It seems like Nintendo is shying away from their multicolored pre-launch shenanigans by unveiling a black SKU for their forthcoming console, the Wii U. While it took nearly a year+ for the Wii to move beyond the traditional white color scheme, Wii U will be going black right away.
The news comes to us by way of the Nintendo Direct pre-E3 address – which also unveiled a new Xbox-inspired gamepad and the console’s new Miiverse feature – and is not that surprising. Most consoles that have launched with a white option have, at some point, added a black SKU (take for example the Xbox 360 slim), but usually not at launch.
Black seems like a bigger step away from the traditional look of the Wii, but it also calls to mind the nightmare that arose from the multiple color options for the iPhone. Rather than split the fan base, the colored device with the smaller inventory was the harder to come by while the main device ended up in most households.
Extrapolating from that it is easy to see that the Wii U’s black version, if not stocked in large quantities, will be extremely rare and harder to procure. Add that to appeal of having a console that looks markedly more different than other gamers’ and it’s going to be much more difficult to find this console.
Unfortunately, besides unveiling that the Wii U would come in black, Nintendo did not announce a price for their console just yet. While some are thinking the console should come in under the $250 price tag, the tech at play with the Wii U tablet controller could inflate the overall cost. Still, it’s a black console and who doesn’t want universality in the color of their devices?
Follow all of our E3 2012 coverage including all of the big announcements from Nintendo’s press conference on Tuesday June 5th.
Which do you prefer: the black Wii U or the white Wii U? Would you be willing to wait if the black console was in greater demand?
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Less than $250? now that’s just plain greedy. I’d pay up to $450 (hope I wont have to). Realistically though, it’ll be $350, with New Super Mario Bros. Mii as a pack-in, along with a Wii U Controller Pro. Calling it right now.
I was thinking $349.99 too, but Nintendo has to figure that Sony and M$ are probably planning price cuts. Even though it is a new console they still have to remain competitive. And if it’s priced “too high” in some minds, those people won’t bite, they will wait and hope for a 3DS like price drop.
I was wondering if it will actually be available at launch or “later”, like just about everything else Mr. Iwata was promising.
I’m pretty impartial really, I’d probably take either. Plus, I bet that black Gamepad is a fingerprint magnet.
I bet the console will probably be at least $299.99, likely more. There seems to be a bit more tech involved this time around. I can’t see it being the same price as the Wii at launch. Hopefully I’m wrong though, $249.99 would make it a beast.
The black is cool but a flame red and aqua blue thrown in there would be awesome! Some fans do still like flashy!
Well I really want a white console. Black screams geeky, hardcore loser. White makes it more “adult” or “mature”. Since it looks more like an appliance.
Damn, my TV’s black. I feel like such a loser geek.
Don’t sweat that man! I still want my red one. Something you learn as a Nintendo fan..screw what anyone else thinks of you being you!
Rofl, been on nintendo since the start
Didn’t the Gamecube launch in purple, silver, and black? And black was of course very hard to find in that case as well. But I was ultimately happy with my purple cube. The plastic isn’t as important as what’s inside, so I don’t really care what color the Wii U ends up being.
Also, not that this is relevant, but it’s fun to pronounce Wii U as “Why you!” Three Stooges-style.
Am I the only one who could care less about the Wii U? Wow Nintendo finally decided to have HD games. Old news. PS3 and computer for me.
Then why are you here?
Bc I read the majority of articles on GR. I didn’t know it was a requirement to like or be excited about something to be able to discuss or read it.
You’re welcome here G. Read all the articles you want.
Oh, I’m sure most of us could care less. A lot less, some of us. But you probably mean you *couldn’t* care less, in which case, enjoy your PC and such.
Im sure it’ll blow a lot of previous titles out the water. I think it’ll cost $349.99 I have faith in Wal-mart since they did have the Wii listed $249.99 in ’06 long before Nintendo announced it!