Nintendo announced some new features for the Wii this week!  One of which is a message board system where one can leave notes for family members or even go online to leave messages.  Another feature is called Play History.  It’s used to keep track of how long you or your family plays a certain game.  Nintendo will use this feature to assemble statistics such as: “Most played Game”, etc.  Follow the link to N-Sider for a great overview of these new features.

Source: N-Sider

IGN just posted a handful of new box art images for upcoming Wii launch titles. I really like the Zelda and Red Steel boxarts, which one(s) are your fav(s)? Follow the link for more.

btw — The Zelda Boxart, I wanna be friends with it

Source: IGN Wii

After reporting today that Nintendo would have 1 million systems at launch, it appears Nintendo has set the record straight by pledging even more systems for its November 19 release date. Here is the quote from Nintendo:

“A number of outlets have reported a misstatement about the number of Wii consoles that will be available in the Americas during the launch rollout. In fact, the truth is even better. After the Americas lead the worldwide launch on Nov. 19, Nintendo expects to sell 4 million Wii consoles globally by the end of 2006, with the largest allotment available in the Americas. Although we expect a huge demand for the consoles, we are working to ensure a plentiful supply and a consistent flow.”

Wow, just wow. Nintendo is really bringing out the punches. Urge to buy Wii…rising ;D

Source: IGN Wii

Opera announced today that its custom-built web browser for Wii will be available for free at launch. The browser can be downloaded through the Wii’s built-in “Wii Shop Channel”, but for a limited time only. Opera will be charging for the browser after June 2007. Here is the press release from Opera:

With support for Flash and AJAX-based content such as Google maps, Wii users will benefit from a feature-rich Internet experience that is uniquely customized for the Wii. Opera for Wii boasts the same complete standards support as the Opera 9 Desktop Browser, and includes the added functionality of ‘Zoom’ and ‘Bookmarks’. The Wii remote control will also be an integral part of browsing, allowing users to intuitively control the Web with their Wii remotes.

I’m very glad that Opera is providing this free right when I get one at launch. It is kind of bogus that late adopters will have to pay for the software, but I guess that’s more incentive to buy one at launch ;)

Source: Cubed3, GoNintendo

Nintendo confirmed on Monday that it will ship 1 million units to stores for the November 19 launch date. Here is the quote from Nintendo’s Ron Bertram, vice president and general manager for Nintendo of Canada:

“We’re looking at a million for North America at launch,” he said, speaking to MacKenzie Financial. “If we get what we’re supposed to get, this will be our most plentiful launch in the 15 years I’ve been at Nintendo. All signs are extremely positive,” he added.

Wii is getting a lot of good publicity as of late. November 19 can’t come soon enough. To see just how long until launch, check out the countdown on the right of our main page.

EDIT: Follow the link to the new story :)

Nintendo on Thursday finally revealed the long-anticipated launch details. *drum roll………* Wii will launch in the US on November 19, 2006 for $249.99. The Wii will come packaged with the following as reported by IGN Wii:

• One Wii remote
• One nunchuck attachment
• An AC adapter
• An audio/video cable
• A sensor bar
• A sensor bar stand
• A Wii console stand
• 2 batteries
• and a copy of Wii Sports (US, and Europe) featuring tennis, baseball, golf, and the new bowling and boxing games

Great news so far! Here’s the rest of the details from Cubed3:

• 4 Million units will ship worldwide, with the US receiving the larger share
• The Wii will be available at 25,000 retail locations across the country
• 21 launch titles (Wii Sports included) will hit alongside the console in the US
• Zelda (Gamecube version) will not be avaliable at launch, but on December 11th instead
• All first-party games will be in at $49.99 or under
• Metroid Prime 3 has been officially delayed until 2007
• All first-party games and most other Wii content will be capable of 16:9 used by HDTVs, but won’t be in high definition
• Pokemon Battle Revolution will be the first online multiplayer game for Wii

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