Nintendo to launch $100 Wii Mini in Canada next month

In the same month that Nintendo launched its brand new Wii U console, the company today announced a new smaller version of its original Wii console -- although it's currently only confirmed for release in Canada. The Wii Mini is "all about the games," says Nintendo, and includes a much smaller version of the console with lots of the functionality stripped out. It cannot connect to the internet, for example, and therefore does not support online play for any games that have online features. The console also is not compatible with Nintendo GameCube discs or accessories. Nintendo believes that this cut-down model will be "great value for first-time Wii owners who just want to jump in." The recommended retail price for the console is $99.99, and it will launch on December 7 in Canada. It comes in matte black with a red border, and thrown in is a red Wii Remote Plus and a red Nunchuk controller. It appears strange that Nintendo is launching the console solely in Canada, and the official statement reads, "No information is available about its potential availability in other territories in the future." A Nintendo UK spokesperson told Gamasutra, "Nintendo UK don't have anything to announce at this time."