Wii, it's finally here

Darius Chang | Apr 25, 2007

Editors' note :

Maxsoft has announced a trial launch of the Wii. The article has been amended to reflect the new information.

The trial launch by Maxsoft will see US models of the Nintendo Wii appearing in Singapore stores from tomorrow, with local sets possibly coming in the next three to four months. The difference between its sets and parallel import units is that the former will include a power adapter rated for local voltage and warranty support. However, to our dismay, it would seem that the distributor may have taken a page out of Sony's PS3 launch.

According to local Maxsoft, the Nintendo console will be sold only as a bundle, which includes two games (Wii Sports and a choice of Sonic the Hedgehog: Ring of Fire or Ice Age) and dual Wii remote for S$647 (US$425.66). At this price, some might find the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, retailing at S$660 (US$434.21) and S$799 (US$525.66), respectively, a better buy as they have superior graphics, internal harddisks, and in the case of the latter a Blu-ray optical drive. According to Maxsoft, these sets will have limited warranty, but declined to specify the exact length of the coverage. After quick calls to Sim Lim Square stores on how long Wii would be covered, we received promises ranging from three months to a year.