Confirming recent rumors, Nintendo announced this morning that they will launch the Wii Mini — a smaller, very basic, version of the Wii console — on December 7, 2012 exclusively in Canada, for $99.
To get the cost and size down, the Wii Mini does not include any Internet connectivity options or Gamecube support. This means the redesigned console’s only function will be to play offline disc-based Wii games, and it will not have access to popular online services like Netflix or Hulu Plus.
The trimmed down console has a black case with a red border and features a manual top-loading disc drive, in lieu of the original Wii’s self-loading disc slot. The system also comes with a sensor bar and one Red MotionPlus Wiimote and matching Nunchuk controller.
Users will be able to register the Wii Mini with Club Nintendo to get 100 coins, however, that transaction will ironically not be able to take place through the console itself due to the lack of online connectivity.
Currently the Wii Mini has only been announced for release in Canada during the holiday season, and Nintendo has not officially stated if the tiny console will ever be released in other territories in the future.
Full press release:
NINTENDO INTRODUCES NEW Wii MINI THAT’S ALL ABOUT THE GAMES
With a New Look, $99.99 Wii Mini Offers an Amazing Value for the Holidays
After nearly 100 million sold worldwide, Nintendo’s Wii console is getting a new look and a new price. On Dec. 7, the new Wii Mini home console launches in Canada at a suggested retail price of just $99.99 and puts the focus squarely on Wii games. The system can play more than 1,400 disc-based Wii games. Wii Mini is smaller than the original Wii system, and comes in matte black with a red border. The system comes with a red Wii Remote Plus, a red Nunchuk controller and works with most Wii accessories.
“There are games in the Wii library for every type of player,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice president and general manager. “Wii Mini is a great gift for the holidays that brings everyone in the family together to play. Wii Mini has a mini price, but it’s all about big fun.”
Wii Mini is designed exclusively to play Wii games. Its family-friendly design has no Internet capabilities and does not play Nintendo GameCube games. It’s a great value for first-time Wii owners who just want to jump in and experience all the great Wii games that helped usher in a revolution in motion-controlled gaming. Wii games are available at a variety of price points for every kind of shopper. Some top Wii games during the past six years include:
• A whole range of value-priced Nintendo Selects games, including some of the top-selling and best-reviewed Wii games of all time, at a suggested retail price of $19.99
• Super Smash Bros. Brawl (suggested retail price of $29.99)
• Donkey Kong Country Returns (suggested retail price of $29.99)
• Mario Kart Wii (suggested retail price of $39.99)
• Wii Sports Resort (suggested retail price of $39.99)
• New Super Mario Bros. Wii (suggested retail price of $59.99)
• Wii Fit Plus with the Wii Balance Board (suggested retail price of $99.99)
Wii Mini is available exclusively in Canada during the holiday season. No information is available about its potential availability in other territories in the future. Remember that Wii Mini features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit nintendo.com/wiimini.
