Revolution headed for June 2006 launch?

[OCybrManO]

SPOnG News Exclusive: Revolution to Launch Worldwide in June 2006

Nintendo will ship the Revolution console in June of 2006, it was revealed to SPOnG overnight, with technology and manufacturing partners letting slip Nintendo’s plans for a shock global launch.

It was thought that Nintendo would keep with tradition and deliver a staggered home console launch, with the US following Japan, and Europe keeping up the rear, as it were. This will not be the case. Rising to the challenge set by Microsoft’s Xbox 360, all territories will see launch within a month. A global roll-out with Japan, the US and Europe seeing hardware in the same day is thought highly unlikely.

“As of early October this year, we had agreed with all key partners that a global ship date of June 2006 was achievable,” said one of SPOnG 's several sources associated with the Revolution manufacturing process. “Nintendo will get the launch in Japan and America and Europe as close as possible. It will be like the Xbox 360 launch, only tighter.”

“Everyone at Nintendo in all territories is now focusing on a global launch in June of next year,” another highly-placed source told us yesterday afternoon, under terms of anonymity. “The European launch might slip into July, but that’s it. Everyone at Nintendo has been briefed for this date and the official release schedule everyone is working to shows Revolution down for June 2006; this is simply a matter of fact.”

A mid-2006 release had been hinted at as early as May this year, when memory supplier MoSys inadvertantly revealed the launch window of the Nintendo's next generation system. However, this is the first time other sources have corroborated the faux pas.

In related news, pricing speculation for Revolution has quietened down, with the magic 200 number now seated firmly in the minds of analysts. Although SPOnG has been unable to clarify the Revolution launch price point with anything near the same accuracy as we have its launch date, a tag of $200 for the US, €300 in mainland Europe, and £200 in the UK is a near certainty.

We’ll update this piece with official comment from Nintendo as soon as we are able. Stay tuned.

So, that's what... nine months away? It's better than the Holiday 2006 release I was expecting.

Also, if that launch price ($200) is true... I'll be buying one without giving it a second thought.

 

[StardogChampion]

UK ripped off again.

 

[OCybrManO]

Yes, it would appear that way if they're right about both prices... since £200 is, currently, about $350.

 

[Xune]

I remember when the N64 was released, costing something like £250. Almost straight away it dropped to £150 and then £100.

I expect something similar with this new console considering the American and European ones are estimated at roughly £150.

 

[Dekstar]

Yay my birthday is in June! 'Ave it!

 

[KU_]

I hope it launches in June of 06.

 

[JNightshade]

YEHEHES! I know what I'm asking for for my birthday! (also in June)

 

[Warbie]

July here. Early birthday present it is then

 

[The Mullinator]

This could be the most perfect end of exams present I could ever get! Also if its $200 USD then I will be buying it for sure.