Hello Mailbag,

Now that the Wii is completely out of the bag, so to speak, what are your feelings on it today? The U.S. launch will not beat Sony’s launch and will be a year after the 360. The $250 price seems about right, though I could have used one other extra besides Wii sports for that price (The nunchuk attachment doesn’t count because the “one-handed" controller seems to require that attachment on the majority of games). It would seem that the Zelda delays were largely to put it on the Wii. I must have missed this earlier because I don’t remember reading about the need to tape a sensor to my TV, which is what one article said.

How do you think the Wii will fare?

Overall, I'm think I'm neutral about the details of the Wii launch. $250 is a fair price for the system with the WiiSports pack-in. More importantly, someone can go into a store, purchase a Wii, and walk out with everything they'll need to start playing. People won't need to buy memory cards or extra games on top of the base price, because of 512MB internal flash memory (for game saves) and WiiSports. Remember, the GameCube hardware launched at $200, but you needed to buy around $280 or $300 worth of stuff ($50 game + $30 memory card + tax) to play games on it. To that effect, the Wii is actually the cheapest Nintendo launch day console in the history of the company. Still, $250 is awfully close to the Xbox 360 core unit at $300. True, it's really $400 when you need to buy the $40 memory unit and $60 game to go with it, but that's still only a $50 price difference to a system that has much better looking games on it. There are people that buy a game system solely on what its games look like, you know.

In addition, $40 for the Wii remote? $60 for the Remote/Nunchuk™ combo? I don't care what technology is inside the controllers...that's a rip-off no matter how you waggle it. All the screenshots Nintendo have been releasing showing off four people having fun playing Wii games didn't imply that I would be paying an extra $120 for the privilege to do so. Then there's the matter of getting the analog stick attachments for those three controllers, too. $180 for three full controllers is bad, bad, bad. Even $40 is too much considering the casual-friendly design of the remote: If Nintendo deliberately designed it to look like a standard television remote, shouldn't it follow that it costs as much as one? The Wiimote can be lost to couch canyons just like any other remote, and when someone goes to the store and sees how much a replacement costs, it won't be pretty.

Then there's the launch date. November 19, is it? Releasing it right as Sony is getting all of the press from the PS3 launch? With only 400,000 units showing up, newspapers and local TV stations will have headlines and stories on how the PS3 has sold out everywhere and is in high demand. Nintendo would be wise to get some of that mainstream press coverage for Wii...but will it get lost in the PS3 frenzy? That's my main concern for Nintendo with a post-PS3 launch date. While the GameCube and Xbox launched three days apart five years ago and weren't really affected by each other, I have a feeling it will be different this time around.

But hey, Nintendo will have four million Wii consoles available in four regions by the end of the year. Sony will only have around 1 or 1.5 million PS3s in two regions. At least in the short term, the Wii will do just fine. I'll be there, standing in line all day November 18 at the Best Buy in Simi Valley, CA, eagerly waiting to be one of the first to own a Wii, WiiSports, Twilight Princess, and another, as-of-yet undetermined Wii launch title. I'm glad that the details are finally known more than anything else. I didn't really get excited about the launch of Nintendo's next console until this week, but it's only another two months to wait until it's on.

Great job on the Wii launch info. It seems when Nintendo said they would release the launch details they weren't kidding around. However, there are still several issues that remain unresolved that I am curious about. Forgive me if these have already been covered but there is a lot of information and I might have missed something.

First, we know the MSRP of the Remote and Nunchuck from the press conference. Is there any hint yet on the price of the "classic" controller? If not, given the price of the other controllers and the lack of motion-sensing or wireless do you have an estimate regarding its price?

Second, I found it interesting that you would be able to assign MP3s to slideshows in the photo album. It may just be me but it seems a bit odd to have music playback built into a photo album but not have a dedicated music player elsewhere. What are the chances of at least a regular MP3 player appearing at some point considering the system already has an MP3 decoder built-in?

Third, I found the way the interface is laid out interesting. "Channels" seem to be lumped together with virtual console games. Also, Nintendo seems to be targeting indie developers with the virtual console system. And we know Opera will be sold separately. What do you think the possibility is that non-game third party channels being released through the channel system? However, that leads to potential malware issues if not monitored closely by Nintendo. Also, is there any chance of being able to organize "channels" into sub-channels? I could see the channels getting pretty crowded with all of the virtual console games. That would make a good third party add-on.

Thanks a lot for your time.

First, the classic controller. Readers that have been following our coverage of the worldwide Wii events would have noticed that America was the only country that didn't get the scoop on Virtual Console, WiiConnect24, the classic controller or other related items and features. What's up with that? Anyway, we did report on the Japanese classic controller price in our Japan Wii details story, and going by what the how much Yen it costs (¥1,800) and how NOA is inflating the price of input devices over here, $20 for the classy would seem to be the price that we'll be getting it at. All that's left to do is for Nintendo to announce it and the rest of the VC/online Wii details.

Second, Nintendo has said that it would be possible to update the Wii's onboard software with new functionality (to add channels, basically) so that Wii could turn into an MP3 player if they wanted to. It wouldn't be very practical unless you could hook up an iPod to the console via USB, because otherwise all the MP3s would need to be stored on SD cards. Maybe that'll come in the future, but for now I don't see it being that odd of a choice.

