September 14: the new "it" day?
by Alisha Karabinus 
{ Aug 23rd 2006 at 3:29PM }
So, how 'bout that keynote at Leipzig? Wasn't it exciting to hear about the release date for the Wii, and the pricing, and the ponies ... no, no, that didn't happen at all. The hugely anticipated speech revealed none of the details rabid Nintendo fans have been dying to learn. Y'know, the tough questions, like "when's the console being released, and how much will it cost?" We know. Sometimes it's hard to open up. There, there.
So now the hearts and minds of Nintendo fans turn toward September 14, when Nintendo of America's Reggie Fils-Aime will be on hand at a media event in New York. Forget celebration of video games -- Wii want to celebrate some news.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
vidGuy @ Aug 23rd 2006 5:32PM
I think it's just as likely that, sometime in early September, Nintendo will send out a press release, or maybe even quietly update their website, with the launch date, price, and bundle information on it.
THEN, they'll make an official announcement a week or so later, restating that information plus finalizing the launch lineup.
... I was disappointed that this morning's conference didn't contain the news I was waiting for, but that info can't be too far off. I already know I'll be getting one; I'm just waiting to set aside the cash and to get in line.
Adam Johnson @ Aug 23rd 2006 5:50PM
"Nintendo will send out a press release, or maybe even quietly update their website, with the launch date, price, and bundle information on it."
Didnt they do this when they announced "Wii" as the consoles official name?
vidGuy @ Aug 23rd 2006 6:10PM
Yep. And look how quickly that was spread from one end of the net to the other. This marketing is effective because it's highly anticipated information coming at an unexpected time, which gets people really excited.
That's why I think they may go with this. Then they could restate everything for the rest of the media at some big conference.
RevJonathan @ Aug 23rd 2006 6:19PM
They could go the Sega Saturn route and just release the console.
'Cause that worked so well.
BPMΩ @ Aug 23rd 2006 6:51PM
RevJonathan, while that is entirely possible, I don't see it happening. Nintendo is, to me, atleast, the kind of company that learns from its mistakes (online play, disc formats, etc.) than to repeat them (granted the Saturn's release was SEGA's mistake, not Nintendo's, but the point remains).
It's really frustrating not knowing anything, huh? And the supposed launch window draws even closer...
Joe @ Aug 23rd 2006 7:40PM
At least it's not as bad as Sony not starting production on their PS3's this late.
vidGuy @ Aug 23rd 2006 8:14PM
@Joe, no kidding. If that's true, word is there'll be less than 2 million PS3's worldwide by Jan 07. In comparison, Nintendo has upped production and expects to have 5.5 million on the market within the same time period.
Moogle @ Aug 23rd 2006 10:38PM
Am I the only one who doesn't care about when they release this info? I already know I can afford it, and any release date farther than a week away seems like forever.
Marc @ Aug 23rd 2006 11:02PM
Thank you Moogle! I'm not alone!
Joe @ Aug 23rd 2006 11:56PM
Well, actually in a recent interview they said Kaz Hirai misspoke the number, it's 2 million at launch and 2 million more by Jan 2007. So, if we do the math all the way till the PS3 launch, if they start production September 1, that would mean that in around 1 month and a half they need to create 2 million consoles. That would mean an average of around 44,500 consoles per day, up until Launch Day. Then they've got to produce 2 million more in that next month and a half, and once again we have 44,500 each day, provided they start Sept 1. I seriously don't think Sony can pull off 44,500 per day.
Joe @ Aug 24th 2006 12:01AM
I was doing a bit more math, and if these PS3's are made 24/7 then Sony has to make 1854 per hour. Which would make it, 30 PS3's manufactured per minute, every day for 3 months. I'm sure it takes more than two seconds to make one PS3.
Adam Johnson @ Aug 24th 2006 12:17AM
So what month do you guys think Wii will launch, October or November?
Phoenix @ Aug 24th 2006 3:28AM
This bitterness towards "Wii Prove Our Promise" has got to stop. Nintendo fans feel like they were treated unfairly because of their own false expectations. Nintendo said that the release information will be given in September, not August. There's absolutely no reason to be bitter except if you knowingly pumped yourself up for a keynote you knew wouldn't deliver the goods. Think.
Phoenix @ Aug 24th 2006 3:30AM
Hey Joe, did you consider that Sony has more than one production line? Back to the drawing board, I guess =P.
BillBix @ Aug 24th 2006 4:24AM
I just want to play...
Zelos @ Aug 24th 2006 6:30AM
Joe: of course, Sony probably has more than one production line for PS3. And, while it may take more than a few seconds to make an individual PS3, the process is pipelined. So while it can take an hour to make a PS3 from start to finish, you can still make one every few seconds. I'm sure you've seen the photos of the 360 coming off the production line.
vidGuy @ Aug 24th 2006 8:24AM
@Adam Johnson,
I still feel the Wii will be out by the end of October. I think launching Oct 20 - 31 would be ideal. It gets the system out to early adopters, who will buy up the initial supply, and gives Nintendo time to restock shelves for the holiday season.
@Phoenix, I partially agree with you. Nintendo never said "we will release launch price and date information at LGC". However, the original quote, at least the one I saw, said "by September", as in 'before the month starts', so lots of people were hopeful.
1337 zip @ Aug 24th 2006 9:00AM
you want to know the price ?
well its less than 250$ as we all know, and we also know that first-pary games should cost less than 50$, so the 3-party games shoul be around 40 to 50$,and a few for 58$. so if you know this than you can start saving up. knowing which games you want.
now about the release, the release in us and japan is before thanks giving. for the ppl from other continents(like me) it could possibly take 1 to 3 month before they release in our countries, this sucks, but there is a good side, if there is a bug/error or i dont-know-what, you can have a fixe one directly, knowing nintendo this won't heappen since they don't really have major errors but they do still improve themselves.
Mr. Scolex @ Aug 24th 2006 11:23AM
Well, I was dissapointed, but not surprised. And, really, I think ninty would be best off simply popping a short news headline on their website saying something to the effect of "Nintendo Wii - $199.99, Oct. 18". And then be done with it. (By the way, I pulled those numbers out of my ass, if you don't like them, imagine them as whatever you want) That way, everyone would be happy, they wouldn't have to make a big hubbub, and they could focus on production and stuff rather than soul-torturing press conferences and keynotes and such.
That being said, I think it's more likely they'll announce the release date for the GC version of Twilight Princess and not say anything else, since we know that the wii version will launch on the same day, and that it will be a launch title, we'd fill in the rest on our own.