CNN/Money: Wii could launch early

If Wii watchers were happy when Sports Illustrated for Kids came out with a November 6 release date for the system, they'd likely be elated to read a new CNN/Money report from Chris Morris that suggests the console could arrive as soon as late September.

In his article, Morris points out that the Xbox 360 went on sale 69 days after manufacturing of the system began. He then cites a June 21 analyst report from American Technology Research's P.J. McNealy indicating that the Wii has already entered manufacturing. McNealy is quoted in the article as saying that October is "a reasonable timeframe" for the release. Morris also cites other, unnamed industry insiders as expecting a September or October launch for the system.

As for the official Nintendo line on this article, a representative hadn't returned GameSpot's request for comment as of press time. However, earlier today the company did respond to the Sports Illustrated for Kids article, saying in part, "We remain committed to launch the remarkable Wii console in the fourth quarter of 2006."

That would rule out a September launch, but not October. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has previously said the console would hit shelves in the US before Thanksgiving.