Wii Mini Is Official And Has No Online Connectivity

seems kinda pointless...

The original Wii had online?

Man that's a cool design.

the gameboy micro again, but worse. what's the point of making it.

No online? So you can't do MKW or SSBB online? Well, definetly not getting this... although I do have to agree, like the design.

I like its design, reminds me of a Game & Watch or NES with the Red on Black.

And for those Wii people who only buy one game with there Wii I can see this being somewhat useful, but otherwise I think it'll be relatively unsuccessful since it has no backwards compatibility or online. That and the WiiU just came out.

They should've released this system
and simply named it i instead of Wii mini. Why? Because with no on line connectivity, Wii (we) can't play with you

I love the design but it seems so pointless to have no online. :/

Can't I just buy the red Wiimote and nunchuk combo separately? Those are the real attraction here.

Because, y'know. That totally makes sense. Being able to buy a Netflix box for 100bux seemed like a pretty nice thing, but nope. Totally logical.

This seems useless awesome design aside. Most people would pick this up as a cheap netflix/hulu box that also plays wii and retro games. Seems like only an idiot not knowing their market would take out online of something that's competing onprice of a roku or apple TV, even the rumored xbox TV, or a $200 360.

Damn it nintendo. This being honestly cheap could have bolstered faltering wii sales abit as the wii u is out of stock.

I will get this just for the sexy red Wiimote + Nunchuk to use on the WiiU

This would make a lot more sense if it had online...or honestly, if it just had online and no disc drive, I think that could work since they're so commonly used for Netflix and many adults might like playing retro games. But this? I'm just not sure.

looks cool....but really? No one will go for no online at this point in time. The big deal for me on that, would be that that would mean no VC. I'm all about the games myself honestly, but I really don't think this will attract many other people. Glad I got the first Wii with what online it has, and with Gamecube support.

Wow. I came to this news backwards, first seeing a games journalist tweet out how the one thing she felt was wrong about the Wii was that it was too big <sarcasm>, which confused me. Now I see the origin of her remark.... and yep, still confused. But hot DAMN that's a nice two-tone design. Honestly, I would consider this if it allowed access to Virtual Console. Would sort of be a perfect system for a secondary, older TV in a kids room or something. Still tempting. But yeah, hopefully they release it in other territories with WiFi built-in.
Anyway. Back to Donkey Kong's Crash Course.

its limited edition sooo...everythings is limited but for design i give it 10/10

Ahh well it's cheap enough... a nice throw away gift for families and kids I guess? I know this is a games forum so people won't get the point of no online, but for a lot of families this will be a nice cheap gift for the little ones. And a gateway drug for nintendo no doubt. If I didn't have a proper wii already I'd totally get it just for the rugrats to play on.

wow, that's just... out of touch.

Uhm... I think it only has no Wi Fi, right? If it has USB ports, it should support the USB wired LAN adapter?

I can see why they didn't put in online. If you have WiFi, you might as well get the regular Wii. If you don't have WiFi, are terrible at setting it up, or don't want to play online games, this is a great deal.

Why is everyone so confused? This is the ultimate casual box. Its aimed at party play. There's no need for online at all. Its not meant to be a complete package. Its for people who want some silly gaming when friends come over. The rest of us are buying WiiU.

Let's face it, every house has a Wii at this point. To sell any more units Nintendo must target their existing customers. We've seen them takeover the living room, this is an attemp to conquer the kids bedroom.

Brawl online is broken anyway

Not everybody is interested in online. My 7 year old nephew never uses it. I tried to show him how to use online channels. The Wii Mini would be for young kids just getting into gaming. Their parents wouldn't buy them a new Wii U for $300.

No Internet make this the worst thing ever. It's not even that much cheaper then normal Wii. I don't see why any one would buy this.

I already have a Wii from 2006/2007 and am getting a Wii U for Christmas, but still, this would be good to just have it in your room just to play a game, besides, it would fit in with my other video game consoles that don't play online, such as a SNES or Dreamcast (well not anymore for the Dreamcast)

They HAVE GOT TO release that sexy red Wii Remote for anyone to purchase! I've been wanting a red controller for YEARS!

@b_willers If every house has a Wii... how did Nintendo sell 300,00 units over last week? Obviously there are people who haven't bought one yet, this is aimed toward them. And for those who haven't bought it, this is good for them.

It's a shame, really. With internet connectivity, and thus Netflix and Hulu Plus compatibility, Nintendo might've had an interesting, affordably-priced 2-in-1 streaming and gaming device on their hands.

The lack of GameCube support is a drop in the bucket by comparison. Yeah, gaming/Nintendo enthusiasts might not like it, but the ability to play games for a console that's been irrelevant since 2005 isn't a selling point for anybody in 2012 - and anyone that would've been interested in that feature already owns a method of playing GCN titles anyway.

What is the point!! Nintendo we want the wiiu

Its for the kids who won't care or be allowed to go online!

It's such a pretty console. But no internet and no gamecube? Who would buy that - sometimes retailers in the US of A sell the Wii itself for the same price during sales.

More of a curiosity piece but a Wii with no Virtual console seems pointless. I'll leave this one for the collectors to own

I would get it if only it could connect online to the Wii shop channel. I would fill that thing with the ultimate virtual console collection and put it in my room!

