Wii's Launch Lineup

[[VSK]BadCRC]

Edit: There seems to have been some confusiion over this post, specifically that this list is the launch list of titles for the Wii on launch, however, these are six confirmed titles scheduled for Wii's launch. This list is not definitive, nor is it final, and is subject to change at any time.

The latest issue of Nintendo Power has let loose with, at least let's hope, a preliminary list of software that will be available for Wii on launch day. According to Nintendo Power, there will be six titles launched in the US for Wii's opening launch. There will be two first party titles, and four titles provided by third parties.

Below is a list of the confirmed companies, and the titles supplied by each:

Ubisoft (http://www.ubi.com/US/default.aspx)
Red Steel - Video 1 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=zea6FH1w1Zc&search=Red%20Steel) - Video 2 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=hIJT6QoyTls&search=Red%20Steel)
Rayman Raving Rabbits - Video 1 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=PNSLWWhrHjA&search=Raving%20Rabbits) - Video 2 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=B68Lb_lgOTU&search=Raving%20Rabbits)

Sega (http://www.sega.com/home.php?hsid=235711)
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz - Video (http://youtube.com/watch?v=-EkTDYVxvxU&search=Banana%20Blitz)

Square Enix (http://www.square-enix.com/na/index_f2.html)
Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors - 2 Second Clip... (http://youtube.com/watch?v=aY0FL_VaBxE&search=The%20Masked%20Queen)

Nintendo (http://www.Nintendo.com)
Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - Video 1 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=fs1oKBjtVb8&search=Twilight%20Princess) - Video 2 (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4064276288938239585&q=Twilight+Princess) - Video 3 (Long) (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5896940088320273162&q=Twilight+Princess)
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption - Video 1 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=1yAtybU2B3k&search=Metroid%20Corruption) - Video 2 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=DZqc99RNSaA&search=Metroid%20Corruption)


Unfortunately, it appears that Super Mario Galaxy might not be available on launch day, and they were fuzzy about the release dates on their other software, such as Wii Sports. I can only assume that they may opt to make those titles launch titles. So they may revise this list at a later date.

The lack of Mario at launch has been a bad omen for Nintendo... Gamecube didn't have a Nintendo title at launch, and that system didn't do too hot. Do you think Wii could suffer if they lack a Mario title at launch?

Then again, I don't think they've ever had a Legend of Zelda be a launch title... God I can't wait.

[jacob.armitage]

Mario Galaxy was never slated for launch, the said six months after launch @ earliest i believe.

Just enough to time to play some Metroid and Zelda before they get stale.
also looking forward to super monkey ball.

[Grimgrock]

I was under the impression that LoZ was pushed to November. Is that the release month or considered in the "launch window"?

[Mozgus]

Mario Galaxy was never slated for launch, the said six months after launch @ earliest i believe.

Just enough to time to play some Metroid and Zelda before they get stale.
also looking forward to super monkey ball.
Bingo.

And Zelda at launch makes up for lack of Mario at launch, in most people's minds.

[Pantsmonkey]

Personally I want to know more about excite truck. I think Nintendo have done something very tricky with the way they control the game just quietly =)

As for Mario Galaxies I think it has a really grand way of dealing with camera issues and will definatley be looking into how the Spongebob squarepants games plays as reference. But the whole E3 Demo was basically Some of the Iceland Levels from M64 Plus point and click adventure.

It seems very light on for content doesn't it? or is that subdefuge?

Red Steel still looks like a steaming pile of ASS control wise and everyone in the Wii advertising behaves just like Fred Savage in the Wizzard while using the Powerglove. He is acting like a guy playing a game. No one in there right mind would play like that. Yes even Gangster Style

Heres hopeing we see a 2D Mario game on Wii sometime soon that uses the Gangster Style Twistyness to move Mario left and Right respectivley Using A and B for Run/Shoot and Jump!

[schizoslayer]

BadCRC']The lack of Mario at launch has been a bad omen for Nintendo... Gamecube didn't have a Nintendo title at launch, and that system didn't do too hot. Do you think Wii could suffer if they lack a Mario title at launch?

Didn't the N64 have a Mario title at launch?

