Nintendo looking into keyboard peripheral

by David Hinkle { Apr 24th 2007 at 12:15PM }

With the news this week that Logitech is going to provide peripherals for Nintendo's Wii console, this latest tidbit of information coming from the May 2007 issue of Game Informer has a bit more credibility than we would normally give it. Found on page 18 under the Data File section, the news is welcomed by this blogger, who (probably much like yourself) finds navigating the web through the Wii's Opera browser a bit of a chore, unless they're bookmarked.

Given the news, what kind of price point would you like to see for a Nintendo keyboard? Would you want it USB or wireless bluetooth? Or maybe you want to see some kind of small keyboard that attaches to the Wiimote, kind of how Microsoft is doing it? Let's hope it's QWERTY, as well ...

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Tags: keyboard, nintendo, nintendowii, wii, wiiboard

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Ethan Duffy @ Apr 24th 2007 12:30PM

Outsourcing this is a very shrewd move, I think I'd want a laptop-keyboard sized affair, without the Function buttons, and an optional touchpad and clicker for those who don't want to use the Wiimote for moving and selecting (I still would).

Ken @ Apr 24th 2007 12:38PM

Hmm... a keyboard for my Wii. I can already type really fast on the Wii, so I probably wont pay more than $29 for it.

Though it takes a day and a half to type a message on the 360. GOD I hate that thing.

But a small keyboard, like Ethan Duffy said, will be the best idea. But knowing Logitech, they'll give alot more options in the future (like colors to match the Wii and stuff)

Sarah @ Apr 24th 2007 12:38PM

definately wireless or blue tooth, wires are annoying and completely un-necessary.

Andrea @ Apr 24th 2007 12:41PM

USB. Will not pay more than 9.99€ for one

Trauts @ Apr 24th 2007 12:44PM

Here's a bright idea... why don't they do what Microsoft has done: allow any standard USB keyboard, and then offer a first-party one.
I'm sure not going to pay Nintendo extra just to use a console web browser when I already have a laptop, but if they let me use MY keyboard, I'll give it a shot.

Loban @ Apr 24th 2007 12:56PM

A small lap sized bluetooth keyboard is the only keyboard I would ever consider buying. It should be very compact, lightweight, and wireless if it has any chance of succeeding.

Andrew @ Apr 24th 2007 1:29PM

This was just a matter of time. At launch, the Wii claimed that it would eventually support MSX on the Virtual Console. If anyone's seen an MSX ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSX ) it sortof needs a keyboard to function. So we should be seeing some MSX titles shortly after the introduction of the keyboard. I'm just worried that the keyboard will be wiimote-battery-powered, just as the VC controller is.

Gordon @ Apr 24th 2007 1:51PM

I dont really think the keyboard is really needed on my part, setup already works well and I just use wii surfing for reading on stiq.

Bob/Paul @ Apr 24th 2007 11:34PM

How about a software update to allow generic Bluetooth/USB keyboards?

shadowchaoscontrol @ Apr 24th 2007 3:19PM

i'd love a keyboard, and to choose between bluetooth and wired, cuz my wii is 10 feet away from my couch, and i don't mind one wire

Billy_McBong @ Apr 24th 2007 3:15PM

i say release a system update that lets use use USB/bluetooth keyboards

then sell a "official" version like they do with the SD cards but maybe give the official one more buttons that would only apply to the Wii

Reclusive Monkey @ Apr 24th 2007 3:14PM

Here's an idea; why not allow the use of a DS for a keyboard?

James @ Apr 24th 2007 5:05PM

Logitech should make a Bluetooth keyboard, and Nintendo should allow the use of a USB keyboard anywhere text input is expected. Allowing game control with the keyboard is optional, and probably won't matter -- unless we get a port of Typing of The Dead 2!!

Joe @ Apr 24th 2007 9:34PM

Well, since nobodies' said it yet, I suppose the duty falls on me.

Oh my gosh, a WIIBOARD? Cool, that certainly would make web browsing a bit easier. I mean, I dig using the wiimote to navigate, but typing could definitely do with a wiiboard.

Tim @ Apr 24th 2007 9:01PM

I hope they don't decide to screw up with a proprietary keyboard.

Enable standard USB keyboards, enable standard Bluetooth keyboards, and THEN make your own proprietary ones. They'll still sell like hotcakes and you won't have thousands of irate people complaining about being unable to use their own gear.

Nintendo looking into keyboard peripheral