OCT. 6, 2010 • Future SKUs of the Wii will include the new Wii Remote Plus, which combines the original Wiimote controller with the Motion Plus attachment that debuted last year. The integrated controller becomes the new standard controller for the Wii system, and will be available separately for $40. The new hardware will be bundled with $200 Super Mario Bros. 25th Anniversary SKU, and with the $49.99 FlingSmash game, both releasing on Nov. 7.

Impact: DFC has forecasted that Wii hardware unit sales would be down 24% in 2010.  However, we are now reassessing these forecasts and think the Wii may be positioned for a decent holiday season.  The new hardware bundles are compelling, but mainly we note that Nintendo is going back to its core consumer.  Big holiday titles are Donkey Kong Country Returns, Kirby: Epic Yarn, PokePark Wii, Wii Party and a new Goldeneye title from Activision.  Combine this with earlier 2010 releases like Super Mario Galaxy 2, Metroid: Other M and the inclusion of the 2009 holiday hit New Super Mario Bros in the hardware bundle and the Wii is looking like a very attractive platform for the core gamer.