Nintendo, in their almost-infinite tornado of news today, never mentioned anything on the promised ability for the Wii to play DVD movies. No mention in the press releases that followed their event today either? Hmm, how odd...So what does Nintendo's VP of Marketing Perrin Kaplan have to say about this? Well, apparently she confirmed to IGN that the Wii is going to totally toss out the DVD movie functionality all together. The decision to rid the console of this feature was apparently in the interest of delivering it at a cheaper price for the consumer.
So Fanboy readers, is this a good or bad thing?





Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-14-2006 @ 3:48PM
Joe said...
Honestly, I'm more pissed about the Wii only coming in white than I am about no DVD playback. Almost everyone has a DVD player (or multiple ones) already. If they want this to be in people's living rooms to get them on the Wii Channels and playing games, it should fit in with people's living rooms.
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9-14-2006 @ 3:55PM
Lindsay said...
It's a good thing. While an eventual add on of some kind may be nice, I really don't think it's a need. That's also how I feel about the whole MP3 thing. It may be cool, but not THAT cool.
I say, concentrate on the games. DVD's have their own market.
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9-14-2006 @ 3:55PM
Probot said...
When they first said it would be an external attatchment, I knew then I wasn't going to buy it. This won't affect anyone's decision in any way. If you're really into movies, you already have a better DVD player than anything a console could offer.
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9-14-2006 @ 3:56PM
alijah green said...
wii60
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9-14-2006 @ 3:56PM
benjo said...
Good call, Joe. White doesn't match anything.
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9-14-2006 @ 3:57PM
Dracula Jones said...
But how will I ever watch my DVDs?! I've been buying them since 1999 just hoping the Wii would have DVD playback! Looks like I have to throw them all out now, thanks Nintendo.
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9-14-2006 @ 4:11PM
barry said...
Who cares about DVD playback...because then you have to worry about more important details, like if it'll play DVD-R and/or DVD+R discs or even DVD-RW and/or DVD+RWs. Besides, everyone and their dog has a dvd player BY NOW. It's a smart decision in the end by Nintendo. If people want basic DVD playback (think: PS2) then buy a $30 Shinsusonic no-name dvd player. PRICE=>LOW=>HAPPY CONSUMERS
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9-14-2006 @ 4:16PM
Hunt said...
Good. DVD players are so cheap that if you don't have one, you can get one for $20. Plus it just means the Wii can focus on gaming.
If I remember correctly, the PS2' DVD remote required space on your memory card. That kinda sucked.
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9-14-2006 @ 4:23PM
zenprism said...
I'm buying the 360's HD-DVD attachment for (hi-def) movie watching. My Wii won't be missing anything.
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9-14-2006 @ 4:32PM
Nick said...
Yeah same here my 360 is getting an HD-DVD drive.
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9-14-2006 @ 4:37PM
Dar the Monk said...
I kinda care guys... I don't have a DVD player. I also don't have a projector, nor surround sound. Well, crap, I'm a unwilling minimalist with expensive taste. I know what I want but am to poor to get anything fun. I'm thinking about passing around the collection plate to see in any in here would like to donate to me so i can buy a Wii and another controller. (and a DVD player! haha)
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9-14-2006 @ 4:41PM
vidGuy said...
Not a problem in the least bit. The common consumer won't ever know it was planned, and the gamer won't be using it for a DVD.
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9-14-2006 @ 4:49PM
Jess said...
Even if the Wii could play DVD's, it would only be 480p...
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9-14-2006 @ 4:50PM
Lindsay said...
Benjo... White matches EVERYTHING! Although I wouldn't mind some color choices either. Like.... PINK!
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9-14-2006 @ 4:55PM
gourou said...
I was actually hoping that it would have DVD playback so I could minimze the number of appliances I have in my entertainment center... but you can't beat the price. These guys are going for a simplicity model, compared to the PS3, and I think it is going to work.
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9-14-2006 @ 5:05PM
davr said...
Actually, by leaving off dvd playing functionality, they don't have to pay the dvd player tax, which generally runs between $15-$20 PER UNIT. I am fine with this, I have a feeling anyone dropping $250 for a game console will already have a dvd player, or a PC that can play DVDs, and if not, you can get them pretty cheap at wallmart these days.
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9-14-2006 @ 5:14PM
Reth said...
Maybe they will make DVD compability later?
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9-14-2006 @ 5:19PM
benjo said...
Lindsay my dear...that was my point (made in response to "Joe", who was griping about white being the ONLY option).
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9-14-2006 @ 5:19PM
Elric said...
WHO CARES, my GOD, if you don't have a DVD Player by now, you are a lost cause!
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9-14-2006 @ 5:50PM
Jim Day said...
Being that my DVD player is on the fritz right now, I'd definitely buy a Wii when it came out IF it had DVD playback ability, but now I think I might have to invest in a new home theater instead.
