Updated Wii And NSMB Bundle Coming To U.S.

Nintendo announced that a new Wii bundle, featuring a black, updated version of its hardware without GameCube support, and a copy of New Super Mario Bros. Wii, will release in the U.S. on October 23. The company initially unveiled the streamlined Wii model, the first update for the system since its 2006 launch, two months ago in a holiday bundle meant for the European market -- at the time, Nintendo of America said it "did not have any plans" to release it in the States. According to the platform holder, the only two significant differences in this updated model are that it sits horizontally rather than vertically, and it does not feature backwards compatibility support for GameCube discs or accessories. The console is approximately the same size. Along with a copy of New Super Mario Bros. Wii, which has sold some 22 million copies worldwide since releasing in late 2009, the $149.99 bundle will include a Super Mario Galaxy soundtrack CD, a black Wii Remote Plus controller, and a black Nunchuk controller. This new package will sell alongside Nintendo's other identically priced Wii bundle, which includes a White or Black system, matching Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk controllers, a copy of Mario Kart Wii, and the Wii Wheel accessory.