Recently we seem to be in the timeline of our current generation of video game consoles where companies, anxious to generate renewed interest in their hardware without actually producing something new that would cannibalize sales of their current offerings, simply produce refreshes of their current machines. This involves reducing the size and amount of inner circuitry of their lines, in order to look more sleek and save on production costs and thusly lower retail prices. Atari and Mattel both attempted to stave off obsolescence by remodelling their flagship consoles in the early 80’s, producing the 2600 jr. and Intellivision II respectively.
Both the Xbox 360 and PS3 have undergone shrinkage with “slim” versions, and now Nintendo, with the release of its next generation Wii U console safely behind them, has announced what it calls the Wii Mini. Priced at $99.99, the smaller form-factor comes with a red Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk controller, to match the console’s colour. What it doesn’t include, however, is any online capability, nor Gamecube compatibility. The console also seems to be a Canadian exclusive, at least over the 2012 Christmas season. Nintendo is mum on any details about other countries getting a release, so currently only Canadians have tiny Wii’s. Don’t worry though, we’re not embarrassed. Although I don’t think I’d be telling anyone I had a Wii Mini. Especially in the clubs. Be sure to ask your Future Shop salesman about his Wii Mini on Dec. 7.
Okay, I’ll stop now. Although I still think they should have called it the “WeeWii”. Maybe in Scotland.