But like most people said, I'm an exception to the norm. I think just about everyone has or has the ability to get a DVD player if they don't already have one.
I also find it hillarious that so many people are more concerned with the color than the specs. It's a video game console, not a sweater.
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9-14-2006 @ 5:53PM
R0DJOh said...
Kinda sucks... but not so much. I mean, I already got a DVD Player anyway. That wont make me not buy a Wii.
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9-14-2006 @ 5:54PM
Warp the frenchie said...
i don't see how it will cost more with an DVD player included...
it seems to me that all the hardware needed is already into the Wii !
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9-14-2006 @ 5:54PM
Matt said...
I'm in favor of dropping a substandard DVD decoder to lower the price.
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9-14-2006 @ 5:57PM
Bob said...
I don't really mind this. Honestly, how many people watch DVD's on their Xbox or PS2? When an actual DVD player is alot easier to use.
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9-14-2006 @ 6:27PM
mykie said...
Doesn't bother me a whole lot, but it sure would be nice, so I don't have yet another device hanging off my TV...Guess I can finally get rid of that old HiFi VCR...
But wait...
http://www.nintendo.com/newsarticle?articleid=02ea1a40-ac09-4cdf-9548-91e5a4e78746
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9-14-2006 @ 6:46PM
Joe said...
You know, for my comment about the color selection, I think that it is fine for something like an iPod or a DS Lite. An iPod just has to look nice on its own, its something that has to stand out by itself. A console on the other hand, has to sit in the living room at all times, its something you see whenever you sit down to watch tv or movies. Most people don't want something that is made to stand out in their living rooms. EVERYTHING regarding consumer electronics is black, or in some cases silver. If Nintendo released a silver Wii as their only color choice, I'd understand that much more than I understand white. (This isn't a knock against just Nintendo, the same goes for the 360, but they at least had different faceplates right off the bat). You don't want something to stand out too much to distract your eyes away from a movie, and if you look at most people's living rooms, most want everything to fit together well, not just have a ton of different colors. Now, I say that even as someone who will just have the Wii in their bedroom- but I bet anyone who's married and is getting the Wii will have more of an issue with it with the spouse approval to get something that entirely stands out to be put in the living room.
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9-14-2006 @ 6:49PM
slacker said...
it is only $50 cheaper than the 360... i am disappointed with the price, with no dvd, and having to pay extra to surf the web. this is not a cheap console. i am leaning toward not getting it at launch.
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9-14-2006 @ 7:05PM
haegen said...
i think it's a terrible idea. i like to keep my livingroom as streamlined as possible, and this just clutters it up more. it also annoys me that they were all about the 'purity' of just a gaming system, and then they drop dvd playback but include all this extra bs like the weather and photo channels. my computer does all that stuff so much better. this doesn't interest me in the slightest
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9-14-2006 @ 7:25PM
Hervard said...
Who doesn't have a DVD player these days, and who really wants to pay for another one?
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9-14-2006 @ 7:39PM
Patrick said...
I already have a DVD player. Bring on the Wii!
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9-14-2006 @ 7:48PM
Mark G said...
another reason why the ohhhhhhhhh so wonderful wiiiii, is maybe alot more sizzle than steak. unfortunately I listen to hype and I feel buzz. Up until today nintendo could do no wrong. That is soooooo over. Ninentendo has made so many errors and miscalcs today, its not even funny.
$250.00 wii = greedy and short sighted
$60.00 controller = greedy and short sighted
$49.00 games = greedy and short sighted
no dvd = duh
sept 14 2006 = goodbye wii, hello 360
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9-14-2006 @ 7:52PM
Brian said...
Actually, the weather thing seems really cool. It's more accessible than shifting through the newspaper or waiting for my computer to boot up in the mornings.
DVD playback would've been nice. I still wish they'd come out with a special "DVD Card" for $30 or so that, when placed in one of the Wii's SD card slots, would activate the DVD playback ability. Would be a convienient sidestep around the licensing and software issues.
As far as the system goes, it's a bit more expensive than I was hoping for, but it's still a far cry from $400-600 for a PS3 or 360. I wish they'd include a second Wiimote in there, though. Leave a second nunchuck out, but at least let me play WiiSports with a friend out of the box.
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9-14-2006 @ 7:56PM
Brian said...
"$250.00 wii = greedy and short sighted"
They announced it was going to be $250 a long time ago. If you look at what's coming in the system, it's really not a bad deal compared to $400 for a 360 with no game.
"$60.00 controller = greedy and short sighted"
And $50 for a controller is so much better?
"$49.00 games = greedy and short sighted"
So, by your standards, the 360 and the PS3, both which have games out or planned for $60-70, are even more terrible companies?
"no dvd = duh"
You can get a DVD player for $30-50. I'd rather they leave DVD playback out of the system and let me choose to buy a DVD player, rather than tack on an extra $50 and take away my choice.