I was certainly under the impression the Gamecube has done better than the N64.

[Pantsmonkey]

Everyone caught this Monkey Ball Mack Book Accelerometer thing didnt they?


http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/20/tilt-sensor-playing-up-the-macbooks-strengths/

[Nintendo Revolution]

No, the GameCube has sold around 20 million units, while the N64, if I remember correctly was around 30-40 million.

[score]

I think Zelda will make up for the lack of Mario. They need to pace they're AAA titles. I don't think they would want to release Mario Galaxy at the same time as Zelda.

[eeje13]

this is just a handful of the titles that'll be available at launch, as nintendo had said that the launch titles would hover around the 20 mark, with a third being developed/published by them.

[bapenguin]

I'm hoping there is more than this. While those titles there appear solid...that's a severe lack of content.

[mightbe]

All would be forgiven if that had a pretty heft portion of old games available for download via the online service.

[Captain Awesome]

Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess touches me in naughty places.

[DjinniMan]

I was seriously wanting Warioware at launch. As far as I can tell, it would be the best showcase for the new controller, while still allowing more than one player (IE me and my kids, maybe the wife) to play all at the same time. However, I'll be picking up Metroid, and possibly Monkey Ball.

[easi]

I can't believe you're complaining when we have ZELDA _AND_ METROID, 2 of the Big 3, at launch. Now the 360 launch, that was the worst selection of titles in the history of consoles.

And the Gamecube is a success. Nintendo take this generation.

[Reanimated]

Awesome lineup, now just give me the date!

[fushi]

No Wario Ware :(

No buy, at least not at launch.

[NoName]

I guess I'm the only one really excited about a Dragon Quest game being available at launch?

[bapenguin]

I can't believe you're complaining when we have ZELDA _AND_ METROID, 2 of the Big 3, at launch. Now the 360 launch, that was the worst selection of titles in the history of consoles.

And the Gamecube is a success. Nintendo take this generation.

I'm not big on Nintendo's franchises. Zelda looks like a good game...but I hated Metroid Prime 1 and didn't even play 2.

I was really excited about Red Steel until I saw the videos and such from E3. Now it's just...meh.

[Goronmon]

I can't believe you're complaining when we have ZELDA _AND_ METROID, 2 of the Big 3, at launch.QFT...I can do without Mario for a little bit if I get Metroid and Zelda. :D

[Harlan Hoyt]

Looks like a pretty damn good lineup to me. I wouldn't really want there to be much more than that, frankly. I mean, how many games can you possibly afford to buy in one go? I'm thinking three is about my upper limit, and with Zelda, Metroid and either Dragon Quest or Red Steel, my cup runneth over. Between that, the DS and the 360, I should be pretty well entertained until Mario Galaxy comes out and all other aspects of my life cease.

[Shifter]

Red Steel is looking pretty good....

[EvilBob46]

I'm hoping there is more than this. While those titles there appear solid...that's a severe lack of content.

This news post is somewhat misleading. The title should read 'Incomplete Wii's Launch Lineup,' because there is most certainly going to be more: in the recent interview, Iwata stated that he wants Wii Sports to be the premiere launch title for the Wii to appeal to casual gamers. If that's not even on this list, it comes to show how incomplete it is.

[Serapth]

I was under the impression that Wii Sports was going to be a packaged in game with the system. Forget where I read that, but it was suggested somewhere.

[easi]

Perhaps having just Mario as the one sure-fire AAA title at launch would be better, but things worked out this way and I'm sure we can while away the waiting period to Galaxy with Zelda fishing.

Plus there's the New SMB and Virtual Console stuff, which I plan to play SMB/SMW on for the first time in several years. I've been deliberately holding off on using emulators ever since it was announced.

[MaiXu]

6 titles? Kind of lackluster. But hey, a new Zelda at launch more or less makes this the best launch lineup I've ever heard of. Plus a new Metroid!? Butter.

[Doctor Setebos]

With as little time as I have for gaming these days, 6 titles at launch is plenty for me. I'll be busy with Zelda and Metroid for a couple months, and by the time I'm ready for a larger selection of titles, Mario Galaxy and Super Smash Bros should be hitting. If not, I'll pick up Red Steel about that time.

