Wii Black Console with New Super Mario Brothers Wii and Music CD

by Nintendo

Product Features

• Bundle contents include: Black Wii Console, Wii Remote Plus, Nunchuck, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Super Mario Galaxy 2 soundtrack
• Built-in Wi-Fi Access For Easy Connection To Internet
• Netflix instant streaming functionality allows for thousands of movies, TV shows, cartoons and more right on your TV
• New Super Mario Bros. Wii offers a 1-4 player, cooperative or competitive experience
• The newly configured black Wii console is designed exclusively for Wii game play and entertainment experiences (Nintendo GameCube software and accessories are not supported)

Product Details

• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B005QWYKOE
• Product Dimensions: 15 x 5.3 x 9.7 inches ; 7.3 pounds
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: October 23, 2011
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (67 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #560 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Console-based video gaming is one of the most popular of modern digital technologies, cutting across age, demographic and gender divides. Today's players have three dominant platforms to choose from: Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 by Microsoft. Each is an impressive multifunctional device, with designs meant to encourage integration into existing home entertainment systems and networks, but each goes about this in different ways. Taking a few minutes to examine the main features, and getting more familiar with available options, accessories and possible limitations of each console is the optimal way to determine which is the best choice for the players in a household.

Console Choices

	Wii View larger	PlayStation 3 View larger	Xbox 360 View larger
Models and Pricing (prices may vary)	Wii with Mario Kart Wii - $149	160 GB memory - $250 320 GB memory - $300	4 GB memory - $200 250 GB memory - $300
What's in the Box	Wii console Wii Mario Kart game One Wii Remote Plus controller One Nunchuk controller Wii Sensor bar Standard composite cable and power cord	PS3 console One wireless controller A/V cable for connection to TV USB cable for charging controller Free PlayStation Network (PSN) membership	Xbox 360 console One Xbox 360 wireless controller Composite A/V cable (standard definition) A month free Xbox LIVE Gold membership
Motion Gaming?	Already included	PlayStation Move (sold separately)	Kinect for Xbox 360 (sold separately)
Colors (limited edition colors may be available)	White and black	Black	Black
Drive Type	CD (just games)	CD/DVD/Blu-ray (games, music, movies)	CD/DVD (games, music, movies)
Online Play	WiiWare	PlayStation Network (PSN)	Xbox LIVE
Additional Accessories	Additional controllers - $10-45	Additional controllers - $40-50	Additional controllers - $40-50
Price Range of Games	New releases: ~$30 - $50 Downloadable: ~$5 - $10	New releases: ~$60 Motion: ~$40 Downloadable: ~$5 - $15	New releases: ~$60 Motion: ~$50 Downloadable: ~$5 - $15
Backwards Compatibility	Plays all GameCube game titles	Offers compatibility with PS1 games	Over 300 titles developed for the original Xbox console are currently available
Graphic Quality	480p	1080p	1080p
Great For	Designed for Junior to Grandma with titles generally focused on family fun, party games	High-powered and highly customizable system for the technical-minded consumers	Offers a wide selection of games and accessible entertainment, with user-friendly social tools

Arcade, Casual and Party games are a Wii Specialty.
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Consider Games Before Choosing a Console

There is not just one kind of console video game, and so the machines that are are used to play them are different as well. Considering the types of games to be played, their availability for the consoles being considered and the ability of those consoles' to present the best gaming experience possible for the game's genre and content is important. The games developed for Wii tend to be more easily accessible, family-friendly productions heavily influenced by Nintendo's classic gaming history. Filled with cartoon-like and childlike characters as well as Arcade-style gameplay situations, Wii games are often referred to as "Casual Games," or "Party Games" typified by brief, simple "mini-games." These small games-within-games are tailor-made for players new to the puzzle-solving aspects of gaming and how that is translated through game controllers to the screen by the player.