Somehow, it doesn't surprise me. Sony released a PSP with wireless disabled after all. While this looks attractive, I'm content with my current Wii.

No online, no GameCube support, no VC and WiiWare, no WiiConnect24, no Netflix = This thing is a piece of crap.

A cute Wii!

Nice design.

the price seems odd... Best Buy in Canada is selling a normal wii + Super Mario Bros for $149!! so you get a Wii + online + eshop + mario!

especially weird if you consider that Mario is still at 59$! so if you buy a Wii mini + Mario your total price will be 158! that's almost 10 bucks more than the old set!

I'd guessed the Wii Mini rumour was true, but still a little surprised that it's exclusive to one country. The case looks nice (festive even), pity about the lack of online connectivity.

Despite having a (gamecube compatible) Wii and awaiting my WiiU, my first reaction after seeing the design was it is a must-buy. However, no online or access to VC means it is abit pointless. Loving the red controller & nunchuck though, wish those were available separately!

It looks like something awesome you can store away into your vault of old systems and pull out whenever you feel like it.
No Wiiware, VC, or online? That's fine, because those will be in your newer Nintendo consoles, completely transferred, when you need more room for newer systems (beyond Wii U). Eventually the old services won't be used anymore so you wouldn't even have access to it on your old Wii (the one with online capability) as they replace it with a newer, better version.
So it's perfect for that.

As a CURRENT model? No, it's useless to those who already have a Wii, a Wii U, or are just going to buy the normal Wii.
But as a future relic model, I find it quite pretty and comfy.

The last Wii redesign (with Wi-Fi) is like €120 with Mario Kart...Why would anyone pick this one? Except for its looks or that red Nunchuck you can't get anywhere outside of Japan...I hope they will release it seperately.

So it's basically just a disc drive that you connect to the TV... This would have been a lot more interesting if it had kept the online. I guess it would still be kinda cool if you wanted to take a Wii to a friend's house or something, though the regular Wii isn't exactly enormous.

I love the design. Makes it look really nice and high tech, though it is anything but high tech. No online is a real bummer for anyone maybe wanting it for Netflix as well, and no VC support is really just pointless to do. The redeeming factor in all of this is that Red Wii Remote and Nunchuck combo. I would want it just for that.

Oh well, back to my Wii U.

Good idea.But I don´t like "non-connectivity" cheep items. Like newest version of PSP.
What will be next - 3DS without StreetPass?

Are you guys serious? I thought the red Wiimote/ nunchuk was available everywhere for years now:

http://www.amazon.de/Nintendo-Wii-Jubil%C3%A4ums-Pak-Controller/dp/B0046RDYPQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354032582&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.de/Wii-Play-Motion-Spiel-Remote/dp/B004YH2ZCG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1354032571&sr=8-4

They can make a download only, for Virtual Console fans?

Waste of shelf space and resources.

Us Canadians sure are spoiled.

Definitely niche collectors item soon.

Anyone who doesn't understand why they are selling this isn't paying much attention. It's obviously a version made for younger kids as a Christmas present. I'm talking 4-8 year olds. Kids whose parents aren't going to by a $350 WiiU for them, but would easily pick up a $99 Wii. Kids that age could care less about online. They just want to play Mario.

80% of wii users never connected to the internet, so I don't see the problem.

It's a good thing no disc-based Wii games had DLC. (Don't count Monster Hunter Tri's special missions)

I knew it!

I'm sure I am just parroting what everyone else already said, but why on earth would they cut online? I guess to cut the size even further. I wouldn't miss online play, but cutting access from WiiWare and Virtual Console is just idiotic.
IF it had online, a Wii Mini for $99 would be amazingly good value.

Sexy design, none the less... B)

EDIT: Might there be another way to purchase VC titles for the Wii Mini?

No online is pointless. They could have taken the advantage of promoting it as a Netflix machine

The Gameboy Micro was beautiful machine...this thing shouldn't even exist!
No online? Nintendo is COMPLETELY copying Sony in how to make trashy and cheapo redesigns. I speak of Sony's Europe
-only PSP E-1000 with no wifi, which looks to be the opposite of their online-only PSP Go, a failed device. This thing can't even be used as a Netflix machine, which is what many people use their Wiis for nowadays.
I expected better of you Nintendo. Guess I won't ever be getting one of these things as a collector's piece later on. It's not even made of metal.

I remember when the Wii was first out and the Gamecube was leaving. The price for a Gamecube was also about $100.

Anyone want a last second Wii?

I lol when I think about a alternate world where Nintendo only release this in Japan and people complain that they didn't release it internationally.

I dont see this drawing new customers to the system unless the minus of the comparisons don't affect the people playing it. Most likely collectors and people who have/play the Wii/Wii U would get this.

With its weight and size, it would be more convenient to carry this, the accessories, and a few games to a event, friend's, or family's house with less trouble then the wii and especially the Wii U.

Actually, I think Canada might be a testing ground for this. Or the original Wii is selling the least in Canada out of most big gaming countries.
Hopefully they'll release one WITH online outside of Canada. Not gonna happen though, knowing Nintendo.

