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Reggie to sell first US Wii

Nintendo of America's chatty president tells ABC News that he'll be handing out Wiis on launch day in New York.

For Nintendo's hardcore fans, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime is more than just a spokesperson for the company they adore, he's a general leading them into the next-gen console war.

Reggie will hand out the first Wii consoles in NYC.

Reggie will hand out the first Wii consoles in NYC.

Nintendophiles will have a chance to get up close and personal with their leader, Fils-Aime told ABC News. In an interview with the program, the man known simply as "Reggie" said he would be handing out some of the first Wiis at a New York store on November 19, the day the console goes on sale in North America.

"Those consumers, the core gamer, are very important to us," Reggie said. "And you know what? I'll be at a store in the New York area, where they will camp out and I will be handing out some Wiis that very first minute that we're available for purchase."

The store Fils-Aime refers to is likely the Nintendo World Store in Rockafeller Center, which has played host to other Nintendo events in the past.

Reggie used the network-television time to hawk the system to the mainstream crowd.

"Our focus with a mass market game [console], was to have a mass market price, and a mass market collection of software, and we think we've done that."

The mass market price comes with some caveats, as the console won't have some of the multimedia perks that Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3 have. But that doesn't bother Fils-Aime.

"There are some choices that we made in the development in order to achieve that price point. There's no DVD playback capability. And our thinking is most consumers have about 5 different [DVD players] in their house. Our games are not high-definition. Again our thinking is HD penetration is [only] about 15 percent of households."

The current generation of systems clearly had a winner--the PlayStation 2. While many try and predict who will be this generation's champ, Fils-Aime doesn't think there will be gold, silver, and bronze medals. However, he's not content to simply share the spotlight.

"In order for me to win, must they fail? I don't think so, because they're trying to do something very different," he said. "But our goal is to be the leader in this industry."

448 Comments

  • Darth-Revan45

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 9:35 am GMT

    Good job Reggie, I am gonna get mine on Christmas.

  • Mindchamber

    Posted Nov 17, 2006 4:54 pm GMT

    anyboy here besides me, find reggie creepy?

    I picture him sayin "here ya go kid, now getoutta here, ya bother me.."

  • cameeu

    Posted Nov 16, 2006 12:14 am GMT

    I don't live in a huge city, but, I hop I'll get one, I am going to be there at 8pm(Nov 18 ) and see if theres any line, if not I'll com back at 2am(Nov 19 ) to check, hopefully there wont be a line, but I'll be there when it opens.

    But **** those Wii commercials, at my high school everyone mentioned it, and ever since that one Wii commercial they had this morning, everywhere I walk I here it I believe there will be a line!

  • DoubleDragon1

    Posted Oct 30, 2006 8:06 pm GMT

    Well I won't be in NYC to receieve a Wii from Reggie but I will be getting one on launch. The place I'm going will definitely have the system and they aren't taking any preorders so it's first come first serve. I just might have to camp out though just to make sure...

  • undox

    Posted Oct 29, 2006 12:13 pm GMT

    I will be meeting Reggie when the Wii is launched. With the long wait for Zelda and the innovative controller, I have enough reasons to get the Wii as soon as possible. The fact that Reggie will be there will be another bonus.

  • rgjj

    Posted Oct 29, 2006 5:01 am GMT

    if thats what nintendo users look like then i might cancell my preorder lol

  • theage

    Posted Oct 28, 2006 8:43 pm GMT

    I will be at the Nintendo world store to pick up my Wii. I wish i can get a PS3 but, i spent almost $800 last year on the 360 on launch day! So, I can only afford the Wii. (DAMN YOU SONY FOR MAKING THR PS3 $600!!!!!!!) Well, no rush, i'll get the damn thing after the new year! 47 systems i have and counting!!! Woooo!!!!! \m/

  • Neo_Kelyn

    Posted Oct 23, 2006 5:10 am GMT

    All respect to Reggie. That guy's a legend.

    It's a shame that I'm going to have to wait until the 8th of December to get my hands on one of these puppies, but with what I just read about unit production (2Mil already, could ship as much as 7-9million before the year's out) I don't think I'm going to have much trouble getting my hands on a console.

    Roll on december.

