You would be forgiven for thinking that the Wii had sung its final song in the wake of the launch of the new Wii U (review); instead, South Africans can look forward to a smaller and significantly cheaper Wii Mini later this month.

 

The Wii Mini console, which will become available on the 21^st of March for R1 500, will boast a new appearance – namely matte black with a red border – as opposed to the original Wii’s all white body. It will not, however, have any internet functionality.  

 

Included with the console are a red Wii Remote Plus and a red Nunchuk controller, while the Wii Mini will further offer compatibility with most existing Wii accessories.

 

The smaller Wii is being billed as offering “great gameplay at great value,” along with a 1200 strong library of games from which to choose. Additionally, Nintendo will further add to its existing range of Nintendo Select titles, offering great value for everyone to enjoy classic Wii games.

 

While Nintendo Select games such as The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Super Mario Galaxy and Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City are already available, other classic Wii titles being added to the Nintendo Select roster in time for the launch of Wii Mini include Mario Party 8, Wii Sports Resort, Mario Power Tennis and Super Paper Mario.

 

 

The new, shrunk down console is not necessarily an unfamiliar move – the PS3 and PS2 both received a size shrinkage and price reduction well into their life cycle to lure late adopters to their fold.