In a recent interview with MTV, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime discussed WarioWare: Smooth Moves' American delay, M-rated content on Wii, talks with Take2 Interactive and Wii Play.
WarioWare: Smooth Moves is the latest installment of the fast-paced microgames franchise set for Wii. While the game is expected to make the console's Japanese launch this December, Fils-Aime confirmed Smooth Moves will not arrive for the American launch; it is now an "early 2007" title. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and Excite Truck currently remain the only first-party titles planned to release on Wii's launch day in the Americas.
Back in June, Take2 CEO Paul Eibeler noted his company's interest in Wii, stating, "Some of the 2K products will... have an opportunity on the Wii. It's really a late '07, '08 opportunity for us, but it presents an additional revenue stream that we didn't have before." Fils-Aime presented his initative in ensuring that Take2 content, potentially Grand Theft Auto, comes to Wii.
"We're reaching out to every publisher, frankly every day. I'll be spending some time later today with the folks over at Take2 to see what type of support they can give our console," Fils-Aime said. "The fact is there will be M-rated content on the Wii console. EA has already announced that they're bringing 'The Godfather' to our console. And we want every single best-selling game to be available on Wii. Whatever that content is."
Aside from publishing Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto franchise, Take2 also handles the 2K and 2KSports brands, as well as Joytech peripherals and accessories. Recently published titles include Prey and Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis for the Xbox 360.
Finally, MTV reported Fils-Aime was soliciting feedback from the press about bringing Wii Play - a compilation of 10 games including billiards, ping pong, shooting (very similar to Duck Hunt), air hockey and fishing - to the Americas. Wii play is currently slated to release only in Japan, Europe and Australia.
The MTV article can be found here.
The Wiire will keep you updated on Wii's level of maturity.
