Mini mayhem

The leak of the Wii Mini this morning has turned into an official announcement, with Nintendo confirming the existence of the system and launching a dedicated site.

The new machine features a fresh two-tone design and retails for $99. At the moment, it looks like being exclusive to Canada, but there's a chance that could change in time.

Amazingly, the new system features no online capability whatsoever. To quote Nintendo itself:

The Wii mini console does not connect to the Internet and does not support online features in games.

When we reported the leak earlier today, we stated that a smaller Wii with support for Netflix and other streaming services could make a lot of sense, but to remove this element seems a little strange. It means the the Wii Mini won't have access to WiiWare and Virtual Console, and the online multiplayer modes in Wii games will be inaccessible.

So, any Canadians excited about this? Let us know in the comments section. In the meantime, here's the official press release:

NINTENDO INTRODUCES NEW Wii MINI THAT'S ALL ABOUT THE GAMES

2012-11-22

With a New Look, $99.99 Wii Mini Offers an Amazing Value for the Holidays

After nearly 100 million sold worldwide, Nintendo’s Wii console is getting a new look and a new price. On Dec. 7, the new Wii Mini home console launches in Canada at a suggested retail price of just $99.99 and puts the focus squarely on Wii games. The system can play more than 1,400 disc-based Wii games. Wii Mini is smaller than the original Wii system, and comes in matte black with a red border. The system comes with a red Wii Remote Plus, a red Nunchuk controller and works with most Wii accessories.

“There are games in the Wii library for every type of player,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice president and general manager. “Wii Mini is a great gift for the holidays that brings everyone in the family together to play. Wii Mini has a mini price, but it’s all about big fun.”

Wii Mini is designed exclusively to play Wii games. Its family-friendly design has no Internet capabilities and does not play Nintendo GameCube games. It’s a great value for first-time Wii owners who just want to jump in and experience all the great Wii games that helped usher in a revolution in motion-controlled gaming. Wii games are available at a variety of price points for every kind of shopper. Some top Wii games during the past six years include:

  • A whole range of value-priced Nintendo Selects games, including some of the top-selling and best-reviewed Wii games of all time, at a suggested retail price of $19.99
  • Super Smash Bros. Brawl (suggested retail price of $29.99)
  • Donkey Kong Country Returns (suggested retail price of $29.99)
  • Mario Kart Wii (suggested retail price of $39.99)
  • Wii Sports Resort (suggested retail price of $39.99)
  • New Super Mario Bros. Wii (suggested retail price of $59.99)
  • Wii Fit Plus with the Wii Balance Board (suggested retail price of $99.99)

Wii Mini is available exclusively in Canada during the holiday season. No information is available about its potential availability in other territories in the future. Remember that Wii Mini features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access.

[source nintendo.com]