NSMBW is still $60? That's disgusting!NSMBU I can understand cause I bought it...

No online functionality! What are you doing Nintendo? Looks nice, but no!

No online is crazy talk. If this had Netflix, it'd be way more popular.

The Wii mini console does not connect to the Internet...
Maybe they mean it does not connect to the Internet via Wireless LAN but has Ethernet? Be that as it may, there are still more than enough excellent disc based games on the Wii that make it worthwhile.

the craziest thing about this story is that nintendo will still make a lot of money with this. you know it!

Off-topic, but wow, the gold nunchuk sold out again! That was fast.

I love you Nintendo, I really, really do but what the hell is that!?
It looks like Virtual Boy's vomit.

I can see some naive Moms and Grandmas buying their children this, while thinking it is the new Nintendo home console (Wii U). On another note, one of these would be perfect for a cabin or resort that you go to a handful of times a year, where there isn't any online to begin with.

Cute. It's the exact opposite of what I suggested yesterday, which was a disc-less Wii that only connects to the Wii Shop for downloadable games. I like the design of this system, but I do agree that it seems a little pointless. If I hadn't already had a Wii for the past three+ years, sure... maybe I'd get this... but with the new Wii U, and no new support for the Wii in the form of new games, I don't see the point. An attempt to push old product... by selling a new product?

They probably took out the online features in order to cut out costs more. Leaving the online features intact would probably make it the same price as the current Wii model, which would be redundant.

Well... for both the casuals and Nintendo this seems like a great deal.

@Koto It did? Wow. Glad I got my second one ordered, then.

I don't even..

I would've buy it if I didn't already had a Wii. I don't play the Wii for its online games, so this would have been a good deal for me.

People here need to calm it down. This isn't your toy. This is for people who are Johnny-come-lately's to the Wii table and want to pick up and play the catalogue on the cheap. This is for that last Senior's Home that doesn't have one of their own for Wii--bowling night. This isn't for you, and it certainly isn't for people who want a "cheap" Netflixs provider. People can already get Netflix through a number of other methods, and the regular Wii with online is down to just over $100 at the time of this posting. This just gives buyers gradients to work with.

Honestly, how many of you actually regularly use your Wii for online gaming? I thought so. How many of you are going to continue playing online once the new Mario Kart comes out for WiiU? Even less I see. So the online user space for the Wii is already small and will continue to shrink in the coming year. There's nothing for people to do online with Wii anyway.

Now, onto the actual news at hand: it is super cute, and it will likely become a collector's item in the future, a la the NES toploader and the SNES 2. It is also a Canadian exclusive, which, if it keeps its exclusivity will make it CRAZY collectible.

Well, this cheap new version isn't gonna sell at all without any online functionality. What about the titles that support this feature? Getting rather desparate here aren't, we Nintendo? Come on now.... Sorry, but Wii Mini has unmedicated disaster written all over it.

@Skotski

That's not true. Their are several music games with downloadable songs. The missing Wi-Fi isn't a big deal for most people who still haven't picked up a Wii but the missing Netflix and Hulu Plus would probably be deal breakers for some.

I can't believe some of the comments. This iteration is not intended for any of us — it's for those younger than 7, older than 70, or somewhere in between and looking to maybe play a game or two a year. It's a smart marketing strategy to lure non-gamers: They see the $300 Wii U and think they're not spending that much money to play games, then they see this thing and it seems like a cheap way to play some Nintendo.

@Burning_Spear Probably the best post yet!

That looks sexy. Just give me that red Wii Remote Plus!

no online support ? so... the only real reason i wanted a wii was to get snes classics since nintendo is too dumb to put them in the 3ds eshop.
nintendo fails again.

its a good thing the 3ds pleases me,cause im 2 inches to leave the brand entirely. And the 3ds lives longer due to its massive little sister's DS library

@Samholy

The 3DS has a solid library of games right now, what are you griping about?

@Samholy

You can get those things: Go spend $119 for a regular Wii.

Will the Wii U's eShop have all of the games that were in the Wii's VC shop?

Now that I think about it, at that size and price point, this would be perfect for a lot of college dorms. It sure would be nice to have on hand to invite some friends over for the occasional Brawl, or co-op platforming session. College doesn't leave me too much time for that very often, but with my "real" Wii stuck at home, it is certainly a tempting option...

It's probably for the best that I don't live in Canada.

@HawkeyeWii

Apparently. At the moment, you can download those games by switching to Wii mode and accessing the online store.

No online or GC-support? So kinda pointless release then. But I bet that this will become a very expensive collector's item in the coming years, so anyone serious about collecting should get it while it's cheap.

I have my answer. What is the point? People are moving to the new system, the Wii is losing support, this shall be the next Game Boy Micro, it won't do well.

Looking at the size, I knew it wouldn't support GC mode, simply because there's no place to have the controller ports. But, to have no WiFi? That means no internet, no Wii Shop, no Netflix.......that just ruins it right there for anyone thinking of picking one up.

It makes sense why it would be made for people who are probably not casual gamers that play games when their family and friends are around. Although, I don't see the need of it at this point of time.

