When SHOULD Nintendo launch the Wii?

While Nintendo hasn’t announced a release date for its next console, the Nintendo Wii, that hasn’t stopped its fans from speculating wildly about when they’ll be able to get their hands on the console. A recent press release from Nintendo even teased fans with the possibility of having the Wii release date secretly hidden within. While that has produced even more speculation and no solid answer, we’ll take a look at the possible impact of the Wii launch in relation to its competition.

Scenario: Wii launches BEFORE the Ps3

Rationale: Sony’s Ps3 launch is November 17th, 2006 in North America. Nintendo has launched after Sony for two straight generations, and finished far behind them in consoles sold both times. Nintendo has repeatedly stated that it wouldn’t make that mistake again, and while Microsoft beat everybody to the punch, it isn’t in Nintendo’s best interest to be the last console out the gate. In having drastically different hardware, and in trying to differentiate its controller from Sony’s new tilt controller, Nintendo should launch first and show how their controller works before Sony gets their chance. Also, if Nintendo manages to ship more inventory than Sony (and they SHOULD be able to), it gives them a chance to not only get a sales lead on Sony, but have consoles on the shelves in the likely event that Ps3 consoles sell out. Finally, launching before Sony gives Nintendo the edge in taking advantage of the holiday spending early, rather than hoping folks have money left after they’ve bought Sony’s expensive behemoth.

Scenario: Wii launches AT THE SAME TIME or AFTER the Ps3

Rationale: Nintendo should be fearless in this console generation. They’re the disruptive force this time around. They should launch on the same day or after the Ps3. Not only would this get them extra publicity (they get mentioned every time someone mentions the Ps3 launch), but they put themselves directly in opposition to the most expensive and fragile mass-market videogame console of all time. Nintendo should take this bold step and show Sony they’re not the underdog this time around. With the confidence of the DS’ sales performance, Nintendo knows they can take on Sony so long as their launch software delivers and folks warm up to the Here are some more reasons why Nintendo should launch :

-They’ll be at least $250 cheaper

-They will have less expensive games than the Ps3 games on the same shelf (not confirmed, but likely)

-They’re likely to have more units available and are thus in a position to capitalize on likely Ps3 shortages

-Wii and Ps3 fanboys can duke it out at midnight launch events and the long lines outside department stores

Whichever route Nintendo takes (and the consensus seems to be they’ll launch in late October/early November), it’s very clear that Nintendo needs at least two factors to make sure they aren’t drowned out by Sony hype:

-Plenty of available units
-A compelling launch lineup

If Nintendo can deliver both, there is no reason why they won’t sell hundreds of thousands of units. They already have loyal fans that will buy their console whenever it releases, and with the proper marketing campaign and software, they can push beyond their typical fans and expand their demographic in a similar manner to what’s happening with their DS portable. Either way, we’ll all be playing with our Wii’s soon enough.