Now, I had heard that Dragon Quest, Wii Sports, and Trauma Center were all supposed to be US launch titles. What happened? C'mon, Nintendo. Don't fail me at launch. :D

EDIT: DUh. Just noticed DQ IS one of the launch titles listed.

[Zaro]

For me the launch lineup is perfect.
All these games interest me.
I cannot wait to see more about Dragon Quest.

Maybe a sport game can be great at launch too.

[shnastybiznastic]

I have to admit, it's only six titles, but I want all six. And they are all exclusives, the only thing from the 360 launch that intrested me was Burnout, and it was avalable for others at the time.

[bean19]

This lineup is totally enough for me - especially if the system costs $200 instead of some crazy, expensive amount. Though I wish Warioware was on here, I didn't expect Dragon Quest Swords. . . do WE English speaking people actually get Dragon Quest Swords on launch or just a Japanese release?

[bean19]

I can't believe you're complaining when we have ZELDA _AND_ METROID, 2 of the Big 3, at launch. Now the 360 launch, that was the worst selection of titles in the history of consoles.

Okay. Bullshit. The Wii launch is definitely already looking really good with only 6 titles mentioned but the X360 launch had a lot of cool games even with GRAW, DOA 4, and Oblivion slipping a few months.

Not as good as this, but certainly not the worst launch ever. It was among the best launches ever (of course, that is a dubious prize really as most systems have had shitty launches).

[Wyrm]

If I'm not mistaken, these are just the confirmed launch titles. There will be more, right?

Edit - read that again. Oh crap. How come there's so little third party support? Zelda and Metroid are huge, but other than that, I was hoping to see some of the other hard hitters come out to play.

I guess four games isn't that bad for third party, but at the same time, damn. Then again, it did just occur to me that I rarely buy more than one launch title for a console, and based on this list, I will be owning three or four.

[Pantsmonkey]

If I'm not mistaken, these are just the confirmed launch titles. There will be more, right?

Wii can only hope :p

[Wyrm]

I think the 360 would have rocked really hard if Fight Night, Oblivion, and GRAW had all been launch titles. Of course, it wouldnt have mattered, because there wouldnt have been any more actual systems to play them on.

[destoo]

Of course, it wouldnt have mattered, because there wouldnt have been any more actual systems to play them on.

Right. now is the time to plan.
Objective: Get Wii at launch.

What are the successful preorder tactics this year?
Date a gamestop employee?
Get hired by BestBuy?
Camp for a week at WalMart?


We need to set up a war room for this.
I'm getting a Wii at launch and nothing's going to stop me.

[Phanto]

I think they will be just fine, maybe Mario is not on launch day but they are opening big time with Zelda and Metroid, at least thats what I think.

[EternalGamer]

We need to set up a war room for this.
I'm getting a Wii at launch and nothing's going to stop me.

Agreed. I hate presells like nothing else, but these limited console launches are almost making them seem like a godsend (if you get high on the list). I am thinking since I will actually have a REAL job by this fall, I might even buy a PS3 (maybe). So we need to set up some time of Evil Avatar "look out" program to be notified as soon as presell stuff becomes an option.

[Lexicon]

For everyone freaking out over there being only 6 launch titles. The list comes from a response to a letter in the pulse section of Nintendo power. Here is the relevant text:
"Nintendo hasn't released an official list yet, but the following titles have all been announced for launch: The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess, Metroid Prime 3 Corruption, Red Steel, Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz, and Rayman: Raving Rabbids. And we expect that's just the tip of the iceberg. So as much as we'd love to see Super Mario Galaxy and Super Smash Bros. Brawl at launch, there will be plent of other top-notch titles to keep us busy."

[Wyrm]

Yeah, I'm thinking that my only problem with the Wii will be finding one....

I'm going to do the camp out thing for this one though. Even if it's cold and rainy, I'll be out there (or inside a 24 hour walmart >:D). Best Buy is probably the way to go because they wont do preorders.

[EternalGamer]

Problem is, for those of us with strict job schedules, camping out won't be an option this time. I guess I could like, pay my little brother to stand in line or something...