  • 111112222111112

    Posted Oct 21, 2006 2:03 pm GMT

    Lets just say....If i could buy a ps3 right now i would go in front of a tv and smash it into the ground. Who cares if it had better graphics......The wii has so much more to do then some stupid sony.

  • hyrulian_elite

    Posted Oct 12, 2006 4:54 am GMT

    i could understand if he was signing them or something for you could sell it on ebay and get twice as much as you paid for it then u could get a wii and a few extra controllers

  • buddy3

    Posted Oct 11, 2006 9:54 am GMT

    Must Reggie Fils-Aime Redeem Nintendo by standing behind a counter shaking hands, taking pictures , etc. While your average video Game retailer has to deal with outraged customers due to the fact of shortages of product? It's a win-win for Mr. President but another long launch day for the manager at your local Video game retailer. We are nearly mid-ways into October and consumers are still unable to pre-order the console. It sounds to me that along with re-establising relationships with third-party publishers, Nintendo also has a tremendous task of regaining the trust of the once loyal, but waivering, Nintendo Fanbase.

    -Homer (buddy3)

  • daishi112

    Posted Oct 10, 2006 5:10 pm GMT

    I agree Paul162, he looks like donkey kong.

  • Paul162

    Posted Oct 10, 2006 4:51 pm GMT

    That guy look like a monkey and he might be donkey kong brother

  • Paul162

    Posted Oct 9, 2006 10:23 pm GMT

    Reggie sell me the frist nintendo wii

  • diggyman

    Posted Oct 9, 2006 3:09 pm GMT

    Im glad all this is happening...

  • yusefdoodi

    Posted Oct 7, 2006 6:29 pm GMT

    that would be HILARIOUS even though im with the wii

  • Science2000luke

    Posted Oct 6, 2006 6:44 pm GMT

    Um, rammstein, why? For making a big deal out of a consumer product?

  • rammstein149

    Posted Oct 6, 2006 4:55 pm GMT

    i wish i could be the first one to buy it and then break it right in front of him.

  • theoffspring99u

    Posted Oct 6, 2006 2:23 pm GMT

    thats one ugly dude...

  • antonioscordo

    Posted Oct 6, 2006 10:45 am GMT

    If you think about it, this ia a good strategy for now. The Wii priced lower than the 360 and much lower than the PS3. I know there are big performance difference. BUT it is about 2X faster and 2x more memory than the gamecube. Uses standard SD cards, . . .etc. you've heard it all before. But here's the thing. . . I think nintendo is going to outsell both Xbox 360 and PS3 in the number of units sold . . maybe not $ made, but definately number of units. Lets look at parents and not Hard Core Gamers for Christmas . . kids want a new game system to replace their aging one, or maybe their first ever system . . R U going to spend $700 on one . . I don't think so.

    Also, as the prices in hardware continue to drop . . nintnedo could in a few years, release a new system that adds the power of the 360 or PS3 at a reasonable price. Like the Wii 2.0 or something. I think Nintendo realised that the "arms race" in graphics and processor powers was taking the price way out of the average consumer's budget. . . .

    Would I like a PS3? Hell Yeah! Can I spend well over $800 on a new system, extra controller and a couple of games? Hell no!

    So, I'll get a wii. With the system, extra controller, and a couple of games it's aroung $400. Still can't really afford it, but it is doable for my son's first system of his own, instead of my relics of the past.

    Does he want a PS3? Yep. Is he getting one? Nope. Maybe in 4 years when they too are about $250.

  • leonheart_z

    Posted Oct 6, 2006 7:38 am GMT

    ..zzzzzzzzzzzzz.....

  • kanashimaru

    Posted Oct 5, 2006 9:11 pm GMT

    INACT1VE, youre right about the ps3's graphical performance
    it is much better than the 360, if you see the screenshots for devil may cry 4 and grand turismo hd, everything is just amazing..i gotta say that final fantasy 13 is looking nice, even though i lost hope after ff9 and ff-x
    ill be getting a ps3 wayyyyyy later after my wii

  • INACT1VE

    Posted Oct 5, 2006 8:35 pm GMT

    Ahh fools, I have seen the light. My friend has shown me some of the trailers for games in the Wii. Now, a week ago, I was a skeptic of Nintendo, but now I have revised. Seeing the in-game trailers really shined some light on the console's capabilities. So now you can say I am both a Sony and Nintendo man. (XBOX 360 still sucks balls.) I plan on getting a Wii, I mean cmon, you can't beat $250 bucks. (SONY!!!) Still though, I am confident that PS3 will outperform Wii and 360 graphically. I'll just wait for the PS3's price to drop before I bought it.