"sept 14 2006 = goodbye wii, hello 360"
Considering you'll be spending a lot more money on a 360 than you would on a Wii and you're basing your choice entirely on price, I think you're a little confused.
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9-14-2006 @ 8:03PM
Lindsay said...
(oops, sorry Benjo. Didn't catch that) :-)
Mark G. You can't exactly expect them to just give the darn thing away! I think you'll find that with the enjoyment you'll get with Wii, it's worth every penny.
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9-14-2006 @ 8:32PM
jedill said...
But what about this "WHAT DOES IT TRANSFER FROM"
http://wii.ign.com/articles/732/732707p1.html
"Shows off a movie-playack mode. You can apparently transfer home-brew movies to your Wii, view them and modify them in real-time."
WHAT DOES IT TRANSFER FROM
SD card
Networked computer
DVD playback would have eliminated a energy sucking, Ugly, poorly designed DVD player. I think this would have been minimalist, earth freindly, economical. I hope it is a add-on latter, Just for rentals. But thats not the end of the world, Thank goodness the Wii, and the Apple iTV or Mac mini will look so good together.
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9-14-2006 @ 8:54PM
Timothy Carl Buchheim said...
It seems to me that they could add it as a software update at some point in the future. Let the people who want it pay for it. They already have the hardware needed (DVD drive, remote) .. the only missing pieces are the software and the necessary license, which can be handled as a download in their store.
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9-14-2006 @ 9:30PM
fraxyl said...
This revelation won't stop me from getting a Wii, but it's probably put my foot one step closer to getting a 360 in lieu.
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9-14-2006 @ 9:48PM
vidGuy said...
@slacker
Opera browser is free until June 2007
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9-14-2006 @ 10:27PM
matt said...
@29
"$49.00 games = greedy and short sighted"
What? That's how much PS2, XBox, and GCN games cost. PS3 and 360 games cost MORE than that, so how is it that NOT raising game prices is greedy?
So, you're saying "hello 360" why? Because their system costs more and their games cost more? This doesn't make much sense to me..
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9-15-2006 @ 2:18AM
Coolwave said...
The Wii is $50 cheaper than Apple's announced "iTV" and both have built in wireless networking and neither have DVD playback. The Wii even has a better remote control!
So which online movie store has Nintendo teamed up with? Amazon.com is already advertising the Wii on their front page. Amazon.com Unbox channel on the Wii? I say, why not?
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9-15-2006 @ 7:04AM
ill trooper said...
I HEREBY REVOKE YOUR PERMISSION USE THE PHRASE "THE SIZE OF TWO DVD
CASES" WHEN DESCRIBING Wii, NINTENDO.
The Wii not having DVD playback? A seperate machine, using another input on my TV... This thing not playing DVDs is simply STUPID and defending that decision like you guys are is WEAK.
I have plenty of DVD players: NONE of them are as small and sexy as the Wii.
Coulda cleaned up the place a little around here, eilimating the GameCube and my old DVD player. Nintendo wants me to use the Wii for messaging, checking weather and news, play games, but I have to switch to another machine and input on my TV to watch a DVD?
This is a common technology used by families everywhere and to ignore it MAKES NO SENSE. Every kid that wants this thing is also pretty excited about 'CARS' coming out on DVD - Why not offer the complete answer?
The Wii 'dashboard' is the most useful looking of all 3 next-gen consoles. I wouldn't
mind having it as the primary thing that comes up when I wander in in the morning, come home at night.. I've said it before: If the Wii is so amazing and immersive why ask me to leave the 'amazing experience' if I want to do something as common as watch a DVD?
This is no doubt a licensing issue that Nintendo is avoiding, DVD players are cheap, 95% of the technology is already inside this Wii box. This is inexplicable. THERE IS NO GOOD REASON to NOT include DVD playback.
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9-15-2006 @ 10:31AM
flyers241 said...
leaving out the dvd playback makes sense, since it keeps costs down. but it felt like it made so much sense to include! the controller is a freakin' remote! it would've been perfect.
ah well.. my ps2 and its annoying dvd controls will have to do for now.
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9-15-2006 @ 11:23AM
Lindsay said...
Ill Tropper: It's the size of 3 DVD cases, not 2.
And, in fact, it WOULDN'T be as small and sexy if they stuffed a DVD reader in there as well.
Get over it.
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9-16-2006 @ 8:57AM
Mundane Noodle said...
DVD decoding is software! The Wii will not end up being cheaper once you buy all the peripherals to make it equal to a 360.
Wii - $250
DVD - $30
USB Hard Drive - $100
That's $380 already. Oh. You wanted to experience Wii as Nintendo has promoted it? As a group experience? Let's add at least $40 for another controller.
You're up to $420. Where would you like to go from here???
I'm getting one, but I'm disappointed in the bang for buck.
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