Last week, Nintendo made a surprise announcement that they're redesigning the original Wii into what it calls the "Wii Mini;" which, not only includes a complete console redesign, but strips out some of its core features, too — namely, the ability to play GameCube games and even online functionality.
So, why did Nintendo moved backwards when it comes to their console redesign? In a word it boils down to one thing and that's cost.
Speaking to Polygon, Nintendo of Canada communications director Matt Ryan admits that some of the console's features were stripped out to make the console as affordable as possible.
To answer your question, is it based on price: Yeah, of course it is…We want the system to be as affordable as possible to everybody, and the widest audience possible. By taking out functionality, that allows us to keep the cost down.
Ryan also states that they took online capablities out was that they don't believe that everybody needs it to play games and adds, "I mean, a lot of the Wii experiences, and there's over 1,400 of them that are disc-based Wii games, don't require online functionality for you to have fun. Now, when you played Wii, or you played some of those games on Wii U, there's enhanced fun factor when you play them online. But this system isn't designed for the player who's looking to have an online experience. Wii Mini is designed for families, or a late adopter, or someone who maybe isn't even a gamer yet, and maybe doesn't realize they've got a gamer hiding inside of them."
For reference, the Wii Mini will launch at $99 on December 7, which is the lowest launch price for any Nintendo hardware in history. If you're one of the few that still doesn't have a Wii yet or want a new red and black one, you're going to have to go to Canada or have someone buy it there as the Wii Mini will be exclusive to that territory.
Are you enticed to get a Wii Mini just to complete all the consoles this generation or would you rather save that money and invest on a Wii U or add it to your PS4/Xbox 720 fund?
