Nintendo Shipping Black Wii Console This Month; New Bundle Adds Value

Nintendo's Wii has been a runaway hit all over the world, with the game console remaining in a constant state of "sold out everywhere" for nearly a full year after launch in the U.S. People obviously can't get enough of controlling their games with their own hands (and Wii remotes), but now that things have calmed down somewhat, Nintendo is looking for a new way to re-kindle interest in their main home machine. What better way to do that than to finally introduce a new color, right?


Starting on May 9th, American consumers will have two Wii color options to choose from instead of just one. A new glossy black console will be joining the glossy white model that's already available, and there's an even bigger bonus tucked in. In addition to having a Wii remote and Nunchuk bundled in the box, Nintendo will also include Wii Sports, Wii Sports Resort and one Wii MotionPlus accessory. The new bundle applies to the white model as well, priming Nintendo's Wii to be the bargain console of choice once again this holiday season.

The U.S. price will remain set at $199.99, making this an even bigger value for those who have held off throughout the initial buying frenzy. With Netflix on board as well, the Wii looks to be the console-of-choice for light-duty/amateur gamers. Now, if only a red and green version were to be released in honor of Mario and Luigi, we know these things would sell (again) like hotcakes.

NINTENDO TO INCLUDE WII SPORTS RESORT, WII MOTIONPLUS WITH ALL NEW WII SYSTEMS

Starting May 9, Wii Hardware Will Be Available in Black or White

REDMOND, Wash., May 3, 2010 - A great value in video games is about to get even better. Starting May 9, Nintendo will add new elements to the baseline Wii™ system package offered at retailers throughout the Americas. In addition to the intuitive, motion-sensing Wii Remote™ controller, Nunchuk™ controller and popular Wii Sports™ game that currently comes standard with each system purchase, every new unit will now also come packaged with Wii Sports Resort™ and the control-enhancing Wii MotionPlus™ accessory. In addition, consumers will be able to choose between two color schemes for the Wii console and included controllers: original white, or a new black option. The U.S. suggested retail price of the new system package will remain at $199.99. Pricing outside the United States will be established by the local markets, but offer similar consumer value.

"Nintendo leads the way in delivering rich motion-control gaming experiences at an accessible price point," said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "By including even more of our top-quality hardware and software in the basic Wii system package, we're extending that commitment to entertainment and value. Now more than ever, consumers can count on Nintendo to deliver inclusive fun and advanced motion controls at a mass-market price."

Wii Sports Resort expands on the active-play fun of the original Wii Sports, with resort-themed activities such as wakeboarding, archery and swordplay. What's more, Wii Sports Resort features the rich control enhancements of Wii MotionPlus, which allows users to dive in and enjoy precision motion-control excitement right out of the box.

Wii MotionPlus has set the standard in precision motion control by delivering an immersive, social experience unavailable on any other system. As of May 9, when both the Wii Sports Resort game and a Wii MotionPlus accessory will come standard with every new Wii console, people who purchase the system can experience this leading-edge video game technology from the moment they plug in and power up.

Previously unavailable throughout the Americas, the black version of the Wii console will offer all the groundbreaking features and functions of its white counterpart in a stylish new color scheme. Whether they aim to color-coordinate with other devices or simply love the way it looks, consumers throughout the Americas can add a black Wii console with matching black Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers to their home entertainment lineup. Additional black controllers and accessories can be purchased separately.

The Wii system launched in November 2006 and continues to attract millions of new and experienced gamers with its intuitive motion-sensing controls and inclusive game offerings.