Maybe it's as innocuous as it also includes Wiimote Covers?
Most of us Wii owners who have the Wifi Connectivity up and running, came home to a blue glowing DVD slot this week telling us we can get free Wiimote silicone cases, and that they would be bundled with the product from the end of October.
Is there anything missing in the current Wii hardware which prevents it from playing DVDs now? I've always assumed the existing drive and media were DVD standard, and although the CPU and graphics aren't cutting edge they should be good enough to display normal DVDs?
The point being, if this is true and the limitation is in software, why would you need a new part number?
Nintendo has been making changes and tweaks due to the numerous accidents associated with the WiiMote.
To minimize their liability the WiiMote first got a stronger strap.
Then Nintendo started to slipstream in new straps with lockable cinches that do a better job of keeping the strap cinched down onto your wrist (I have a TV that is a casualty of the older strap that loosened up, allowing the WiiMote to fly off the wrist and into my precious!).
Now the WiiMote is getting a puffy jacket to help further avoid damage from flying Wiis.
I think the new SCU will either formalize these safety features into one package (strap, cinch, and jacket) or come with a completely new WiiMote that has a built in air-bag that inflates just prior impact with expensive LCD TVs.
Surprise, surprise, Nintendo capitalising on the opportunity to leave the competition behind, although I'll be choosing a 360 if only for GoW and Halo 3...
How does the wiimote come off your wrist if it is being held? Do people swing it (raving rabids cow tossing) around by the strap or something (you are doing it wrong)?
Nintendo Wii Console
Sony PlayStation 3 Slim 120GB Console
Sony Playstation 3 160GB Console - Drake's Fortune Bundle (PS3)
Microsoft Xbox 360 Premium System
Sony PSP-3000 PlayStation Portable System
New product code points to revamped Wii?
Stu Reeves
Or Not.... #
Posted Monday 8th October 2007 15:45 GMT
Could be the fact the are now bundling the remote protection sleeves with new wii's.
Which exisiting owners can regisiter to get for free.
Mark W
Or is it something simple? #
Posted Monday 8th October 2007 15:45 GMT
Maybe it's as innocuous as it also includes Wiimote Covers?
Most of us Wii owners who have the Wifi Connectivity up and running, came home to a blue glowing DVD slot this week telling us we can get free Wiimote silicone cases, and that they would be bundled with the product from the end of October.
Anonymous Coward
...something is going on! #
Posted Monday 8th October 2007 15:45 GMT
I received a mail saying I could get free rubber skins for the Joy Sticks as they were going to ship with new WIIs!
Martin Saunders
DVD playback? #
Posted Monday 8th October 2007 15:45 GMT
Is there anything missing in the current Wii hardware which prevents it from playing DVDs now? I've always assumed the existing drive and media were DVD standard, and although the CPU and graphics aren't cutting edge they should be good enough to display normal DVDs?
The point being, if this is true and the limitation is in software, why would you need a new part number?
Anonymous Coward
1 Digit out... #
Posted Monday 8th October 2007 15:45 GMT
0045496_8_800_8_8
0045496_5_800_1_8
looks like 2 digits difference to me
Scott Sidel
Or maybe its the new "safety" Wii #
Posted Monday 8th October 2007 15:45 GMT
Nintendo has been making changes and tweaks due to the numerous accidents associated with the WiiMote.
To minimize their liability the WiiMote first got a stronger strap.
Then Nintendo started to slipstream in new straps with lockable cinches that do a better job of keeping the strap cinched down onto your wrist (I have a TV that is a casualty of the older strap that loosened up, allowing the WiiMote to fly off the wrist and into my precious!).
Now the WiiMote is getting a puffy jacket to help further avoid damage from flying Wiis.
I think the new SCU will either formalize these safety features into one package (strap, cinch, and jacket) or come with a completely new WiiMote that has a built in air-bag that inflates just prior impact with expensive LCD TVs.
Dan
Killing off the competition... #
Posted Monday 8th October 2007 15:45 GMT
Surprise, surprise, Nintendo capitalising on the opportunity to leave the competition behind, although I'll be choosing a 360 if only for GoW and Halo 3...
Anonymous Coward
More than Likely #
Posted Monday 8th October 2007 20:05 GMT
Im guessing on a wii fit bundle.
Seems the most obvious reason to me.
Jason Auburn
Wii Play and Learn #
Posted Tuesday 9th October 2007 01:36 GMT
Item Record
UPC-A 045496880088
EAN/UCC-13 0045496880088
Description Wii Play 'n Learn
Manufacturer NINTENDO OF AMERICA INC. (0045496) more items
Issuer Country United States
Last Modified Mon, 08 Oct 2007 12:41:52
Pending Updates 3
Just found that on a UPC database
Anonymous Coward
how the heck. #
Posted Tuesday 9th October 2007 21:06 GMT
How does the wiimote come off your wrist if it is being held? Do people swing it (raving rabids cow tossing) around by the strap or something (you are doing it wrong)?