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Just a few days ago we all but officially confirmed that the black Nintendo Wii would be hitting US shores.  Now Nintendo has issued an official press release that the dark console will be arriving May 9th to the tune of $199.99.  The bundle will include the Wii Remote controller, Nunchuk controller, Wii Sports, Wii Sports Resort and the Wii MotionPlus accessory.  Going forward it looks like this bundle will be the standard console available for purchase, which will also be available in classic white.

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A great value in video games is about to get even better. Starting May 9, Nintendo will add new elements to the baseline Wii™ system package offered at retailers throughout the Americas. In addition to the intuitive, motion-sensing Wii Remote™ controller, Nunchuk™ controller and popular Wii Sports™ game that currently comes standard with each system purchase, every new unit will now also come packaged with Wii Sports Resort™ and the control-enhancing Wii MotionPlus™ accessory. In addition, consumers will be able to choose between two color schemes for the Wii console and included controllers: original white, or a new black option. The U.S. suggested retail price of the new system package will remain at $199.99. Pricing outside the United States will be established by the local markets, but offer similar consumer value.

“By including even more of our top-quality hardware and software in the basic Wii system package, we’re extending that commitment to entertainment and value. Now more than ever, consumers can count on Nintendo to deliver inclusive fun and advanced motion controls at a mass-market price.”
“Nintendo leads the way in delivering rich motion-control gaming experiences at an accessible price point,” said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. “By including even more of our top-quality hardware and software in the basic Wii system package, we’re extending that commitment to entertainment and value. Now more than ever, consumers can count on Nintendo to deliver inclusive fun and advanced motion controls at a mass-market price.”

Wii Sports Resort expands on the active-play fun of the original Wii Sports, with resort-themed activities such as wakeboarding, archery and swordplay. What’s more, Wii Sports Resort features the rich control enhancements of Wii MotionPlus, which allows users to dive in and enjoy precision motion-control excitement right out of the box.

Wii MotionPlus has set the standard in precision motion control by delivering an immersive, social experience unavailable on any other system. As of May 9, when both the Wii Sports Resort game and a Wii MotionPlus accessory will come standard with every new Wii console, people who purchase the system can experience this leading-edge video game technology from the moment they plug in and power up.

Previously unavailable throughout the Americas, the black version of the Wii console will offer all the groundbreaking features and functions of its white counterpart in a stylish new color scheme. Whether they aim to color-coordinate with other devices or simply love the way it looks, consumers throughout the Americas can add a black Wii console with matching black Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers to their home entertainment lineup. Additional black controllers and accessories can be purchased separately.

The Wii system launched in November 2006 and continues to attract millions of new and experienced gamers with its intuitive motion-sensing controls and inclusive game offerings.

Remember that Wii features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about Wii, visit Wii.com.

It’s no secret that Nintendo will be releasing an all black Wii this summer, but it’s always nice to fan the flames of pre-launch jitters with some packaging.  As you can see, and previously reported the controllers will also be finished in an all sexy black.  Unfortunately, price has yet to be revealed but I can’t imagine that Nintendo is stupid enough to add on a tariff for a different finish.

Of note, I was at my local Costco (Culver City, CA) yesterday and all they had in stock was the Wii Nintendo Sports edition.  That’s right, no Xboxes or PS3s were in sight.  So maybe those rumors about a new Xbox and PS3 are true.

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Colors.  What a cool movie and Ice-T song.  Nintendo is bringing some colors to the streets of Japan this summer with a red DSi and a black Wii.  The red DSi will release on July 11th and the black Wii on August 1st.  The black Wii will also come with all black controllers as well.  No word yet on if these new colors will make it stateside.

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