Wii Launch Gossip Explosion!

August 8th, 2006, 18:34 Posted By: wraggster

And for once, it looks like it's all true. Breaking news in the US, all of which was pulled after being made public earlier today, posits definite launch dates, price and further launch details on Nintendo's Wii, without doubt the most secretive emerging console in videogaming's short history.

Price has been set at $229, somewhat higher than many had hoped and a price no doubt inflated by Nintendo on the back of Sony's $600 PlayStation 3 demand. A cynical, if totally expected, move from Nintendo which we predict will be turning a profit on every hardware unit from day one on sale.

Two launch dates (territory unspecified) were offered - November 2 and November 12. It appears third-parties are working to two different sets of Nintendo-issued guidelines. At time of going to press, we have no idea which is the most recently issued.

Two colour options will be available day one, black and white. Other colours will follow during phase two of launch, probably after four months of general Wii release.

According to IGN, an outlet that had published the mass leak only to pull it, presumably at Nintendo's request: "Nintendo has allegedly bumped production of Wii hardware to 5.5 million units by the end of the year, a significant upgrade to previous numbers. The jump is purportedly based on the positive reaction to Wii from press and industry analysts at E3 2006.

The same report also stated that: "IBM may be working on a revised Broadway chip with a lower clock speed for a future Nintendo hand-held -- presumably one that plays GameCube discs." SPOnG has had a handle on Nintendo's push towards a portable GameCube player for well over a year now. We are more than pleased such a device is seemingly nearing an official announcement.

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