When Nintendo announced it would no longer manufacture the Wii last month, many sentimental fans figured they'd have to maintain extra care of their original consoles. A later report clarified the Japanese company's ambiguous statement, "production over," to mean only in Europe and Japan, Game Spot reported.
Since Nintendo developed a Wii Mini that will go on sale in the United States on Nov. 17, those same fans can now own two versions of the original console that has sold over 100 million units in the U.S., according to Game Stop.
In a marketing move that's become something of the norm for game consoles -- including an ultra-successful PS3 deal that offers the system, GTA V, controllers, and more -- the Wii Mini will be available in a "bundle" that also features Mario Kart Wii and a controller/Nunchuck.
Mario Kart Wii isn't typically offered with the purchase of the console and is the most popular, non-bundled Wii game ever at 34 million copies sold, according to Game Stop. Wii Sports has sold over 83 million copies, but that title almost always comes with purchase of the Wii unit.
Already smaller than PS3 and Xbox 360, Wii's miniature version is an even greater space saver. At $99, it's $30 cheaper than its predecessor, according to Nintendo. The lower price tag comes with Mario Kart Wii, but it doesn't come with the ability to connect to Wi-Fi or the internet, Game Stop reported. The Mini is compatible with nearly every Wii game on the market.
"There must be a perfect customer for this product out there somewhere, though I don't think Nintendo is expecting to ship massive quantities of this thing," wrote Forbes contributor Dave Their. "If you're a diehard fan and must have every piece of Nintendo hardware out there, including the Virtual Boy, this is one console sure to add a quixotic touch to your collection. If you just want to play some video games without shelling out a whole lot of money, it's not a bad choice either."
The Wii Mini is currently on sale in Canada and Europe, according to Game Stop.
