As the only next-gen console left on the block that’s either not released or doesn’t have a firm release date, the Wii is getting a lot of attention lately as analysts and gamers make attempts to ferret out the date.
Game sites, this one included, have reported on a fuzzy Sports Illustrated for Kids article that points to a Nov. 6 release date and now it seems per Total Video Games that October could be the real release month.
According to the TVG piece, American Technology Research’s P.J. McNealy is saying Wii could be in the game in October, weeks before the launch of the PlayStation 3.
Nintendo is expected to make a firm announcement sometime in September (maybe).
Whatever month is correct, it appears as if all speculation points to a Wii release well in advance of the PS3, which allows Nintendo to fully capitalize on holiday season 2006. The longer jump time would give major leverage to Nintendo as folks go about their annual overindulgence masked as holiday shopping. It could put a serious hurting on the PS3 release, too, as parents and adult gamers who’ve already purchased a Wii console are not going to be likely to pony up the 600 or so bucks the PS3 will command.
In the meantime, it seems Microsoft is jockeying to stay in the forefront when the other two consoles make their way. Although reports are now pointing to no internal HD-DVD drive for the 360, the external one sounds like it will give the Xbox 360 some serious versatility as a total entertainment package.
Along with this, it looks like Forza 2 will make its way to market in time for the holiday season and there are indications (despite Bungie’s 2007 release target) that Halo 3 might appear earlier. Add to this reports that the Xbox 360 might have a price drop coming and the launch of Microsoft's Apple iPod killer music device and it appears as if this holiday season will be one of the most interesting in a very long time.
Related:
Wii Arrives Before The PS3?
PS3 Launch Could Mirror The Xbox 360's
PS3 Price A Liability?
Halo 3 To Launch Day Before PS3?
PS3 Release Date, Price Firmed Up
Xbox 360 Price Drop Coming?
Xbox Boss Ready To Bite Apple’s iPod
Forza 2 Question Answered
Comments >>
