Nightly News Roundup 10.16.2012

Epic Mickey 2 may not launch with the Wii U

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, sequel to Wii hit Epic Mickey, was originally pegged with the 23 other games set for the Wii U’s launch. At a New York Comic-Con roundtable, the director Warren Spector revealed that the game might miss its 18th November Wii U release date due to uncertainties surrounding Nintendo’s approval process for Wii U.

“The reason why we’re not committed to a date on the Wii U version is that no one has been through Nintendo’s approval process on the Wii U. We have no idea how long it will take for the game to go through approval. Disney is not going to be the reason why it will miss [November 18],” stated the acclaimed developer according to Nintendo World Report.

The versions of the game for other consoles are locked for an 18th November release and Spector explained that developer Heavy Iron Studios would be handling the Wii U port. Spector’s own Junction Point developed the core game. Rumors surrounding more missed launch games is particularly unsettling in the wake of last week’s news that Rayman Legends, one of the Wii U’s most anticipated titles, would be delayed for release in the first quarter of 2013.

Wii U Pro Controller lasts 80 hours on a single charge

The upcoming Wii U Pro Controller reportedly will reportedly 80 hours on a single charge but will not be usable with Wii games, despite the Wii U’s backwards compatibility, according to a product page on Gamestop’s website.

These two pieces of information together seem to indicate that the Wii U Pro Controller will be a standalone controller, as opposed to being tethered to the main controller, like the Classic Controller Pro. With its excellent battery life, the Wii U Pro Controller seems a viable alternative to the Game Pad when all you want is to immerse yourself in the visuals on the big screen.

Wii drops to $130 in America with new bundle

The Wii may be reaching its twilight but won’t be disappearing from shelves any time soon as the console drops in price to $130 in the United States, in a bundle including the black Wii with Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort on one disc, a Wii Remote Plus, and a Nunchuk controller. Despite the imminent launch of the Wii U, Reggie Fils-Aime hopes that the Wii can enjoy a continued lifespan even when its successor is in the market, much like the PlayStation 2; the new deal might represent a push towards this goal.

“Nearly six years after it launched, people are still attracted to the pure, inclusive fun of the Wii console. A new suggested retail price and the inclusion of two great games make it an easy choice for families looking for a great value this holiday season,” said Nintendo of America executive vice president of Sales & Marketing Scott Moffitt.

The PS3 and Xbox 360 have bundles currently priced at $270 and $250, respectively. We’ll be on the lookout for if a similar cut will be introduced to Europe.

Source: N-Europe

That’s today’s news, what do you think of these revelations? Disappointed about the potential delay of Epic Mickey on WIi U? Excited by the prospect of a momentously long lasting Pro Controller? Let us know in the comments’ section below!