Even though Nintendo has been reluctant to release details about its next-generation console, the Revolution, speculations have mounted that it may launch in 2007. So far, the Kyoto-based game
giant has only unveiled a mock-up of the console and its new
controller. It has also vaguely mentioned that several of its popular
franchises, such as Super Smash Bros. and Metroid Prime, are going next
gen. Today, though, the
company's head man debunked all rumors, stating that the console will
make it in time for Christmas 2006.
In an interview featured in today's edition of Japanese newspaper Sankei Shinbun,
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata stated, "We can't disclose the
Revolution's release period yet, but we have no plans to miss out on
the year-end sales battle. As for North America, we need to release it
by Thanksgiving, or otherwise we won't receive support from the retail
industry. So the Revolution will be released prior to that period."
Iwata did not disclose the price of Revolution but said that it will be reasonably priced. He said even though it is a superb machine, it will not sell for over 50,000 yen or $434 USD. To date, Nintendo has never released a console above the price of 25,000 yen ($217) in Japan. Iwata also told the
Sankei Shinbun that a working model close to the final form factor of the Revolution will be shown at E3 in May.
News source: GameSpot