[easi]

Okay. Bullshit. The Wii launch is definitely already looking really good with only 6 titles mentioned but the X360 launch had a lot of cool games even with GRAW, DOA 4, and Oblivion slipping a few months.

Not as good as this, but certainly not the worst launch ever. It was among the best launches ever (of course, that is a dubious prize really as most systems have had shitty launches).

There isn't a single game I even want to rent yet for the 360. I find graw incredibly dull, Oblivion soul-destroyingly boring and DOA I don't even care enough to give a second glance.

[RevGored]

The Wii launch lineup looks good, and I'm afraid I'll be buying 4 of those titles alongside the system and a spare controller, and probably the retro controller as well. gg Nintendo

There isn't a single game I even want to rent yet for the 360. I find graw incredibly dull, Oblivion soul-destroyingly boring and DOA I don't even care enough to give a second glance.

Well I hope you don't own an Xbox 360, because it's very obviously a massive waste of your time any money!

[Nadreck]

I don't suppose we can add an edit including the context of the info that Lexicon provided? I think it would clear up some misconceptions that seemed prevalent in the responses (namely, that ONLY these six are going to be launch).

[Wyrm]

There isn't a single game I even want to rent yet for the 360. I find graw incredibly dull, Oblivion soul-destroyingly boring and DOA I don't even care enough to give a second glance.

I pretty much feel the same way, which is why I haven't bought it yet. I do want to try GRAW, but I've hated every Ghost Recon game since the very first one. I doubt they've changed it so extensively that I'll enjoy it a great deal, nor will it be worth sixty bucks.

DOA4 was great fun helping a friend unlock all the secrets over a weekend, but after that, it's just such a button mashing romp, it's no fun to play. Yes, there can be strategy involved, but for most people, that will never come into play. It's a fighter with decent graphics and 'bleh' replay value.

Oblivion is great, but I got bored of it months ago ON MY PC. I doubt I'll go pick it up for 360 anytime soon. Maybe if they do a re-release with an expansion (which they probably will), and it doesnt cost 60 bucks.

I'm really interested in some of the up and coming titles though. Dead Rising is really neat looking, as is Lost Planet (I have not tried the demo, but I heard good things). Chromehounds is shaping up nicely, and if the multiplayer holds up well, that one will be great.

Really, I suppose that just like last generation, I'm waiting for some games to come out OTHER THAN HALO. I will have a 360, because Halo 3 is coming out eventually, but I'd love to spend that money knowing there are a few other games out there worth playing.

I think that I could buy a 360 and be happy wasting countless hours on Live Arcade wasting money on games like Uno. I dont think I'd even have to buy a game right away. I'd probably just rent a few at first. I like Fight Night Round 3, but I wouldnt buy it. I'd play it too much and get tired of it in a week. I might just pick up a 360 and then go get Prey for it. That is sounding better everytime I play with the idea.

[Doctor Setebos]

I don't suppose we can add an edit including the context of the info that Lexicon provided? I think it would clear up some misconceptions that seemed prevalent in the responses (namely, that ONLY these six are going to be launch).Agreed. I think a lot of people would appreciate that. This isn't any kind of official launch title listing by ANY means. It's just a quick and dirty NP response to a letter, and they even used the phrase "we expect that's just the tip of the iceberg" to show that we should take their comments with a grain of salt.

I don't think we should be reading any launch title lineup until it comes from Nintendo, and not their official rag. :D

[Heretic Machine]

Blargh... looks like nothing but Zelda at launch for me. Maybe Monkey Ball I guess. I don't know anything about that DQ game, and I hate the Metroid Prime series.

[Rook34]

You know what I'd like to see? A $250 price point and a PACK IN game! Hell, I'd pay more for a good pack in. I almost wonder if that's what they'll do with the wii Sports. Bringing back the pack in game would = Nintendo FTW for many consumers.

As it is, I'll be shelling out another 200 for 4 of those launch games, maybe more.

[donkeydrop]

Yuck. Only decent game is Zelda and you can't really consider that a Wii game, it's just a 'Cube game that they held back.

