That's supposedly the reason Singapore currently isn't listed as one of the countries under the Wii settings, which means no local news and weather.

bungee

Some might think I'm nuts (my wife sure does) paying S$100/US$65 above the suggested retail price of S$499/US$328. But I'm was so tired of waiting for the local launch and was just relieved to see the Wii finally on shelves. This is after months of resisting the temptation to bring a unit back from overseas (warranty and voltage issues, you know). I didn't wish to try hunting down an elusive unit either as I didn't pre-order.

AFAIK, Singapore is the only territory outside of N. America, Japan, Europe & Australia to get a Wii release locally. It's also one of the few Asia countries to get a US version of Wii. Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea doesn't get their own official Wii console release until late this year, and they might not be the US version.

It's really sad, but the current lack of Wii consoles, the relatively cost of local PS3 and Xbox 360 consoles, the easy of getting cheaper parallel imports (many which are also region and copy-protection cracked), coupled with the greed of Maxsoft-the local distributor & local stores crashing in the shortage, is driving many local buyers away. With some feeling justified to buy pirated Wii consoles and games to 'teach Maxsoft/Nintendo a lesson' http://www.gameaxis.com/home/?blog=1326

Anyway, all these price gouging really isn't new. Amazon is offering the Nintendo Wii (with WiiSports) from US$339.00. Play-Asia.com (HK online retailer) is listing the same package at US399 on back-order http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-14-71-bt-49-en.html

bungee

Hyperfludd

While there is some anger geared towards the Nintendo support here in Singapore, it is a good move on Maxsoft part to finally have a soft-release for the console, be it in limited numbers (about 5000 sets only). We are all used to the tricks Maxsoft is pulling all this while, force bundling games we don't wanna play with the sets (like the DS in the market, bundled up with those oh-so-forgettable games). I was mentally prepared to see them bundle it up with Happy Feet! So, it was actually quite kind of them to bundle with either "Ice Age 2" or "Sonic". Kinda bonus in fact to know that my sister is still head over heels for the blue hedgehog.

Oh! By the way, Singapore is still not listed as one of the country on the Wii settings. Kinda wondering if Nintendo have really given up on this tiny island nation.

adamquek

The local launch of Wii is expensive, you got it. S$649? Add another S$50 and you will get a X-box 360 with two games and one extra controller. Add another S$150 and you can get a PS3. I don't see logically how can anyone buy that piece of bundle. Even if I'm a Nintendo fan, I will think twice. Sorry, getting parallel imports is still a better idea.

Did you say Sonic is bundled? Actually that's kinda good news, as what I have heard is that SSX Blur and Ice Age 2 are bundled too. My god, I will Sonic anytime over these two.

And you know what? I heard from my friend's friend who bought the bundle saying that he didn't got a 2nd Wii-mote (he didn't know about it until my friend and I confirm with him). Hope this is just a blunder. If there's really no 2nd Wii-mote, the bundle would be WAYYYYYYYY expensive.

rei_andrew29

tueac

Anyway, it's so obvious that Nintendo only really seems to care about the US and Japan...and I hope this reality comes back to bite them in the future. I love Nintendo games but I hate the way loyal Nintendo fans are treated in non-priority territories.

dremos

I don't buy that many DS games, they are too expensive. When I was in the States a couple of months back, I was amazed to discover that DS games cost $30 to $35. That's not a lot of money. In Switzerland they cost 75 swiss francs, that's 58 US dollars (once again I put the price tax free).
In Sweden, they cost 500 SEK, that's 59 US$
Thank god, the DS isn't region locked.

Exit, the "Original Nintendo Seal of Quality". Now we have the "Original Turn-around-and-put-down-your-pants Seal"

Dekox

not have enough people is my guess. get to it singapore.

x23

Not sure about Singapore. But I don't even see the need for "official" releases here in Asia.

We get the consoles just a tad late (like a week later) And the price is pro-fitted to the exchange rate of said country.

I mean sure the validation that Nintendo, Sony or MS is actually giving their own personal attention is nice but other than that, It's not a big deal. I think. The sad thing is, a console generally a PS3 or 360. will cost you more than a months salary or two. Unless, y'know you don't eat or something.

excaliburps

Nintendo consoles (NOT handhelds) have never really done well in Southeast Asia, too. It's not like the Japaneese market where people get niches to be different, but rather the SEA market is closer to the one North America has. Whatever deep foundation Sony and Nintendo has in Japan, MS can get back through Southeast Asia and also China.

Ouch

NO WAY! They turned into an Orthodox Christian???? WHAT WILL THEY THINK OF NEXT!!!

VakeroRokero

IanC

toysmaniac

This has created a lot of ill-will toward Maxsoft. Some of their policies that raised eyebrows include limited warrenties on the DS Lites (they will not entertain any requests on dead pixels).

The lead up to the "soft launch" of the Wii in Singapore was particularly frustrating for us, as getting any sort of information was extremely difficult. Most gamers did not know that the Wii was being released this week, until several days ago. And this is despite many calls for information from Maxsoft.

Another frustrating thing about the official "soft launch" is that retailers are being forced by the distributor to sell the Wiis as a bundle. I have heard from a few retailers that they would be refused any sets unless they accept the bundle and sell it as such. The problem isn't with Sonic as a game, but with the fact that both the retailers and the consumers are being forced to purchase things they may or may not want.

kracken

brightangel

Luke Plunkett

brightangel

tueac

cocoloko

PENI_MASTA

kevinski

MrBlack08

Arsenal

Demaar

Certainly, it's just Maxsoft cashing in on the popularity of the Wii.

Same thing happened when retailers took advantage of the WoW shortage by selling forced bundles (game + game time cards) for about USD120.

Valee

*raises an eyebrow at the people who liked the Sonic game*

DaveKap

Maldron

The blue hedgehog catches rings for Christ's sake. It was great when I was young and stupid.

Please, no more.

ClosedAccountDueToErrorsAshCouldn'tFix

It's ok, but the music is horrible.

Spartan1308™

more commenter drama = more traffic = $

BigChiefSmokem

Valee

Avinash_Tyagi

Lyrai

MoeB

Janaff