Third, the sky's the limit. Nintendo could probably sell channel space to other publishers in the same way Microsoft is charging companies (and not just game companies) for ad space on the Xbox 360 Dashboard and Xbox Live. I echo your question of being able to sub-divide channels, because I don't want to have to scroll over multiple pages if I have a dozen or more VC games. Just put them all in one channel to themselves or something.

Hiya bag,

With all the recent Square-Enix love that's been bestowed upon Nintendo recently (FF Dawn of Souls, FF IV - VI on GBA, Mario 3 on 3 Hoops, Children of Mana, and the Final Fantasy III remake on DS), what do you think the chances are of Square-Enix releasing Chrono Trigger on GBA?

Once they release Final Fantasy VI for GBA do you think they will go ahead and port Chrono Trigger to the GBA or possibly the DS? Or do you think there's a higher chance of seeing Chrono Trigger appear on the Wii's Virtual Console?

Porting Chrono Trigger to the GBA seems like an obvious move to me. But I haven't heard any word on that. Do you think we'll see Chrono Trigger come to one of our beloved handhelds or even the Virtual Console? Or do you think that Square-Enix will decide to pass on that to work on other projects?

Hope to see this in another great edition of the mail bag!

- Jeff ~ Jome20

Square(-Enix) is obviously enjoying the good sales of the GBA Final Fantasy ports. However, after FFV and FFVI are released on the GBA, and FFIII on the DS, every classic Final Fantasy game will have been released in American in one form (GBA/DS) or another (PlayStation). They'd obviously want to keep their classic cash cow going on the Nintendo portables...how to do it if there aren't anymore easily portable FF games?

Chrono Trigger is almost a no-brainer at this point, isn't it? It's another classic SNES RPG that would fit go right along with the FF re-releases very well, and a large group of people would snap it up instantly. I might even get it, not having played too much of the original. Here's a question to consider, though: GBA or DS? Squenix wouldn't need to do a 3D overhaul to Chrono Trigger like they are doing to FFIII, but if they just wanted to port over the 2D game with some optimizations and changes for the dual-screen format, that would work just fine too.

But wait a minute, what about Virtual Console? Square-Enix is listed as a supporting publisher (in Europe and Japan, at least—again, Nintendo of America hasn't released details on VC for the US yet), and you know that means they'll be bringing their Final Fantasy games and the rest of their combined libraries with them. To cut to the chase, why not put Chrono Trigger on there? It'll sell for the same reasons listed above.

The only question here is whether or not it would be viable for them to put the game on VC and also release it to traditional retail. A physical cartridge will sell more copies, but it would be much, much less expensive to offer it on VC. Actually, it will be interesting to see what happens to all of the classic ports and compilations that have been coming out lately after Virtual Console takes off. Will it still be worth it to have those types games available in stores?

Hey all,

Can you confirm two things?

1 - Did the wii-motes rumble at the most recent event?

2 - Will Nintendo sell an ethernet adapter for the Wii?

Thanks!

-Larry

1. Yes.

2. Yes.

Next question!

Supper Bag,

I feel silly asking this question as things have become slowly more known about the Wii, but I have to ask anyway.

What is the media format for Wii game discs? I couldn't possibly remember what sites or forums led me to believe for ages that the format was HD-DVD, but I heard fairly conclusive statements that it was. Recently, Wikipedia told me otherwise - that old-fashioned DVDs were the Wii way. Planet Gamecube and Nintendo.com simply state "optical discs," which is as meaningless as it gets. DVDs are okay I suppose. I understand that the 360 still hasn't justified the use for more than DVDs for any of it's games, but I say the more potential storage space the better. Plus, isn't the DVD realm ridiculously pirateable? Is Wii's format a proprietary experiment with undisclosed space available. Eh, whatever. Here's hoping to "compensating for something" levels of storage for the Wii. :) And if not, then the games will still be great.

Dozy Boy

Wii discs look like DVDs, have the same capacity of DVDs, and work in a disc drive like DVDs...but they aren't really DVDs. For Wii, Nintendo is again going with a proprietary disc format—one that Nintendo exclusively manufactures and distributes—that has the same qualities of standard DVD discs, including a double-layer capacity of around 9GB. (Xbox 360 game discs can hold up to that amount, too.) The same qualities, except for being easily pirated.

PS2 and Xbox piracy was so rampant because those systems used standard DVD-R discs with a simple authentication check that could be easily bypassed. In fact, their debug units read regular DVD-R discs (the same ones you can go out and buy) burned with a regular DVD-R burner! Of course, DVDs are a dime a dozen and the cost of DVD burners are trivial, making the burning of media cheap and easy for developers and publishers. But it also makes it cheap and easy for piraters.