PS3 and Xbox 360 provide the processing power that Action-Adventure, Shooter, Racing and RPG games need.
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PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles are the current version of earlier console releases whose user bases were rooted in game genres such as Action-Adventure, Shooters, Racing, Sports, Role-playing games (RPG) and so on. Gameplay developed in these genres tends to require more focus on the part of the player, and more graphics processing power from the console in order to maintain a quality experience. That is what continues to be the main focus of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Capable of full 1080p HD quality graphics presentation when used with the proper cables and displays, in this area Xbox 360 and PS3 are far beyond what Wii is capable of. Iconic game franchises like Halo, God of War, Fable, Metal Gear Solid, Gears of War, Killzone, Mass Effect, The Elder Scrolls and many others have grown up on these platforms, feeding off of their power. And with the rise of online multiplayer gaming through Xbox LIVE and PSN the high energy, fine graphical specialties of these platforms only continues to grow.

Motion Gaming

Although motion gaming has been front and center since the launch of the Wii in 2006, the other two consoles have their own motion gaming offerings that provide unique play opportunities on their respective platforms that have also found a wide audience. See a breakdown of the motion gaming capacity of each of the systems below.

Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk

The Wii Remote Plus controller is the standard wireless controller that ships with each Wii. It combines the intuitive motion controls of the original Wii Remote with the precision technology of the Wii MotionPlus accessory, all built-in to a single unit. The device is handled in a wand-like fashion, and uses internal gyroscope and accelerometer technology to pinpoint the players movements and physical positioning which it then relates into a game via a sensor bar connected to the console. The Wii Remote Plus has only a few buttons making it easy to use. It also contains a speaker, a rumble feature, and an external connector for other input devices like the Nunchuk controller and the Classic Controller.

PlayStation Move

PlayStation Move offers a new and innovative gaming experience for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) system by fusing realistic, high-definition gaming along with accurate, intuitive control. Consisting of a PlayStation Move motion controller, a PlayStation Move Navigation controller (optional in most games) and a PlayStation Eye camera (all sold separately), PlayStation Move enables sophisticated, ultra accurate motion control and immersive gameplay only possible on the PS3 system. In addition, the PlayStation Eye features the ability to process up to 120 frames/second and a built-in 4 microphone array for pristine video quality and video chat capabilities.

Kinect for Xbox 360

Easy to use and fun for everyone, Kinect sensor for Xbox 360 utilizes revolutionary full-body tracking to put players in the center of the fun that is 100% controller-free. After configuring itself by registering a range of points across your body, this amazing technology allows Kinect to recognize and mirror your movements in the game, in effect making your body the controller. The sensor is compatible with every Xbox 360, features a color VGA motion camera (640 x 480 pixel resolution @ 30 frames per second), a depth camera (640 x 480 pixel resolution @ 30 frames per second) and an array of 4 microphones supporting single speaker voice recognition.

Wii Remote Plus & Nunchuk. View larger

PlayStation Eye & Motion controller. View larger

Controller-free Kinect sensor play. View larger

Online Play and Functionality

Online functionality is a major focus in console gaming. Each of the three consoles can be used offline, but by integrating them into your home broadband connection you can greatly expand their potential. Each posses a significant online component, but differ in the ways users can interact with it.

WiiWare is a service that allows Wii players to download games and applications directly to their Wii console in exchange for purchased Wii Points on the Wii Shop Channel. Online gameplay requires a code to play. It's free to play and there are no names, so kids are protected against unwanted contact. Through Wii's online component players can also gain access to hundreds of classic arcade games available for download through Wii's Virtual Console functionality. The Nintendo Channel allows players to watch gameplay videos, trailers, developer interviews, and even download Nintendo DS game demos wirelessly. Additional Wii online functionality includes a web browser and connectivity with Netflix,* which allows users to stream video efficiently and quietly by means of the console's low energy consumption internal processing.

