As hinted in an Edge Magazine feature last month and then reported elsewhere, Nintendo will be releasing a new edition of Wii next year complete with DVD playback. Technology company Sonic Solutions has revealed that the console manufacturer has chosen it to deliver a software-based DVD solution for 'a future version' of Wii due for release in the latter half of 2007. While previous reports indicated that this updated Wii would only be available in Japan, Sonic's press release makes no mention of any territorial restrictions (Update: a report on kotaku.com confirms the update will at least get a US launch - thanks to HiddenAway for spotting that).
This would seem to confirm theories that Nintendo is persuing a different business model with Wii, eschewing the standard industry practise of sticking with a console for at least three or four years before introducing updates or enhancements. The company might well see the machine's lower price point as chance to develop an iPod-style approach - updating the basic hardware every year with improved generations.
Pundits, however, are already questioning the value of a DVD playback feature - many pointing out that the average living room is already filled with kit that can play DVDs. DVD players, for example. However, there's always the possibility that a DVD feature won't be the only new function in these 'future versions' of Wii.
Also - and this is a longshot, but bear with me - many households may be thinking about removing traditional DVD players from their crowded home entertainment set ups by the latter half of 2007. With hard-drive recorders and personal video systems like Sky+ on the rise and high-definition DVD still an untried and expensive medium, it could be that more of us seek alternative means of playing our DVD movies. Wii may just be the answer. Erm, that or PS3, which will play Blu-ray as well as current gen DVDs... Hmmm.
