Nintendo Competes Against Self By Offering Slightly Worse Wii At Same Price

If you’re looking for a Wii that lacks the ability to play old GameCube games for the same price as one that can, Nintendo has a deal for you. In a press release, the company reveals that it’s releasing a newer version of the console that takes away its backward compatibility for $150, the same price as the old version of the product.

The dueling consoles, which seem to be poised to cause confusion with customers, include different packed-in games. The old, GameCube-compatible Wii bundle will continue to come with Mario Kart Wii and the plastic steering wheel shell accessory. The new, non-GameCube-playing Wii — due out Sunday — will bring New Super Mario Bros. Wii and a Super Mario Galaxy soundtrack along for the ride.

In the release, Nintendo emphasizes that the new bundle is not phasing out the old one, and that both will continue to be available. “Both Wii bundles offer tremendous value to consumers and families looking to expand their home entertainment options,” the release cheerfully proclaims.

Gamecube-free Wii refresh heads to North America, competes with more versatile predecessor [Engadget]

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