PlayStation Network is an all access pass not only to a world of gaming, but also one of entertainment at-large. The service is 100% free, only requiring a PS3 (or PlayStation handheld) and a broadband connection to the Internet. Once you are in visit the PlayStation Store where users can download games, previews, DLC add-ons for games, game demos, game extras, music and streaming video. Purchases can be made using a credit card or a PlayStation Network Card purchased offline. Content can be stored on your console or external media. Online multiplayer gameplay through PSN is simple, yet robust. Simply slip a compatible multiplayer disc into the console, select the multiplayer option and set up your own game or wait to join one in progress. The service also contains Netflix access,* a range of original gaming-oriented video programming, as well as access to PlayStation Home, a 3D world where gamers can interact in a virtual environment.

Xbox LIVE is the online entertainment hub for Xbox 360. The service was launched with the original Xbox console in 2002, and has evolved and grown with Xbox 360. The service is two-tiered, with every user receiving a free "Silver membership," which allows for access to content such as free game demos, downloaded video rentals, Xbox LIVE avatar functionality and chat. A paid "Gold Membership" provides access to these and expanded features, including online gaming, HD movies and TV shows through services such as Netflix,* HBO Go,** ESPN, and Hulu Plus, downloadable games, facebook, downloadable content (DLC) for games and more. Players use Xbox LIVE points, which as easily purchased online and offline to access much of the online content. Both Xbox LIVE membership levels allow players to increase their Gamer Score, a running tally of the achievements they have unlocked in games. This is commonly shared information among gamers around the world and a source of pride in the community.

* Existing Netflix unlimited membership account required.
** Requires a valid subscription to HBO content through a cable or satellite provider.

Product Description

Includes Black Wii Console, Black Wii Remote Plus, Black Nunchuk, New Super Mario Bros. Wii game pack and Super Mario Galaxy Official Soundtrack. New Super Mario Bros. Wii: A classic Mario adventure that everyone can enjoy. This Side scrolling Platformer for 1-4 players has a game rating of "E" with Comic Mischief. Language is English, Spanish and French. Mario has made a mighty leap out into the galaxy. We've also made the leap to full surround orchestration for the music that paints the backdrop to Mario games. Much as a multitude of stars come together to create a galaxy, many musicians have come together to create music to fill your hearts.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

157 of 166 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Wii is an awesome console, but there are better system packages - Note this particular console CANNOT play Gamecube games, October 23, 2011

By 

Jacob (Chapel Hill, NC) - See all my reviews

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Wii Black Console with New Super Mario Brothers Wii and Music CD (Video Game)

**Please note this particular console is not backward compatible with Gamecube. It only plays Wii games. For me this is a deal breaker. If you want a backward compatible console buy the Mario Kart Wii bundle, which is backward compatible and cheaper. Deciding between the Mario Kart Wii bundle and this bundle is a no-brainer in my opinion. Why pay more for this particular Wii that does less? UPDATE 11/7/2011 - It appears Amazon is discontinuing sales of the Wii Mario bundle. It looks like Amazon will only directly sell the Wii console with Super Mario Bros. If you want the Wii Mario bundle you will have to buy from an authorized Amazon reseller and pay more money or you can go to another major retailer that is still stocking the Wii Mario bundle.**

The recent bundle releases are the Wii Console with Mario Kart Wii Bundle - Black and the Console Black With New Super Mario Bros. The question you need to ask yourself is which of these bundles best fits you. I'll discuss what you get in each bundle and the differences/similarities below.

Included with the Mario Kart bundle for $146.98 (price fluctuates): a Wii console, Mario Kart Wii with Wii Wheel, nunchuk controller and Wii remote plus (black or white depending on the bundle you pick).

Included with the New Super Mario Bros bundle for $149.99: a Black Wii console, Black Wii remote plus, Black nunchuck, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, and the Super Mario Galaxy 2 soundtrack

SIMILARITIES:

Each bundle contains a Wii console, nunchuk controller and remote plus.

KEY DIFFERENCES:

The Super Mario Bros. Wii CANNOT play Gamecube games. The New Super Mario Bros. bundle only comes in black. The Mario Kart bundle comes in black OR white.

The Mario Kart bundle includes Mario Kart and a wheel ($45.52 if bought separately), whereas the New Super Mario Bros. bundle includes the New Super Mario Bros. game ($43.99 if bought separately).

