New Wii bundle includes New Super Mario Bros, loses Gamecube support

It was inevitable. Upon hearing the revelation that Europe would soon receive a new Wii without Gamecube compatibility, it was only a matter of time before the model made the trip across the Atlantic Ocean. Nintendo has now made the supposition a reality, announcing a new bundle for North America which will include a black Wii Remote Plus, a black Nunchuck, a copy of New Super Mario Bros. Wii and, oddly, a Super Mario Galaxy soundtrack CD.

What it won't include, however, is any support for GameCube games or accessories. Also, like its European cousin, the "newly configured black Wii console sits horizontally rather than vertically." The bundle will be released on October 23 for $150.

The little red flag that just shot up in your brain was probably the realization that $150 is also the asking price for the Mario Kart Wii console bundle, which is available in black and includes nearly the same contents ... and a Wii that still supports GameCube. According to Nintendo, the Mario Kart Wii bundle "will continue to be available" alongside the new bundle. So, unless you really don't want to spend an extra $50 on a copy of New Super Mario Bros. Wii, or you really hate the added value of GameCube support, the new bundle is more than a little baffling.

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