Nintendo Wii Mini will cost even less than the current model after price-cut, but will lack Internet connection, backwards compatibility with Gamecube games and will have rather old-school design, according to a media report. At least one store in Canada has begun to accept to pre-orders on the low-cost console from Nintendo.

Nintendo plans to release an inexpensive new version of its Wii video game console called "Wii Mini" on December 7, 2012, for the low price of $99.99, according to Futureshop store that accepts pre-orders on the product. The system will be supplied with Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk controllers, just like the normal Wii nowadays. However, Wii Mini will lack any kind of Internet connection (hence, Nintendo Internet-based services will not be supported), ports to plug-in GameCube controllers and will also lose compatibility with GC discs.

The new console will have altered form-factor that requires the Wii Mini to lie flat and there will be no, at least initially, a stand for the console. At first, Nintendo Wii Mini will come in red, but provide that it becomes popular enough, different colours will likely emerge.

Nintendo traditionally releases smaller versions of its consoles late in their lifecycles. The company addresses price-conscious buyers with such redesigned game consoles. By removing Internet connectivity, Nintendo clearly positions the new console as a low-cost solution for those, who do not use Internet services. For customers interested in appropriate technologies, Nintendo will continue to offer both original Wii (probably, while supplies last) as well as the brand-new Wii U system.

Nintendo did not comment on the news-story.

Tags: Nintendo, Wii, Wii Mini, Wii U