CONCLUSION: The prices are similar enough, $146.98 (fluctuates and sometimes goes to the low $140s) vs. $149.99, that it is silly to pay the same amount for a console that doesn't offer backward compatibility. Buy the Mario Kart Wii console. I'd recommend picking up the Super Mario Bros. game separately. This game is incredible. A blast from the past with 2-d scrolling and multiplayer. One of my favorites and a perennial best-seller on Amazon.

65 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First-Time Buyer, November 1, 2011

By 

David - See all my reviews

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wii Black Console with New Super Mario Brothers Wii and Music CD (Video Game)

I've read a lot of less than five-star reviews for this new Wii package but I have a different perspective on it.

I bought this for a family member who has never owned a Nintendo Wii and doesn't care for the game Mario Kart but loves Super Mario Bros. So this was a win-win product solution for me. It just depends on who the product package is for and their likes/dislikes. I'm concerned the negative reviews are going to make first-time buyers think there are other issues with the gaming console. If I bought the bundle that included Mario Kart, I would have had to buy Super Mario Bros separately, adding about $50 more to the cost. And not everyone cares about playing Nintendo GameCube titles, it's just a preference.

If anyone is a hardcore Wii user, I can't imagine they would consider this product anyhow, just wait for the next version of Nintendo Wii to be released in the near future.

Game On!

46 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Love the Wii, but get the Mario Kart Bundle for the best value and full Wii experience, October 23, 2011

By 

Joe P. "Root Beer Enthusiast" (North Caldwell, NJ) - See all my reviews

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Wii Black Console with New Super Mario Brothers Wii and Music CD (Video Game)

First, let me just say I love the Wii and love LOVE New Super Mario Brothers Wii. In fact, that game is the reason I bought a Wii. So my 3 star rating is not an indictment on the system or game, but rather the value of this bundle compared to the Mario Kart bundle. As a previous reviewer mentioned, this does not feature compatibility with Gamecube games and/or accessories. Obviously, that is a big negative. You'll be missing out on a vast library of games that include Mario Sunshine, Metroid Prime, and many other greats. Many of these games could be purchased rather cheap on here, eBay, or Gamestop.

Then there's another "feature" they removed that I don't think was mentioned yet. And that is that this system is not meant to be set up in the vertical position. This Wii is designed a little differently and is a bit smaller, what with all the Gamecube "guts" taken out. It is not designed to be placed vertically, only down like the picture on the box indicates. Consequently, it does not come with a stand. Obviously, a lot of people enjoy the vertical positioning of their Wii, whether it be for aesthetic reasons or space saving necessity.

And then, of course, you have the price. I think 149.99 is worth it for the Wii and this great game. Not, however, when there is much better value out there. Even at the MSRP of 149.99, the Mario Kart bundle is a better deal because of the Gamecube compatibility and vertical placement option. However, as some of you may be aware, Target and Walmart have permanently dropped the price of their Mario Kart bundles to $134. So you are paying 16 dollars less for a system that features Gamecube BC and a vertical stand and vertical placement option. It seems like a no brainer. In fact, when I heard that this bundle without these features was getting released, I figured it would be priced at about 100-120 dollars. I was surprised that this inferior bundle would be priced the same or in some cases like I mentioned, higher) as the superior Mario Kart bundles. The good news is that this bundle is not replacing the Mario Kart bundles. They will still be manufactured and available, this is just an alternative.

So in conclusion, I just don't think this is a good buy against the Mario Kart bundles. I love the Wii and the Mario game and urge everyone reading to buy one... just not this particular one. At least not until there is a price drop or you find a great deal that makes it worth not having the removed features. You can always buy the New Mario Bros game separately. And the advantage of doing that is that you get the game in a nice full sized red Wii case. With this bundle, you are getting it in a cheaper paper sleeve case, like Wii Sports in the past, which leaves the discs more prone to scratching and also lowers it's potential resell value, if you ever decide on selling it back for whatever reason. Hopefully this helps you make a better decision on which Wii Bundle to buy or not buy