Like many others, I see this as being pretty pointless from many fronts. I can understand leaving out GCN support, but cutting out internet is ridiculous. With as much functionality as it has, it should cost $70 at most. I could see the current price if it had internet, but now it won't even have Netflix, Hulu, VC, so I don't really see the point. The Wii menu is probably different too, having only the disc channel, Mii channel, the settings portion(saved games, remote setting, 480p), but otherwise it seems pretty much scrapped completely.

I don't care about it not having Online.

@Luigifan141
Second? Whoa! I could only afford one!

Wow, for real?
I dunno, 75% of the reason I still use my Wii is for Wiiware and VC games.
The sad part is this might actually sell

And another thing, this thing is actually more expensive if it doesn't come packaged with a game. That family edition at least comes with 1-2 games packed in nowadays. And it only costs a bit more than this Mini. Unless Canadians don't get Family Edition bundles, I don't see how anyone can justify buying this and then saying it's cheaper.

$99? For a worse and uglier Wii? TT_TT

@GN0LAUM
Thumbs up to your post.

The Wii be out for 6 years but people are treat this as the console that will hinder their gaming like the newer wii but worse. I guess I'm just saying that since most people will buy the system(s) that suit their gaming preference. I just view this as a Wii that was custom made for someone else.

Hmm... maybe it's just me, but I think it's pretty obvious why this exist.

Also, this.

It's so pretty looking..

But With no Online connectivity, that seems kind of odd.. No VC, Netflix, Youtube, Or Hulu..

I like it. I want that red wiimote.

It looks delightful. But I am saddened by the lack of online. Still, I can see this being very good for families, especially for kids that want a system in their room. Sure, we all want to battle it out online, but many of my friends didn't even know you could connect the Wii to the internet until I showed them!

The Wii's Virtual Console and Gamecube support was the main reasons I bought the console to begin with, so I'd never buy this even if I didn't have a Wii.

This is nifty. I like the design. :3

I want it. I don't care about it having no Internet access. I don't have Internet at home.
It looks freaking awesome.
I hope it comes to the US.
I want to replay Twilight Princess and finish (reluctantly) Skyward Sword.

I say removing the online capabilities is not a good idea. Hardly, all of the wii games I played had online mode (other games were GCN games). And no gamecube compability is really a shame. :/

I want my WiiNi!

I will have to buy one just because i buy everything nintendo makes.

Ah chess my favorite strategy game…Though i wont buy this it makes perfect sense from a business stand point since not everyone is an on-line gamer. They drop the price even lower while keeping the Wii catalog can intrigue those who want to try out Nintendo or live in countries where they dont have internet access. Then eventually the natural progression will eventually lead to the purchase of the Wii U. Ka-ching! Uh, i mean checkmate

"It means the the Wii Mini won't have access to WiiWare and Virtual Console"
anybody else notice 2 "the's"
but on topic I hate when nintendo does this i bought the dsi i belive a month or so before the 3ds was announced :/

Oh and if u do want on-line then u just buy a regular Wii...and if u want an original Wii that has online plus can play gamecube games buy one cuz i believe they have stopped making them as of this year. And if u really love ur gamecube games the rumors are that the Wii U will eventually get the gamecube games in the eshop so lets keep our fingers crossed

If you really wanted this and you live in the US you could just travel across the border and buy it, It will play all of the Wii games you own assuming they are US copies.

How much could doing away with internet have saved them? I'm guessing $2, seems like a dumb thing to do... and one online purchase would have given that back.

@WanderingPB - speaking of chess... it's hard to believe I can do just about everything imaginable in one game or another on the Wii except play chess. Why no decent chess game in the USA? I'm not counting that horrible board games collection release.

It's very nice looking. But if I were to get it, I'd get it just to go on my shelf and show it off. But it is quite cheap. And with the Ouya coming at the same price, it might make some competition.

This may seem crazy to a lot of people--but I know a lot of non-serious gamers who have a Wii, never play online, and never play GameCube games. Of course I try to get them into WiiWare, but still...

I actually don't mind them not having it online. The people who were going to go online with the Wii most likely already have one. This redesign is supposed to be the ultimate casual console.

The regular Wii is better value. This just looks like a gamecube with no controller jacks.The hardcore Nintendo collecter will be happy.

The design slightly reminds me of the Famicom for some reason, probably because of the red. I'll definitely be getting this, mainly for the red Wii Remote and Nunchuck that you can't buy in stores, which would cost almost $80 anyway only with this I get a unique Nintendo system to add to the collection. For the price, it seems like a win-win, even if it doesn't have online.

If this had been the original Wii that they released back in 2006 at that $99 price point (which by now would probably have been down to $50 or so), still without any online etc, I think it would have actually been pretty awesome to be honest.

It would have basically been a very basic but pure gaming console with a unique controller, and at that price at launch I think it could have been something very special.

Coming in at that price in 2012, given that it is just a very simple but pure gaming console using pretty much two generations old technology and not a lot more, just doesn't sit right with me however.

No I live in Canada and BOO. Why send the trash over to Canada. The Wii was 100 dollars and it was blue.I would rather get that.

Given how the only way Ninty lets you move your saves to another system is TO KILL YOUR ORIGINAL SYSTEM, going without is not a terrible move for them.

