What would you say if I told you that there was a new Wii console on its way. I’m not talking about the recently released Wii-U, or even the first Wii console, but a new one altogether.

More specifically, a budget-friendly Wii console that is more compact in size yet still includes all the key features you know and love. Okay, so maybe it’s not exactly ‘bite size’, but it is certainly compact!

Well, there is such a thing and it’s called the Wii Mini. I know, Nintendo comes up with the most original names right (pure sarcasm folks)? It’s especially ideal for those of you out there who have been waiting for the Wii to drop in price.

What is The Nintendo Wii Mini?

I know what you’re already thinking, what’s the catch? It’s a $99 console, there must be something crucial missing, right? Well, there is, but that depends. It depends on what you’re looking for in a console, but chances are if you’re looking for a more advanced console, you’ll go with one of the other next-gen offerings or even the Nintendo Wii-U.

The Wii Mini has been designed exclusively to play Nintendo Wii games. It has no internet capabilities, which means no media streaming support. The backwards compatibility with GameCube games has also been omitted, as well.

The most alarming change is the lack of an SD card slot, which is not included in the Wii Mini. Make no mistake about it; this will be the pivotal factor of the Mini’s success. Existing Wii owners will not be able to import or export save data because Nintendo has just left out the capability.

Matt Ryan, with Nintendo Canada, says that the first Wii and the Wii Mini are for entirely different classes of gamers.

“It really depends on the experience that players want and their preferred investment in their gaming console. If a player just wants to play Wii games, Wii Mini is a great choice at a great price. If the player wants more from their system, Wii U is the latest innovation of fun from Nintendo.”

Essentially, the Wii Mini is a stripped down Nintendo Wii with only limited gaming capabilities. It plays every Nintendo Wii game (there are no restrictions), and it also makes use of all Nintendo Wii compatible motion controllers, accessories and peripherals.

So, yes, that means you can still use your Wii-Fit with the Mini!

Bundled with the Wii Mini is the following:

• Wii Mini Console
• Wii Remote Plus Controller
• Nunchuk Controller
• Sensor Bar
• Power Adapter
• Standard Composite Cable

If you would like an HDTV component cable you’ll have to buy it separately because it’s not included in the Wii Mini retail box.

Still, for $99 you can’t find anything better. All previous Wii peripherals and accessories will work with the Mini too, which means you can always purchase more controllers for everyone else in the family at affordable prices (GameStop is your friend).

Nintendo is Also Discounting Classic Wii Titles

Just in time for the release of the Mini, Nintendo is also discounting the cost of choice Wii titles to $19.99. This is similar to Sony’s Greatest Hits series with PlayStation Games, and Microsoft’s Platinum Hits with Xbox 360 titles. Also, the following titles have been reduced to ‘a variety of price points for every kind of shopper.”

• Super Smash Bros. Brawl (suggested retail price of $29.99)
• Donkey Kong Country Returns (suggested retail price of $29.99)
• Mario Kart Wii (suggested retail price of $39.99)
• Wii Sports Resort (suggested retail price of $39.99)
• New Super Mario Bros. Wii (suggested retail price of $59.99)
• Wii Fit Plus with the Wii Balance Board (suggested retail price of $99.99)

Nintendo Wii Mini Release Date

Unfortunately, the Nintendo Wii Mini is being released in Canada only on December 7, 2012 (tomorrow). It would seem that Nintendo intends to see how the Mini fares on the market before releasing elsewhere. There has been no official word on a US or UK release date as of yet. Looks like the rest of us will just have to be patient.

You can find more information about the Nintendo Wii Mini here.