We could have named this post "Wiiosks", but we have more respect for you than that. Anyway, in IGN's generally uninformative "Nintendo Minute" section, George Harrison takes the opportunity to reveal a few of the more specific details about the upcoming Wii kiosks. The rumored Gamestop/EB Games exclusivity might still be true, as it appears that the pre-built, completely self-contained units will only go toward "certain retailers". However, many other retailers will simply receive a Wii console and Wiimote or two, and will be left to their own devices in regards to display and setup.Also, despite some worries about safety and theft, it appears that the Wiimotes will indeed be wireless. This could be some clever wordplay--a Wiimote tethered by a non-electrical cord is still technically wireless--but we'll give George the benefit of the doubt. Now, when will these kiosks be rolling into stores? Your guess is certainly at least as good as ours.
[Note: the picture shown is not necessarily of the final unit, or in fact in existence at all.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-17-2006 @ 3:54PM
rob said...
I have been told by my buddy who manages a GameStop that you're going to have to give them a credit card in order to play the unit, that's probably how they'll prevent you from running off with controllers. That picture is out of their fall marketing manual (relay or whatever they call it) as was discussed before, and I think I was told they'd be getting their unit around the beginning of next month.
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10-17-2006 @ 5:07PM
Tush said...
a credit card? That doesn't make any sense. How will kids try it out?
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10-17-2006 @ 5:15PM
rob said...
It certainly does seem pretty odd, but it has been a rumor for a while: http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/gamestop/rumor-gamestop-wii-kiosk-to-require-credit-card-205158.php
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10-17-2006 @ 5:44PM
Justin said...
I don't know if I buy the Credit Card roomer.
It seems highly unlikely to me.
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10-17-2006 @ 5:47PM
pocketmnky said...
I doubt they could care less about kids who want to "try it out" so much as they care about parents who want to let their kids try it out. Kids + Parents + Wiiosk = $$$$; Kids by themselves + Wiiosk = snot on the Wiimote.
Bring your mommy and daddy (or at the very least their credit cards) for this one kiddies.
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10-17-2006 @ 5:59PM
skyler jermyn said...
Since when is everything in a department store nailed to the ground? Just place an anti-theft device in the wiimotes so it'll set off the door alarms if anyone tries to leave with them.
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10-17-2006 @ 6:06PM
m_main said...
Umm..kids have parents...
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10-17-2006 @ 7:24PM
skyler jermyn said...
Actually, I have a better idea. The remotes should be wireless, but chained to a large hubcap, just like they do with gas station bathroom keys.
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10-17-2006 @ 7:29PM
John said...
Ok, so you can call me a "kid" (I am 16), but do I still have to bring my parents with me because I don't have a credit or debit card?
Am I going to have to give them my license before I demo a Wii? I understand having a collateral of some sort, but the credit card thing doesn't seem like the best way...
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10-17-2006 @ 9:32PM
Oshi said...
Here's what I was told about the GS/EB "exclusivity" by the ASM at my EB.
While pretty much every retailer will be getting locked demo kiosks that only Nintendo reps can change up, Gamestops and EBs will be exclusively be getting full, unlocked Wii units(kiosks?) that employees may put whatever they want in to display in the store.
So that carries with the last sentance of the first paragraph.
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10-18-2006 @ 10:18AM
Special_K said...
I can't see the credit card rumor being true, it's just breaks voice from the whole "pick up and play" metality that the console embodies. It distorts the whole experience of being able to grab the Wiimote and spin it in all directions at any time, w/o even needing to leave the couch to turn it on. I'm sure they'll find a way to protect them (electrodes, anyone?) sans going too far.
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10-18-2006 @ 10:27AM
batman said...
I am a manager for EB and NOTHING has been confirmed about the Wii Demo units. If the remotes are not hooked to the system I am sure we will require u to give something be it a credit card, cell phone, etc.
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10-19-2006 @ 3:39AM
Skyler Jermyn said...
Yet another solution. Nintendo could just rig demo wii controllers to only work with wii demo consoles. A large sign on the kiosk and on the remote would remind people of that. This along with electronic theft detection, and the large hubcap chained the the remote, should cover all bases.
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10-19-2006 @ 7:17AM
Beestje said...
I remember other demo kiosks for Donkey Konga Bongo's and the DS. With pain in my heart I had to look at broken stuff in every shop. Even if they chain the Wii controllers to the kiosks, there will be at least some people trying to steal a button. :'(
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