Everybody loves predictions, especially when they prove to be wrong and you get to serve up some crow to the would-be Nostradamus. Well, despite the high chance of failure, I’m going to throw my expectations for the even into the pool of predictions.
What I think we’ll see:
Nintendo will capitalize on the opportunity to parade the DS. The conference will start out showing the current and upcoming releases on the DS and forums will go nuts with people eager to hear Wii info. You’ll have people freaking out stating that they only have X amount of time to get in their Wii announcements and that they’re wasting it on the DS. What these people fail to realize, however, is that the DS can use the exposure while the whole world will be watching since Nintendo will be sitting TGS (Tokyo Games Show) out. Nintendo will probably push DS sales stats, announcements, and information right up until the point that people can’t take it anymore. At that point, they’ll move on…
Wii price date and launch date will be announced. I think that despite rumors of the Wii coming out at $150 that the system will launch at $199. I don’t expect any games to be bundled with the system, but it’s possible that a free Virtual Console download will be included. The system will launch on November 2nd in the North America and the launch numbers will be at or above 1 million systems available. The system will officially be available for preorders starting on Thursday.
The system won’t be bundled with any additional accessories. I think that the Nintendo Wii package will inlcude the following:
- Nintendo Wii console (black or white)
- Wii freehand remote and nunchuck attachment
- WiiConnect 24 information card
- User manual
- One free VC download voucher
- Composite cables
- Registration card
- Power cord
- Wii console stand
- Game and accessory information packet (info on SD cards, retro style controller, Zapper attachment, upcoming releases)
Miyamoto’s new IP will be announced, but it won’t be playable. Other announcements will include new information regarding Super Smash Bros. Brawl with a possible release date, how WiiConnect 24 will work, when we can expect the next iterations of Pokemon, Donkey Kong, and some notable 3rd party titles.
Despite the launch info, pricing, and a few new game announcements, this will not to be another Spaceworld type of event. Most likely this event is to get some announcements out and get media attention to focus on the DS and Wii before the TGS storm hits. Nintendo doesn’t have tons of announcements ready; it’s probably silly to think that they do. This is just Nintendo’s way of having their day in the sun apart from what will be going on at TGS. Overall it won’t be disappointing, but it won’t be much more than launch info and a few cool announcements. Don’t go into this expecting a massive blowout of media!
I think that the conference is going to be tons of fun. Forums will crash, fanboys will cry from all camps, and Nintendo will initiate a hype wave that they’ll be hoping to ride all the way through the holidays. Check back later for my reactions on the event; you know you’ll want to.
