the whole Wii / Wii U confusion within the general press and having SEVERAL retailers tell me there were no differences between the standard and deluxe Wii Us aside from color and Nintendoland (anecdotes ahoy!), marketplace confusion sadly does not surprise me anymore, at all.

Posted by

Kal-El814

on: 11/27/12, 21:00

Edited:

11/27/12, 21:00

I wish the sides were straight instead of tapered, otherwise it looks nice. But no wifi is dumb.

@ploot

But Canada doesn't count, duh.

Posted by

Earendil

on: 11/27/12, 21:03

@deathly_hallows
Really the only part of this thing I question is removing all online functionality. Other than that I think it looks good and isn't a bad deal for the price.

Posted by

DeputyVanHalen

on: 11/27/12, 21:03

@DeputyVanHalen

Honestly, removing the network functionality would make sense if this came out a year from now, or so, when nobody is really going to be playing Wii games online anyway. Sony's had success releasing new models of old hardware after their next gen console is out, so, I don't think the concept itself is weird.

Really, only the timing here is odd to me. There's a new console out. Has anyone been waiting 6 years to get a low cost Wii? Is anyone that interested in a "backup" Wii going to be motivated to buy close to Wii U launch?

Posted by

Kal-El814

on: 11/27/12, 21:07