In all honesty, except for the Wiiware, VC, and maybe their cute side channels (assuming you bothered with them) Wii loses little from not connecting. Internet? Netflix? Amazon? I don't know if the WiiU eshop is offering Wii content yet, but once it does, what else would be looking for that can't be found somewhere you most likely can access already?

You know, what if the mention of no online connectivity was because it lacked WiFi hardware? If it happened to still have USB ports, there is always the LAN adapter. If online connectivity were still allowed through that method, then this redesign wouldn't be so bad.

If there was Gamecube support there´d be some point in it. But no.

PS. If it's all about the games, Nintendo, you probably should have focused on getting a lot more truly great games on the system before giving up on it. Certainly when it comes to high quality third party support. There really weren't too many truly great Wii disc only games, maybe about 10 or 20 stand out games at a push, and if all this thing does is play those games with no Internet features and services, online multi-player, WiiWare or VC, additional Channels and whatever else it's now losing out on, well...it might be "all about the games" but that isn't necessarily a good thing in this instance.

Cool this thing is only in Canada? U mean we actually get something kinda cool from Nintendo again

Looks really cool, would appeal to classic gamers more so I would think. Very stupid no online though, basicly means it's a retro looking console with no access to Virtual Console And no :SD...and how is this a cheaper option? You can get the current Wii with online, and skylanders giants for $129.99 here, that is a cheaper no online system with no games for $99. Keep trying to take peoples money, Nintendo

No. Just......no.

I hope that everything is shrunk down with it. That way you can make a Mini Mii!!!
But seriously, it is unfortunate to exclude wifi. It's not like it's a difficult thing to throw in there. I do dig the red controller, though!!

that does look cool but strange having no online for eshop

wii mini: america offline edition coming soon

Sure, almost everyone already has a Wii, but some of you guys are overreacting. Not everyone used the Wii's online. And for such a cheap price (and that design :3), it's a decent deal.

My sincere apologies to you, Canada.

Releasing this in such a small area isn't a good idea... Seriously? The area RIGHT NEXT TO THE US? It seems like this is a testing ground, since Canada isn't a big place in reality... But it's a good move on their part, seeing how NOA doesn't do much for canadians anyway.

I may import the red wiimote and nunchuck ...

can you still use local multiplayer on it?

It reminds me of an external hard drive.

I'm not joking. I really want this.

Yeah, go Canadians!

pointless system. no online just makes it duller.

It's perfect for travel- it seems pretty durable, and who would be using internet while you're away from home? Also, it's cheap, so you wouldn't need to be quite as careful.

I would of thought Nintendo would learn of releasing a budget cnsole after moving on, after the Wii U. I guess they are too afraid to bring this to the intense populated country of the US. And instead bring this to Canada. I'd buy it, but I already have a Wii U.
Interesting how it's at the same price as the Ouya...

So it is a portable system that has a downloadable game library that is lacking in online interactions? There is only one-two disappointments.
1.It starts to get boring racing the CPU on Mario Kart Wii and racing against other people on the internet is much more challenging and fun.
2.I don't know if it can legally be brought into the U.S. I mean, why only Canadians? Probaly is 65% pointless to buy.

I'd pick it up as a collector's piece but since it lacks online and I'm sure it won't be backwards compatible I will keep using my old Wii.

Well whatever...I'm certainly buying one (whether it leaves Canada or not). I can't be a Nintendo collector and miss what is sure to be a console with limited numbers. Plus that design is just lovely!

What's next? Take out the Wii Menu all together? Or one that is only compatible with select Nintendo games? Not sure how much further you could strip a Wii console.

I'm liking the design but it's basically a gamecube without online.

@turtlelink
Thing is, at least Gamecube HAS online if you have a broadband adapter.

Wow, I can't think of any reason to buy one of these.

Only available in Canada, eh?

This would be awesome if it was discless, virtual console only, contained 8 gb of memory, and came with a classic controller that had its own rechargeable battery. Earthbound preinstalled. Okay, now it's a pipe dream.

What a rip!

Would be great for those who like to pimp their rides.

Reminds me of the SNES mini...

Quaint design, but I'll stick with the original Wii

I'm with @antdickens. Why this thing wouldn't have online is beyond me.

face palm game boy micro all over again indeed, why get this when you have the normal wii with online (and if you got the first wii model, play gamecube games), but everyone is going for the wii u now anyway.

Thing is, at least Gamecube can still play Gamecube games.

I would seriously pay $100 for a Gamecube over this.

Wow, lots of comments. All I can add is... can't get any more casual than this.

One word: Ouya. _{See where I'm going with this?}

Love the design, but the lack of online functionality makes it a horrible deal D:

What a mistake. Nintendo, you're going to waste an incredible amount of money on this. No online play? Really? You should have at least released this before the Wii U came out. But then there's the Game Boy Micro... oh Nintendo. I love you but you're crazy sometimes.

No GC support and now no online? Seriously. You're better off waiting for a sale and getting a normal Wii for the same price.

@Red_Kinetic
That's the spirit!

looks like a collectors' item at best. at least the canada-only release will ensure its rarity later on down the line, i suppose :3

If this has an sd port (or USB) I might be interested.

