Like the hat?
Banned
I wanted to buy one, but not if it doesn't have component. I didn't care that it didn't have Internet access.
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Digital Foundry: Wii Mini review and teardown.
- Thread starter axisofweevils
- Start date
I don't get you people. There cannot seriously be a quantifiable market at this point who would even care or know about the features you're complaining about being removed, with the possible exception of Netflix access (though really, that comes in so many other things now... I can't imagine it'll be missed much, and the device is vastly simpler for not having it.) Have you ever taken a look at how people other than you use their Wiis?
Agreed. Every time I see it I'm revolted.
That is quite the insult to the Dreamcast. This machine is as ugly as it is useless.
anotherVegan
Member
Wii Mini? $100? Last time I checked, you can get a used Wii for less than that. About the same price with a few games.
Wow, even component video support was removed?
It's right in line with (which had s-video support removed by default, among other things)...
Of course, they also removed component support from Gamecube...but that system actually required a different port so it almost made more sense.
This is, perhaps, the most significant drop in value we've yet seen from Nintendo.
It's right in line with (which had s-video support removed by default, among other things)...
Of course, they also removed component support from Gamecube...but that system actually required a different port so it almost made more sense.
This is, perhaps, the most significant drop in value we've yet seen from Nintendo.
Seriously? Come on, man, the DC was beautiful back in the day...
zephervack
Member
Parent: Im looking for the new Wii
Best buy: we have this one for 350 and this one for 99
Parent: does the 99 one play Mario and pokemans?
Best buy : yes
Parent: I'll take it
Best buy: we have this one for 350 and this one for 99
Parent: does the 99 one play Mario and pokemans?
Best buy : yes
Parent: I'll take it
Complaining a budget system was made on a budget? You could see the component cable removal a mile away. Look if this surprises or angers you you may want to re-evaluate not just your expectations but seriously reconsider whether you know what's going on here. Also specifically take care to see that you have enough information to even form an opinion.
Yeah the Dreamcast has great lines
From the side it almost has the silhouette of a sports car.
Looking at it again, it's the last beautiful game console.
Man, the wifi thing, I get it. The Gamecube removal? Definitely makes sense.
Component video, though? They can't possibly be saving much on its removal. Look at the SNES Jr; although quite old, s-video support was removed. Did they save money by doing this? Nope. You could very easily "mod" the feature back into the system and enable s-video and RGB support. They didn't save money on silicon with that move. Who's to say that hasn't happened here? The Gamecube had a separate port for component so it made sense there...but not the Wii.
I do think they missed out on hitting the Roku/AppleTV market with this thing, though. Would have been a good Netflix box that plays games for some folks.
I agree, the thing looks like one of hose McDonalds kids meals toys.
There was a gaffer who hooked up his PS3 with composite, so ... yeah maybe :lol
I bought Mario Galaxy and the Wii Mini for my kids for Christmas, lol. They are 4 and 6 though, they couldn't give two shits about resolution, and I don't want them on anything that has access to the internet, so this works perfectly for what I wanted.
I'm also trying to find the Dora the Explorer game, but I have had no luck so far.
King Mystery
Member
I heard a rumor that the casing is made from the plastic of melted-down unsold Virtual Boys.
shira
Member
I'm not sure who is buying.
The Candians who can afford $99, but not $129
Have no internet or HD tv.
No desire to play better games.
Alcibiades
Member
No one has yet explained how this would make any sense.
At Best Buy Canada, they are selling Wiimotes for $45 and Nunchucks for $25. That is $70 right there. Why would Nintendo all of a sudden throw in a free Wii unit with every Wiimote+Nunchuck purchase all of a sudden?
I think Nintendo accessories are overpriced, but until those come down I don't see Nintendo putting themselves in a position to give away free Wiis with accessory purchases, which is what a $70 price point would do.
outunderthestars
Banned
Alcibiades
Member
My local Walmart has white Wii's with no game for $109.99.
Hmm, I wonder if Nintendo still distributes those in the U.S. My guess is that it is old stock of some sort. If I saw one in person and it had GCN compatibility I'd be tempted to pick one up.
outunderthestars
Banned
Gamecube compatibility is long gone, and isn't coming back. I assume this red Wii has been waiting in wings for some time. Nintendo just needs to work through their current glut of hardware..
djplaeskool
Member
Oh god.
Composite video only?
What the hell...
Composite video only?