With how things worked on GameCube, and how things will probably work on Wii, is that devs and pubs will need to buy all their recording media and burning equipment from Nintendo—and only Nintendo. Those special discs aren't as cheap as regular DVD-Rs are (though they are considerably cheaper than cartridges used to be), since Nintendo won't be giving them away for next to nothing; they want to make money off of the sales of that stuff, too. It's a financial and logistical hassle that companies need to deal with when working with Nintendo hardware (a minor one, but one I'm sure they would rather not have), but in turn that causes a big hassle for those looking to get free games the illegal way. It's usually not worth it for the casual pirater...the question is, is it worth it to publishers?

Hello Mailbag,

I plan on buying an S-Video cable for my Wii. What company do you think will offer the best one for the Wii? As far as I know Nintendo doesn't offer one. Also will the led light on the Wii be on only when you play it, or will it stay on as soon as you plug it in?

-Magnum

Nintendo will have S-Video cables available, and probably at launch along with the other Wii accessories. It's a very common connector, and for those that don't have an HD-capable set, it's the best they can do. Always go for first-party accessories, especially from Nintendo. They are the best around, you know!

The LED light on the Wii will have three states: Off, for when you unplug the console; one color (probably red) for when the system is turned off but there is still power connected, aka standby mode (this is where WiiConnect24 will probably do its thing while you are asleep); and another color (probably blue) for when the system is turned on and you are using it. Refer to the PS2 for an example.

Hi PGC!

Alright, this may seem a little silly and off topic, but tell me what you think of this theory: The PS2 is kind of in first place as far as consoles go, right? Well I think that Microsoft named their new console the Xbox Three-60 (instead of the obvious choice Xbox 2) to make it seem equal in people's minds to the PS3. Now Nintendo's system, "Wii" sounds very similiar to the number "three." Is this a subtle marketing ploy, or just a weird coincidence?

Uh, neither. You're reading into it too much, or at least the Nintendo part of it.

But you're right about the Xbox 360. Microsoft has gone on record in saying that in coming up with a new name for the new Xbox, they didn't want it to sound inferior to the PS3. Xbox 2 is one less than PlayStation 3, which implies just that. Microsoft created the “360" suffix, with the angle that it represents their “all-encompassing" console, online service and all that other stuff. Xbox 360 vs. PlayStation 3 puts MS and Sony on the level with similar-sounding names. Seems much ado about nothing, but it's actually very significant.

I don't think I've seen this question asked, probably because there aren't many people on the same boat as me. I am unfortunately still stuck on dial up since I live in the woods. Are there any of the features for the Wii I'll be able to take advantage of not having a cable connection or will I just be playing games like on the GCN?

Would it be possible to take my Wii to a friend's house, download some games there and then take them back to my house? Any possibility of some place like EB offering download services like they do with the DS? It's very exciting reading about all the new features but also frustrating knowing I'll be missing most of them.

WhoDey

The short answer to your first question is no, it won't work. However, it's certainly possible to wirelessly broadcast your dial-up connection, and many of the things Wii is advertising could be done over a 56K connection...just very slowly. If Nintendo doesn't mandate a minimum connection speed or require broadband for the service, it might be possible. But more than likely, you're going to be out of luck.

The method you described to download (I assume) Virtual Console games by taking your system to a broadband-equipped buddy would be a good idea. But you won't be able to just copy over the games that your friends purchased to your system and then take them home. You're going to need to buy them yourself, for your console only. I'm pretty sure that after purchase, Virtual Console games will be permanently tied to a Wii console, sort of how like DS Wi-Fi settings are tied to a single hardware/software combination. Although, there will apparently be some way to reclaim lost games with a new system. How that will work, I don't know.

Question 1:

Why do you have so many reviews that don't have even one single screenshot? Rhythm heaven is the latest offender, but it happens a lot. It's really annoying to have to google the game's name to find relevant screenshots. At least you started stating which platform the game is reviewed on. Gone are the days when I couldn't be sure if the review refers to the GBA, DS or Gamecube version.

Question 2:

In a month the Wii is coming. Since it seems you don't own the domain planetwii, it seems that your days are numbered. No?

Answer 1: For the most part, we only have screenshots for a game if they were provided to us by a game's publisher or developer. Since we cover a large amount of import games, like Rhythm Heaven, getting screens for them can be a tricky thing. As it turns out, we just put up about 20 screens for the GBA music game, which can be viewed here. If you're unsure as to which system a game review or other article is about, just look at the page title. It will refer to the system in question, the type of article, then the game title. We had just recently added that change after many people suggested it.

Answer 2: You must be the 230954th person to bug us about that. Like we've previously said, our new name won't be PlanetWii, and in fact, it won't even have “Wii" in it at all. What's it gonna be, then? I can't tell you yet. I can say that we hope to provide more details on the new name (and the new site that will go with it) in the near future. Please be patient with us, because I'm sure the wait will be worth it!

Wow, what a week. We go from knowing a little about Wii and wanting more at the start of it, to knowing just about everything and wanting that final bit of info (Wii online in the USA) by the end of it. Do you have questions or comments on the Wii, now that we know everything? Let the bag know! The email address is at the bottom of the page, and again, don't forget to include your name and (if you want) where you're from!

If two months seems like an awfully long wait, think of it this way: The Wii will launch in only eight more mailbag updates!

Mailbag Talkback

Mailbag Archive