Other than that I don't see the point, even if it could connect to the Internet...

That is one nice-looking console! If it is released in the UK I'll get it and use it when the Wii U's successor comes out(assuming it loses Wii support). Forward thinking!

Awesome design, but I would only get it as a collector because what is the point with no online? I can see if you are only going to Wii Sports but what about VC or Netflix?

If you think about it, a Wii remote is now $40 and a nunchuck is $20, so the console is basically $40? I'd do it. My favorite color is red too haha

Like Mr_3DS's comment, I think it's worth it. I need a new wii remote and nunchuck anyways, plus, if this is only released in Canada, and if it's limited edition, I assume it's gonna be quite rare in a few years. I may get one, since I do live in Canada, eh?

It's like a GBA Micro, but in the form of a Wii.
A least the design is interesting...

@Voogieman
That's right. You know what's up. /fistbump

This is kind of stupid. People will be confused with the Wii U being out.

I don't think it's a terrible idea. I'd assume that it's targeted towards families with young children, (who generally don't play online anyways). For a lot of people, they just want to play Wii games, and this will let them do that without paying for a bunch of extra options that may never be used.

I might have been interested in it myself if I didn't already own a Wii, as I don't use the online options very much.

No online, eh? That's very curious. Will I at least be able to install games for faster loading/less drive wear? If so, I'm sold... should've made the controllers two tone too though. ...mmm, those colors remind me of the Virtual Boy.

To everyone here, the Game Boy Micro was a thing of beauty; the best looking Nintendo handheld in existence. Please do not associate it with this filth.

@yobokkie @chiptoon Exactly! This is for the little ones, and the casual ones. If all your 65 year old relative wants to do is play Wii Sports, the Wii Mini is the way to go. VERY simple.

If anything it would have been more appealing to take out the disc drive and have it be ONLY online. put a little hard drive in there and sell the disc games online. THAT I would pay 200 for. discs AND wiiware, AND VC all in a lil tiny HDD. But THIS? I get that it's for 'little kids' or 'casuals' but this just tells us how very little Nintendo understands about that demographic in this day and age: those are the people who would PREFER to download all their content on a little machine, it's us old fogies who want discs. this is truly a mistake. The PSP GO missed it's window maybe, but now is the time for web only machines.

Awww, so cute! I'm not sure who would want it unless they really don't want a Wii U and don't have a Wii though. Still, it's really cheap, so if it ends up coming here and price dropping, I may consider it just to add it to my collection.

@Shiryu but what if your tv is in a different room?? would still be cool if that was what you need. but will there even be the wii shop channel?

It looks pretty nice, I have to admit that! But it doesn't make sense at all (only in the twisted minds of Nintendo)! I hope it fails hard, just as the GB Micro did!!

And sadly even I can't deny it anymore: Apple, who has stolen everything from others, now gets robbed constantly by Nintendo! First the white color of the Wii, then the tablet controller, and now Wii mini (Apple has i-pad mini now, what a coincidence)!

Why does Nintendo rob from such a rubbish company! Have they really no inspiration left?! Can Iwata really present this with dry eyes in a possible new Nintendo direct? Ooooh, Nintendo.......

@Henmii You're telling me that the Wii was white because Apple did it first?

What's the purpose of this? If it had Internet capability then it would have been a Netflix/YouTube/Hulu+ box, now it's just solely a gaming box in a all-in-one media consuming world.

I do like the design though. If it had not disc but just online and 8GB storage it would been a perfect download only box for VC and Wiiware games, I would have been first in line for that.

@LZBirdboi I think (hope) he's joking.

wow.....at first I thought it was a very dumb move on Nintendo......then I thought that it isn't so crazy.....think about it:

Despite the fact that the regular Wii has online connectivity, a good portion of people who bought it didn't really use it as much either because they didn't know you could stream videos and play games online or just didn't care about it. This would be perfect for those people AND those that still didn't buy a Wii (yes, they are out there somewhere.) But if it ends up not selling as well, it will turn into a collector's item of sorts.

Hell, if it did come out for the Wii, I'd pick it up just to keep it in my closet and show people years later that Nintendo did something as crazy as what was just announced.

@Mr_3DS
I'm going to be doing the same I don't have a controller with Wii motion plus inside.

"You're telling me that the Wii was white because Apple did it first?"

Well, Apple probably wasn't the first but they had massive succes with it. That's why Nintendo did copy it!

Guys, this isn't made with you in mind. This is made for the ultimate casual consumer who doesn't care about online or any of that other stuff. If they buy a Wii, they'll only use it to play Just Dance or Wii Sports. Either that, or it's made in mind for kids.

Either way, it seems like it will be able to do its job of playing Wii games. Nothing more, nothing less. Although missing out on Virtual Console is unfortunate, most people that would think about getting this anyway wouldn't care in the first place.

Guys, lets take a moment and remember that the Wii's target audince is casuals and kids. By getting rid of all the things that casuals and kids dont need,they've created the perfect Wii. A Wii that only casuals and kids will use fully.

@moomoo But why limit to just that when it would be extremely easy to make it so much more? Maybe you or Waltz could explain this to me?