What the hell...
outunderthestars
Banned
Alcibiades
Member
For a second I read that as "oh god. composite-only hell" LOL
Yeah I just think it is curious to see a non-bundled Wii since I haven't seen one in ages. We'll see about the red Wii though. Looks like there is plenty of regular black and white Wii stock left on shelves at the moment.
Trogdor1123
Member
Im sure we will see some kind of hack that allows the internet via the usb adapter right?
This could be an entirely wrong presumption. The only reason I can think for making this is from a logistical and manufacturing perspective.
The reason for this console revision might be because Nintendo is shifting their component sourcing and assembly to such an extent that making a limited run of Wii Mini consoles would offset the cost of doing so.
The reason for this console revision might be because Nintendo is shifting their component sourcing and assembly to such an extent that making a limited run of Wii Mini consoles would offset the cost of doing so.
Gamecube component cables are extremely rare, Wii component cables are not.
Mariah Carey
Member
Does the piece mention if it has the Wii Channels menu at all? Would be pretty neat if it just bypassed it entirely and just turned straight to the game like systems used to.
Here's where the review (or whatever) gets a little eyebrow-raising. Certainly an electronics publication can review any piece of kit they like, and even give it a poor review based on the needs of its target audience.... but there's a tone of indignance that strikes me a little childish, as if they shouldn't be marketing consoles to children as toys.
Here's where the review (or whatever) gets a little eyebrow-raising. Certainly an electronics publication can review any piece of kit they like, and even give it a poor review based on the needs of its target audience.... but there's a tone of indignance that strikes me a little childish, as if they shouldn't be marketing consoles to children as toys.
zephervack
Member
My Bank will have a draw tomorrow to earn a ticket to buy a Wii mini and Mario Galaxy both for $60.
Will enter and If I buy it I will use just the Red controller, the console will be left alone in a corner.
Will enter and If I buy it I will use just the Red controller, the console will be left alone in a corner.
RPGCrazied
Member
480i only? Man this gets worse and worse.
It is true that your average consumer doesn't know anything about the component option to begin with. I've seen quite a few Wii's hooked up to living rooms of my "casual"-oriented family and friends, and don't think I've yet seen a single one outside of my own that opts for anything about the default cables, even on fancy TV sets. And no one seems to care even if I point it out, oddly enough.
Sickboy007
Member
Wii "Mini"
It will still probably sell a lot.
It will still probably sell a lot.
Aquamarine
Member
"I need a Nintendo for my child. You got Nintendo for my baby?"
"Yes, Ma'am, we have the Wii U at $300 and the Wii mini at $99. The Wii U is a successor to the-"
"Hold up there. You got Nintendo for 99 dollars?"
"Well yes, but you should know that--"
"Does it got Mario and Tennis?"
"Mario Tennis? Well sure, there's a..."
"I SAID...DOES IT GOT...MARIO and the TENNIS? You know, with the swinging and the baseball."
"You'll have to buy that separately."
"Get me Mario and the Tennis and the Nintendo for 99 dollars."
....Never underestimate the ignorance of the average consumer.
Wii "Mini"
It will still probably sell a lot.
Holy shit hahahahahaha.
Aquamarine
Member
Do you really think the people who will buy this thing will care?
They'll MAYBE notice the lack of Netflix...and that's about it.
faceless007
Member
This makes the real Wii that Nintendo put into Wal-Mart for $89 on Black Friday look even better.
metalslimer
Member
This is seriously one of the worst things I've ever seen. This monstrosity better not spread anywhere else and better not fucking replace anything available on the market. This is not a deal for anyone as the extra 20 bucks it would cost to find a wii easily outweigh this piece of shit. A 50 used wii is better than this.I remember when Nintendo sold the Gamecube with multiple games for 99 bucks and now this shit.
Wii "Mini"
It will still probably sell a lot.
What in the actual f*ck? This abomination can stay firmly put in Canada for all I care.
RPGCrazied
Member
How is that even smaller? The only thing I like about it is the matte finish, but that's about it.
Wii "Mini"
It will still probably sell a lot.
That is pretty damn sad. On that note, Wii U is not looking so bright either. Glad I held off on buying one.
Takamura-San
Member
Wii "Mini"
It will still probably sell a lot.
You're joking....
Dreamwriter
Member
Because one of the most popular casual genres on the Wii are Karaoke games with USB mics.
Not only 480i only, but no component 480i (which is the best quality SD video cable). Which is crazy - if I can't get 480p, at least let me get the best sharpness/color that old TV's could get.