...but not really. This is more a story about the sordid state of console launches in Japan and how poorly executed they are. What? You've never heard about this? Of course you haven't. The Japanese media is too proud of their country to tell you.

Pushing, shoving, and a almost complete lack of actual gamers purchasing systems. Kotaku hosts the story of an American's look at a Japanese launch.

YouTube has a little nugget of a video showing Wii production, including a little blip by Perrin Kaplan, VP of Marketing and Corporate Affairs for NOA. The video also gives us our first glimpse and the Wii Remote packaging. Mystery solved.


Watch it here.

Nintendo released a couple photos of their assembly line in North Bend, WA.

IGN hosts them here

gamedaily.com has an article up featuring the Denver stop of the Nintendo Fusion Tour. There's a photo of me playing Wii!

Nintendo of America's president, Reggie Fils-Aime sat down with CNet to clear up a few things about the upcoming Wii console. It's a very interesting video and as always, Reggie pulls you in with his speaking.

Watch the video here

...is for some kids to play some video games.

The guys who create the hilarious Penny Arcade comic have started, and now for a few years, have run a fantastic charity that gives sick kids the chance to have some great games and books while they're staying in hospitals.

Child's Play has a website that gives you all the information, including how to give and which children's hostpitals are participating. The list of hospitals is growing all the time, so check often. This year, don't forget about the kids.

Today, Target team members were shipped a launch guide detailing how they should prepare and execute the Wii launch.  This post will outline some of the best little nuggets of information.



Pre-Launch

• Target stores will receive their inventory of consoles and accessories the week of 11/12
• Wii interactive displays will be set up on an endcap starting 11/12, and no later than 11/15 (more info below) 11/19 (Target has updated its plans for the interactives, and they will now be set on launch day).
• Most stores are expecting campers, but be aware that some mall stores will not allow overnight campers due to mall policies. Choose your store wisely.

Launch

• All stores will receive signing directing outside the store where the line will start the night before launch (11/18).
• At 7am on 11/19, an executive from the store will come out to greet the guests waiting in line and tell them what to expect at 8am when the store opens.
• Numbered tickets will be handed out to guests that represent one unit of inventory.  This ticket will also indicate the order in which you may purchase your Wii.  One ticket per guest. period.  DO NOT LOSE YOUR TICKET! If you do not have a ticket, you do not have a Wii.
• A shopping list will be handed to every guest to help them choose which accessories and software they want when they get inside.
• Soda and popcorn will also be handed out to all guests in line as a thank you for shopping at Target.
• At 8am, the doors will open and guests will be escorted inside to the electronics counter/register in the same order that the tickets were issued. 
  
• One guest at a time will be allowed to purchase their Wii, software, and accessories.  All software and accessories will be set up right next to the line so you can grab them as you head to the register.
• Valid 11/19 only: Target will give a $20 gift card to any guest that purchases 3 Wii software titles.
• If you are a Target team member, try your hardest not to be scheduled the morning of launch.  There are very strict rules in place about team members purchasing systems on the clock or in uniform.  Get with your supervisors to make sure you have a fighting chance.

Post-Launch

• Target stores are scheduled to receive weekly shipments on Wii consoles after launch.  No reservations or rain checks will be given.

Wii Interactive

• The Wii interactive will be set up on an endcap very close to the Wii display cases in the video game department.  The encap will also hold controllers, gift cards, brochures, and other accessories.   No pictures have surfaced yet, but the planogram calls for a special key for the interactive to be kept at the camera counter.  Could this be for the Wiimotes? Or just an easy way to access the system?

I hope this information proves useful to you come launch day.  Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below.  Good luck on 11/19!

IGN has made a really neat little java applet that gives us a 3d look at the Wii Remote. Go have fun!

GoNintendo has the first photos of Target's new gift card to coincide with the release of Nintendo's Wii. It glows blue just like the system!

Now THAT's talent!

I came across a really interesting post on a forum today. A Target team member, risking employment, gives us confidential info about the Wii accessory endcaps that will be set up next month in your local store.

This a very informative piece, giving prices, descriptions, and photos of upcoming Wii accessories. Enjoy!

And for any Target team members reading this: Go look up this POG at work for a little more fun and insight.

Yesterday, Nintendo posted some pretty interesting videos on Wii.com of people around the world trying out the Wii system. These videos are much more fun to watch than the obvious actors Nintendo was filming for previous trailers.

Enjoy.

There is some pretty interesting and somewhat distubring news surrounding the topic of Wii demo kiosks.

Demo kiosks are a staple at pretty much any place that sells video games, but the word on the street is that GameStop stores are the only ones that will be receiving the Wii kiosks.  Furthermore, these kiosks will require the use of a credit card for you to get a Wiimote to play.  Your plastic will act as a piece of collateral in exchange for an untethered controller.  This was apparently the best option for making the gameplay still fun and making the Wii accessible in a retail environment. 

How are other stores supposed to show off the system?  How are kids supposed to play Wii all by themselves?  These are bad ideas for the Wii kiosks....

Okie dokie folks, lets do another round of Wii videos!

A new story on techdigest.tv makes this super easy by compiling the 10 videos that will make you want to buy a Wii (just in case you were on the fence about it).  These videos range from compelling to crazy, so be sure to take a look.

1up.com brings us a closer look at the Wii Racing Wheel, also dubbed the Wiil by Nintendo fans.  This little device will make any racing game that much more fun to play. 

The fine folks at Destructoid took the time to interview gamers who recently attended the Nintendo Fusion Tour event at the Nintendo World store in NYC.  Lets see what the masses think....

GTtv gives us a first hand look at WarioWare Smooth Moves.  What can I say about this game?  Just watch.

Here's a 7 minute trailer for the new Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess game for Wii and GameCube.  The trailer is a compliation of the little bits of footage that's been floating around and is a wonderful way to see the game in all it's glory.  And trust me, it is glorious!

That's if for this week, kids.  have fun!

Some interesting reading in this month's Nintendo Power (November 2006) on page 99... My tattoo! Go pick up a copy this month and marvel at my nerdiness. :D Nintendo Power editors were quoted as saying "OUCH!" when seeing my tattoo.

Rumor:  photos of alleged Wii game cases.  If this is confirmed, this would be the first look at the way Wii games will be shipped. And if it's fake, I would  bet money this is pretty close to how the cases are going to look anyway.

Crazy, but not TOO crazy.  Could Nintendo's new child be getting a THIRD name change? 

SO NOW WE DISCUSS.  WHAT WOULD YOU THINK THE IDEAL NAME FOR Wii WOULD BE IF IT WERE TO BE CHANGED?

So the first date of the Nintendo Fusion tour has come and gone, and now we see what ticket holders are to expect.

A concertgoer at the Columbus show gives us these insights. 

Enjoy.

-Grant

This person has a wonderful mother.  Mom made a Zelda quilt.  Check out the article here.  And those skeptics said Windwaker didn't look good...

GWN and ConsoleTech are posting some really interesting photos of a Wii nunchuk controller in pieces.  I'm amazed at how simple this device is.

Enjoy.