Woah, are people actually dissing on the GB Micro!? Tell you what, that is one beautiful piece of hardware - I picked one up last year and use it all the time. Sure it doesn't play everything, but it's the best way to play the games it does!

Back to the Wii mini though, I think it's an awesome looking console, probably the coolest looking thing since the Dreamcast. Plus, if you're in the market for a Wii Remote Plus and a Nunchuck, this only adds $40 to the price of buying those separately.

@DarkKnight to make it affordable and to make Nintendo as much money as possible. The audience wanting this thing will not care about stuff like online features. Heck, they may not even be able to afford it. They probably won't have stuff like Netflix. This acts as an affordable thing to have, since Wii games are so cheap now. I can't tell you how many homes I've went to that own Wii's but don't use them for anything but Just Dance and Wii Sports.

If people want to play Wii games online or utilize features like VC, then they will buy a normal Wii. That stuff will be on their minds. Or heck, they'll buy a Wii U.

hey now we can have a paper weight or door stopper that looks nice and reminds you of a real wii yey thx for that

hmm... I know that typically here in Canada we like to "Go for the Bronze" but this is just plain odd. I get the idea of making a stripped down version to keep the price point ultra appealing, but could they really not have sprung for a $10 proprietary wireless adaptor? Heck they could have even co-branded with NetFlix to help subsidize the cost of the adaptor and have both logos on the box so mom gets excited to buy it whether she likes games or just cheap movies...
Strictly from a functionality point of view, the weird thing is that a used GameCube or even a used N64 would be better purchases than this.
The only positive thing about it is that it looks like it was designed in the 80's from the chunky angles, to the two-tone red and black colours, many call it ugly, but I like the subtle throwback to yesteryear...

seriously, those promo shots look like they belong in the cover story to Nintendo Power issue #4.....

@Henmii Apparently, no one sold white devices before Apple. Changing the color is a radical change and anyone who also changes the color of their devices is horrible. It takes a lot of INSPIRATION to use white plastic instead of black, you know! Even if Nintendo chose to make the Wii white because white was a popular color for certain devices at the time, so what? Also, what specific white devices would they base the Wii's color on given the time frame? iPod? iMac? I guess they could've, but really.

Next, the only thing that's similar between an iPad and a GamePad is a touchscreen, TBH. Apparently anyone who decides to add a touch screen to a device is only doing it because Apple did it? I think the whole point is that Nintendo is trying to create something more original and appeal to a wider audience than just "here's an iPad with some buttons," because they can't afford to do that.

Wii Mini is a copy of the iPad Mini. Right. Apparently making stuff smaller is very original. Game Boy Micro did the exact same thing in 2005. If they called it the Game Boy Mini, you'd probably make up some crap about how some guy at Nintendo traveled into the future back in 2004 and saw the iPad Mini, came back, and decided they needed a new miniature portable to combat Apple seven years in the future from launch. Really. The Game Boy Micro has more alike with the iPad Mini than the Wii Mini does just on the basis that both are held in your hands while being used, while the Wii just sits somewhere on a shelf/the floor. Maybe they chose the name because of the iPad Mini, but no great engineering techniques were stolen here. Also, keep in mind that the PS3 just recently released a slimmer model with less memory, similar to this. I guess they did it because of the iPad Mini too.

This stuff is all marketing and has little to do with the function of the machine aside from the GamePad's touchscreen. We aren't talking about d-pads and analogue nubs here.

I'm not sure this will sell, but good luck to Nintendo. Definately odd, but interesting. I like how the mini top loads disks; makes for faster start up.

To those that are only interested in the red controller, you could justify the purchase of a Wii Mini like this: $40 for remote and $20 for the nunchuck make $60, and the remaining $40 would be the purchase of a collector's item. Besides that, it looks cool to display, and opens up the possibility of playing your library of Wii games in more places.

Uggg, I can't believe they eliminated the SD card slot. Now there's absolutely no concievable way to install homebrew on this thing...

And to those of you who think the Game Boy Micro was a thing of beauty... I laughed when I first saw it. And my huge man hands would likely be screaming in agony as well...

Nintendo has released Gimped consoles before. NES toploader with no AV hookup, SNES-2, GBA-Micro, anyone? The second gen GameCube removed the digital AV port and the second gen Wii removed GC support. GB, DS and GBA each had two versions, and the DSi eliminated the GBA port. But a Wii with no SD card for sharing saves, no online for VC/Wiiware...

For some reason, Nintendo have stepped back into the 90s and rereleased the Sega Saturn, D'oh!

I'm from Canada, and my theory on why its only being released in Canada at moment is because its a test market to see if it will sell good in a medium size market like Canada(35 million people). If it sells well then NOA will put it into the US market.

I like the design, but being a Wii classic with no wi-fi makes it pointless.

New! Wii mini less for less

It literally looks like "perfection" I hated that game so much •_____• CANNOT UNSEEEEEE

StarDust -> Hey, just because this system makes no sense doesn't mean you can take it out on Sega Saturn. Now I'm going to go hug my Saturn and reassure it that I still love it.

Wait 'till Apple sues Nintendo for putting 'mini' in the name.

So many great Wii titles are low priced now too, makes for a ton of value, and it looks very nice.

