A while back, we reported on a DVD playback-enabled Wii that was originally supposed to debut in Japan in 2007. The improved system never touched consumer hands that year, and it looks like it is not going to be around anytime soon. IGN is reporting that Nintendo is putting the brakes on the supposed system. At a stockholder meeting yesterday, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said, “With supply constraints continuing worldwide, the priority is on the current model.”
This is one of those times when I just have to laugh at the incredulity of Nintendo. I take Iwata as a guy that likes to spend a bit of money now and then. So, I am going to go out on a limb and suppose that he bought an HDTV at some point in recent memory. Is he really not aware that standard DVD is a step backwards in terms of format? Besides, who cares if their console can play DVDs when their system memory is becoming practically dependent on SD cards? How about that hard drive that only us Otaku folk want?
Fortunately, the 8-track and VHS versions of the Wii are still slated to hit our shores this year.
[Thanks, Brian!]