  • Lord_Mango_Jr

    Posted Oct 5, 2006 7:18 pm GMT

    This man is big and sweaty and scary. I don't want a Wii from him.

    In fact, I don't want a Wii period. Go PS3

  • sony_boy_18

    Posted Oct 5, 2006 7:10 pm GMT

    what ever you say bigcrusha if you read the damn post correctly you would know that i like both systems but i just think ps3 is going to come out better in selling.im getting the wii as well but the ps3 will do better thats just what i believe.make fun of me all you want i dont give a crap.BUT MY OPINION PS3 IS GOING TO BE MUCH BETTER.

  • Paul162

    Posted Oct 5, 2006 6:55 pm GMT

    Reggie that look like donkey kong brother.

  • biggamerhk

    Posted Oct 5, 2006 6:13 pm GMT

    ya know what??? i REALLY want to get a wii it seems so friggin awesome

  • sja28

    Posted Oct 5, 2006 3:14 pm GMT

    IM A TRULY XBOX 360 FAN AND I JUST HAVE TO SAY...I SUPPORT WII CUZ I DON'T KNOW BUT I HAVE TO SAY....EVERYBODY GREW UP WITH NINTENDO.NINTENDO IS A LEGENDARY COMPANY WHO MADE GAME IN THE PAST WHEN WE ARE KIDS,AND THEY STILL MAKING GAMES FOR THE NEW GENERATIONS.THATS NOT ALL,THEY GOT THE BEST PRICE ON THIS NEXT GEN COMPETITION.IM A MICROSOFT FAN.BUT I KNOW THAT NINTENDO HAVE THE GOOD VARIETY OF GAMES FOR THE KIDS OF THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE GENERATIONS.

  • Omihalcon

    Posted Oct 5, 2006 11:48 am GMT

    Funny that after all this time and controversy the big day is so close now...

  • leonheart_z

    Posted Oct 5, 2006 10:21 am GMT

    ....zzzzzzzzzzz...

  • Res3

    Posted Oct 5, 2006 12:09 am GMT

    wii will wii will rock u!

  • dfirlotte

    Posted Oct 4, 2006 8:33 pm GMT

    No thank you Reggie... you look creepier than Mark Foley... I'll just get mine from some lowly cashier...

  • sony_boy_18

    Posted Oct 4, 2006 7:00 pm GMT

    now im not going to speak my mind because i will get deleted.i will talk soft to you all.but any way you people are taking methe wrong way i like nintendo hell i been playing it since i was born .but ps3 has a hell of alot better games.if it were the other way around meaning if ps3 was 250 and nintendo was 600 you all would be backing ps3 insted but since yall cant afor......well since yall dont like the price of the ps3 yall all on nintendo.besides metriod,resident,farcry and torock,what else good games for nintendo do you see comming out with a mature story line hmmmmmmmm? LIKE I SAID I THINK PS3 WILL DO BETTER THE WII.BUT THATS JUST MY OPION.

  • elozl

    Posted Oct 4, 2006 6:40 pm GMT

    There will be an exclusive Resident Evil for Wii, and of course we can expect a new Castlevania!!!
    GTA is just for weak minds...

  • HOMIE_G64

    Posted Oct 4, 2006 5:31 pm GMT

    Lol. You must be the biggest nub in the world to think that Wii isn't gonna go out with a bang. The PS3 and 360 are awsome in there respect, but Wii won't fizzle like the 'Cube.

  • EverAB

    Posted Oct 4, 2006 12:27 pm GMT

    "i ment the wii is like a game system for kids not hard core gamers." ever play Killer Seven, how about Resident Evil 4? Turok...Metroid? Or are you just talking out of your ass about a system you don't know. I respect Sony, and like their FF games, but when you start bashing other consoles...that's just low. Stick with what you like, don't insult others, freaking fanboys.