But developers that made games for Wii Shop won't be so happy though, but as an end user, I'd be better off without that waste of time, seriously what good 3rd party games are on there? If its a Nintendo game, most of the time you'll need to buy a game cube compatible game pad, whole thing is a hassle. As for TV services, its in Standard Definition, you really want that for your HDTV?

I would buy this over the original Wii for sure.

@Strongo9 I was just joking about how Apple sues everyone even though they weren't the people who originally had the idea... -.-

Anyway with all this whinging cast aside $99 for the red Wiimote+ & Nunchuk with a backup Wii that can be stored away incase my other Wii dies is great just give me the controllers thanx.

Thinking about it now after some time, it would be useful for hospitals, and old folks homes where they don't need that stuff, or an extra one besides the one you already own in another room. Maybe even just games like Pikmin New play control, Mario Galaxy, Zelda, Metroid Prime, and all the other great games on it. I just can't wait until Super Smash Bros. Battle/4/U/U-niverse/Universe, because GCN support is dying for sure, and all I use for for Brawl, and Mario Kart are the GCN remotes, because it's just easier to use. So it's inevitable that they make use of the Pro controller, gamepad, and still have Wii remotes as options too. They kind of have to when it come to those games IMHO, and with 3DS cross-play, it will be the best Smash Bros. ever. They need to make a DLC bundle including both the Wii U and 3DS versions for a slightly better price for better results, or just have $60, like PS Battle Royale for the cross-play. Lastly, make this one, so we never even think about going back to the older versions, fo whatever reason, such as stages, music, unlockables, story, characters w/ the best possible movesets, fully customizable costumes in terms of color, different suits like Link's tunic vs. Zora suit from Twilight Princess i.e., fully customizable stages that can be dLed off of Nintendo Network, dev. created stages using the same stage creator we have access to, Miiverse integration w/ screenshots, video uploads, and anything else that will make it infinitely better than the past ones, even if you have to have a few DLC packs here and there to get all the content out. Aside from this, I don't want Nintendo to have a leaderboard/rank system for the sake of people living their whole life to be the best at SB, and discouraging other players to play like they've said before, and I completely agree on. Online is a MUST this time, with being able to play Wii U gamers w/ the 3DS version, no lag, more items that make sense, and characters besides clones that make sense, too. Saki, or the new Sin and Punishment character should mot be left out this round, Little Mac, Tom Nook or at least a AC character, Captain Olimar should return for sure, one Link form only, bring Mewtwo back/cut out any other Pokemon besides Pikachu, Jigglypuff, R.O.B, I guess R.O.B can stay, Samarai Goro, if any other F-Zero character/Captain Falcon's rival, the new character from Pushmo, Denpa Men Gang(they attack like an RPG, move to the back of the line for the next one), and a Mii that has a set move list(not customizable in size, shape, any traits you've put on that affect moves). I can't think of any other things right now, but I'm sure Nintendo will make it perfect, just figure some extra input could help from what us fans want...

I tried to pre-order the WiiNi from bestbuy.ca and it won't ship to the US.

Do you think they'll possibly make an external device that will add online connectivity, like the early model 360's?

Sexy design,but why do I feel this is being released just so that the Wii can reach a 100 million sales by the end of the year.

@Red_Kinetic
Haha welcome to the world of cross-border furstration. It's frustrating being right next door to each other and not being able to have it shipped don't it? As an American you have it SO GOOD for ALMOST EVERYTHING SOLD ONLINE. For the past decade I can't tell you how frustrating it is seeing how cheap everything is in the US when trying to buy stuff online but not being able to buy it simply because my postal address is in Canada. Also you guys get free (most times next-day) shipping on everything. And that's just BestBuy/Amazon/NewEgg, don't even get me started on eBay and the fact that even sellers from Canada list items in USD so you lose money on the conversion even buying within your own country..
Anyway my point in all of this, don't sweat The WiiNi, you have it so good in all other areas of online purchasing. Also, might I ask, why the heck would you want one of these things anyway? Is it simply to put next to the Virtual Boy you have on display (that you could probably purchase for less than $40 and have shipped for free from eBay unlike everyone else in the world btw). My next point, I will gladly ship this item to you at cost if you let me ship all my US purchases through your address in the future;)

If anyone that lives in Canada is willing, I will send you the money for this WiiNi. I'll also give you a little extra for your trouble.

I want one cause
1- my old Wii is dead
2- I have no internet
3- Red is my favourite colour

@Metabble_King,

Tell me, if Nintendo isn't banking on Apple why didn't they just call it Wii Micro? They only called it Mini because of Apple!

Well, that's all I have to say about it!

Micro = extremely small
Mini = Slightly smaller

@Red_Kinetic I'd look on eBay man

I don't care if there's no internet on this. It would FINALLY mean Mario Kart Wii on the go!

I own one, the remote plus is worth more than the system itself. The system itself is horrible, no 420p in 2012 is like having a CDROM bundled with your budget PC. No matter how freaking weak your budget PC is, IT SHOULDN'T COME WITH A CDROM IN 2012. Good thing the remote+nunchuck is worth $65 retail and I got mario galaxy bundled worth $20. So I'll settle with a garbage wii mini imo worth $15.