Gone In 60 Seconds...Almost! (Euro)
Posted by: Aaron Lockard on December 08, 2006 7:31:40 AM (21 Reads)

Consoles snapped up in record speed at midnight launch

Following months of eager anticipation, the official midnight launch of Wii “ Nintendo's new home console “ saw fans and gaming newcomers turn out in force to claim their slice of the future of home entertainment!

Also in attendance, to kick off proceedings, were a host of sporting stars Ian Wright, Nell McAndrew, Ricky Hatton and Pat Cash. The celebs put on a show for the fans, many of whom had braved the cold by queuing a staggering 55 hours in advance! Despite the chill, the crowds were delighted to witness the sporting prowess of the celebrities as they went head to head in tennis and boxing matches on Wii Sports.

Marwan Elgamal, 17, the first customer in the queue who pitched up his tent on Tuesday night, commented: "I have been looking forward to this day for months! Despite the cold and rain, it was well worth it - not only was I the very first person in the UK to own the Wii, but I also got to thrash Ian Wright in a game of Wii Sports!"

The past few weeks have seen growing hysteria surrounding the launch of Wii both in the UK and across the globe “ but not only with traditional gaming fans. Unconventionally for a games console, much of the interest in Wii has been with older audiences and those that have never played a games console before. With the console's revolutionary controller, never before has it been so easy to control and feel a part of the game.

David Yarnton, General Manager, Nintendo UK; "This is such an exciting time for Nintendo “ since the launch of the Nintendo DS we have been committed to exploring a new approach and offering a more inclusive experience. The launch of Wii sees our commitment to innovation and bringing in new audiences taken one stage further, and we are overwhelmed with the incredible response we've received from the public “ both young, old, male and female."

Today's launch follows a succession of unforgettable moments throughout the global launch period over the past three weeks. Back on 19th November at the US launch, the Wii was an instant hit “ selling out in just hours. In the first weeks since its launch over 600,000 consoles have been sold.

Following hot on the heels of the US launch came Japan's launch on 2nd December "where the full quota of 400,000 units were sold-out on launch morning. Not to mention, in anticipation of the UK lunch, Amazon.co.uk reported a seven minute sell out on pre-orders “ the fastest selling pre-order it has ever listed.

The Wii console is available at the estimated retail price of around $179. Included with every Wii console is one wireless Wii Remote, a Nunchuk, Wii Sports game, Stereo AV Cable and the sensor bar for Wii's unique control system. Software is available at the estimated retail price of $34 to $39.

Among the huge selection of great games available at launch are The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and Wii Play from Nintendo, as well as third-party offerings including Red Steel and Rayman Raving Rabbits from Ubisoft, Call of Duty 3 from Activision, Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz from SEGA and Need for Speed Carbon from EA.


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