[easi]

Begone, Gates of Borg.

[Chimpbot]

BadCRC']The lack of Mario at launch has been a bad omen for Nintendo... Gamecube didn't have a Nintendo title at launch, and that system didn't do too hot. Do you think Wii could suffer if they lack a Mario title at launch?


What would you call Luigi's Mansion, then?
While it certainly wasn't a "traditional" Mario title, it was most certainly a showing from Nintendo at the Gamecube's launch. It also happened to be a fun, yet quirky little game. Most people hated it because of the relatively unconventional control scheme and the fact that it wasn't a "normal" Mario game.

They might not have Mario, but I think Link and Samus will be more than enough to move a few Wiis at launch.

[crashedout]

Yuck. Only decent game is Zelda and you can't really consider that a Wii game, it's just a 'Cube game that they held back.


I agree, if they can turn around the controls, I may get excited about the FPS games.

[jeffbax]

I don't know why you guys think there are only 6 games for launch, because there are a lot more than that, and we've known about them for a while now.

[Magnanimous Gnome]

I still can't wait for this system. :D

[Zurik]

Well that's at least 3 launch titles I know I'll enjoy. The question is: How easy is it going to be to get one on launch? Even if I pre-order as soon as that's available.

[BopBop]

BadCRC'][B]The lack of Mario at launch has been a bad omen for Nintendo... Gamecube didn't have a Nintendo title at launch, and that system didn't do too hot. Do you think Wii could suffer if they lack a Mario title at launch?



Nintendo DS didn't have a new Mario at launch if that means anything.


Do we even know when the Wii comes out yet?

[Nessus]

Yuck. Only decent game is Zelda and you can't really consider that a Wii game, it's just a 'Cube game that they held back.

By most people's standards the Metroid Prime series is at least "decent".

Myself, it's my most anticipated game since Resident Evil 4, but I'm a Metroid freak.

I still don't know if I'll get the GameCube or Wii version of Twilight Princess. I'll wait for reviews on the controls.

I just picked up a DS Lite and I love Nintendo's new design aesthetic, even if it is stolen directly from Apple.

[Random Seed]

I'm probably still going to get the new Zelda game (for gamecube?), but since it has been in development for the Gamecube for so long, I have a hard time getting too excited for it as a Wii launch title. As far as I know, beyond widescreen, the ability to use the Wii controller is the only bonus over the Gamecube version. I was really hoping for Mario at launch. :(

That said, I had no interest in Metroid Prime 2 after the first game, but the Wii remote does have me interested in the third.

[Wyrm]

We've known for awhile that Mario wouldnt be at launch, so it shouldn't be all that shocking. Mario Sunshine didn't launch with the cube, and I ended up liking it, though Smash Brothers was by far one of the best launch titles of all time. I STILL play that freaking game everyday.

[OrangePulp]

I still don't know if I'll get the GameCube or Wii version of Twilight Princess. I'll wait for reviews on the controls.

I would assume, even with the wii version, that you would still be able to use the gamecube control scheme, if you wanted to. I don't see why they wouldn't allow you to do that, especially considering the wii has gamecube controller ports.

[Achilles]

The lack of Mario at launch has been a bad omen for Nintendo... Gamecube didn't have a Nintendo title at launch, and that system didn't do too hot. Do you think Wii could suffer if they lack a Mario title at launch?It had Luigi’s mansion, which was a Nintendo title. And within the launch window it had the most successful game on the system (by far), Super Smash Bothers. The Mario that they did ship for it didn’t do much. I'd say Super Smash Bros is more of a system seller than Mario for them at this point.

No Wii Sports or the conductor game on there? I’m guessing that’s more of a list of possible launch titles to get people excited rather than a real launch list. I expect Metroid 3 to slip at the very least, and slip by about a year to the spring of 2008 as Hunters did.

[Lizard Dude]

A Zelda and Metroid at launch, with a Mario coming within 6 months? That's far past sploogetastic enough for me.

[dr_wily]

gah those graphics are awful..
i saw phooey to current gen graphics. phooey i tells you!

[LogainAblar]

Has anyone been able to find gameplay details on Dragon Quest Swords?