  • boo_dat

    Posted Oct 3, 2006 8:58 pm GMT

    Where the frig is Super Mario World 2??? Best Mario game ever...aside from Super Mario Bros 3 of course. Seriously, Mario World 2....NOW!!!

  • lagreendown

    Posted Oct 3, 2006 6:24 pm GMT

    zzzzzzzzz

  • mangrullon

    Posted Oct 3, 2006 6:20 pm GMT

    anyone else notice the lack of childish wii games?! WHERE THE HELL IS MY YOSHI STORY 2!?!?!?

  • D1STURBED0NE

    Posted Oct 3, 2006 5:45 pm GMT

    sony_boy_18, what nessarily makes a game hard core or childish? It's about the game play, not the amount of blood and gore. Mario Kart double dash was a great game. Do you consider it childish because you don't get to run over hookers like in GTA? I think it's you that is childish. In the immortal words of Forrest Gump, "That's all I got to say about that."

  • MrBrownstone1

    Posted Oct 3, 2006 5:03 pm GMT

    Wii will make adults feel like a kid again

  • 3leMenT

    Posted Oct 3, 2006 5:01 pm GMT

    sony_boy_18 yeah nice thinking that, since sony's stock droped 2.7 somthing.... sony is going down man its going to be a gamecube, and you have seen redsteal, farcry and metroid them games look heaps fun wii will have adult games, but thats not the point games arn't fun because there got some blood in it, just because you wan't some sick fantasy in killing some one doesn't make a game good, games are about having fun. theres my 2 cents

  • bigcrusha

    Posted Oct 3, 2006 2:48 pm GMT

    I dont care who this Reggie guy is!! I just want a wii this november!!!!

  • captaincoley

    Posted Oct 3, 2006 1:39 pm GMT

    how come "wii" know so much about the Wii and so little about PS3 and the Wii is launching later than the PS3 .

    (this is a must have system if you dont have alot of cash)

  • sony_boy_18

    Posted Oct 3, 2006 11:18 am GMT

    i ment the wii is like a game system for kids not hard core gamers.that why i said i think the ps3 will do a little better than wii because of the hardcore gaming line up.when nintendo stop with the children games like mario and games like donkey kong.dont get me wrong thier alsome games but grown ups look foward to games more like resident evil and grand theft auto.
    .,
    .
    .
    if it wasnt for the price of the ps3 alot of people would really still be on it.

  • Science2000luke

    Posted Oct 3, 2006 11:18 am GMT

    ok softcloud, you're right, I'll back up my arguement with facts. When I go to buy videogames, I got to Toys r US, a toy store, where people go to find outlets for their frustration. EB and other videogames stores are indeed toy stores, but specialize in selling electronic toys.

    Now for why nintendo has a great chance:
    First they're a company who solely sells videogames, thus they know that their customers seek entertainment and try their best to fulfill that need in our lives. SOny obviously "doesn;t care" about this. Nevertheless, both are companies that want to make money, but Nintendo aims more directly at entertainment. Also, with Wii, they want to introduce innovation to lure us away from the repetitive button pushing, making games mroe realistic. This may get old in a decade or two, but hey! It's new now!

    Sony and Xbox are decent systems with amazing computational power and unbelievable graphics, but is that really the essence of fun. Get real! Little children often have more fun with cardboard boxes than with what's inside them. So, I guess the issue here is what are videogames used for: fun or something else?

  • Science2000luke

    Posted Oct 3, 2006 11:04 am GMT

    Uh, videogames are toys and they're meant for entertainment...for fun! so I guess the better toy will get the most support. good job, nintendo!

  • sony_boy_18

    Posted Oct 3, 2006 8:26 am GMT

    i think tha nintendo will sell but not like playstation.people will possibley get the ps3 first because it has a real good gaming system.and most people look at nintendo as a toy so i think that ps3 will do better not alot but just better.

  • marty352

    Posted Oct 3, 2006 5:30 am GMT

    I think nintendo have deffinately got what it takes this time round. Its new, different and the price markup is spot on. Im a fan of the whole games market but im backing nintendo all the way. Sony seem to be losing there way a bit, ye the PS3 packs a punch as far as technology goes but is that really wot we want...? I just wana be entertained. As for microsoft i think there doing ok the balance is just right for the gaming market there aiming for. Wot the rest of you guys think about it all?

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