Wii U to Launch December 8 in Japan

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By Jane McEntegart
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Nintendo has finally spilled the beans on when we can expect to see the Wii U launch. Yes, it will be here in time for the holiday shopping season.

Nintendo revealed last night via its Twitter feed that it would announce the Wii U's price and release details today. True to its word, Nintendo announced the details of the Wii U's launch very early this morning. At about midnight PST the company revealed that the Wii U would make its Japanese debut on December 8.

 

The Wii U will be available in two versions, the basic set and the premium set. The basic set will only be available in white, while the premium version will only be available in black. The premium version features four times the storage of the basis set (32GB up from 8GB) and will include the console, the GamePad, a charging stand, a play stand, and a stand for the Wii U itself. The basic bundle cuts out the extras and will only include the white console, a controller and that 8GB drive we mentioned earlier.

Pricewise, you're looking at ¥26,250 for the basic package or ¥31,500 for the premium bundle. This equates to just shy of $340 for the basic and just over $400 for the premium.

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26 Comments Comment from the forums
  • lahawzel
    I like how this article doesn't mention the fact that extra controllers cost something like ~$172 USD. One hefty price tag.
    Reply
  • elcentral
    interesting im hoping it got native 1080p. cuss im quite interested in this console, and 1080p for me feels easier on the eyes.
    Reply
  • A screen on the controller for a console connected to a bigger screen. So which one are you supposed to look at and who thought this was a good idea? Does ANYONE look at the controller when using a console?
    Reply
  • whiteodian
    No U.S. release date? Dec 8 is kinda getting late in the holiday season. Hopefully the storage is expandable via SD card. Also, too much money. Hopefully, it comes in at $299 (black version), but I'm thinking $399 is correct. Good luck Nintendo. Late start, high price, you'll need it.
    Reply
  • aoneone
    Hah! Good luck trying to sell them because ever since E3 , people were disappointed by pricing, system specs, the clutter, sorry but I am sure other people will agree! With tablets out there, faster consoles, and price competition, it just wont do it. I am sure this will hurt Nintendo Ltd. even more!
    Reply
  • RADIO_ACTIVE
    Over priced Wii with wannabe tablet controler.
    Reply
  • warmon6
    I was watching the american video feed and here some stuff they mentioned:

    Nov. 18 is the launch date for US

    8GB model is $300 and the 32GB is $350 (Sadly my connection got cut off just after that so i dont know what's included in each bundle.)

    http://www.nintendo.com/wiiu
    Reply
  • warmon6
    Well guess i know what included now.

    http://www.nintendo.com/wiiu/buynow/
    Reply
  • shin0bi272
    specs for the Wiiiiiii U say that it has an amd R700 gpu. The R700 core was the 4000 series... so not dx11. One again Nintendo fails to deliver on the graphics when the option is there to not do so.

    They also have an "optical drive will support a new proprietary disc format that can store up to 25GB — similar to Blu-ray discs." *cough* Bullsh!t !! *cough*

    I'll spend $500 on a new video card or $1000+ on a new rifle but $350 for an already outdated console? no thanks!

    PC does what nintendont....
    Reply
  • hate machine
    Nintendo just pulled an Apple, selling last years tech at a premium price with nothing really new except for an optional tablet controller.

    Regardless, a lot like Apple it will still probably sell very well.
    Reply