In Vancouver today, Nintendo officially announced that they are dropping the price of their incredibly popular Wii console to $149.99. Starting May 15, the console will be available in separate black or white packages, containing Mario Kart Wii and a matching Wii Wheel, instead of Wii Sports. Also included are a matching Wii Remote Plus controller with its necessary nunchuk add-on. The new black Wii Wheel will also be available separately for $9.99.
The announcement also detailed the launch of a new line-up of budget priced hits for the console. Referred to as Nintendo Selects, these hits will receive new packaging and a low price of $19.99. Included in the initial line-up is Animal Crossing: City Folk, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Mario: Super Sluggers and Wii Sports. Yes, you read that correctly. Wii Sports will be sold separately for the first time, since it is not available in the new console package.
“From the day it launched, Wii has let players of all ages and experience levels have fun with one another,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada Vice President and General Manager. “The new suggested retail price for both the hardware and select games will help create more of these magical moments for an even greater amount of people.”