Taoyuan Nights

I previously reported that the Wii was expected to arrive en masse in Taiwan around the end of Chinese New Year, (mid-February). This was based on what I was hearing from the store managers of large electricals stores in Taiwan. Unfortunately, it hasn’t panned out. It’s now mid-March, and lo and behold, there’s bugger all Wii’s to be had. I doubt I’m the only person in Taiwan who’s beginning to crack under the strain of waiting.

Artist’s impression of Mu at time of writing.
(This image was liberated from the tyrannical grasp of ign.com.)

I could hardly believe my eyes when I stumbled across this syndicated report in a South African newspaper. Here’s a quick snippet:

“Taiwanese gamers are bringing home thousands of new Nintendo Wii consoles from the United States and Japan ahead of its release in Taiwan, with Premier Su Tseng-chang among its many fans.

Passengers have returned carrying 2139 Wii consoles — featuring unique motion-sensitive controllers — in the past three days alone, according to customs figures.” – iAfrica.com.

Fascinating stuff, though I suspect almost none of those Wii’s are actually for Wii-ing, but rather, for selling at grossly distorted prices. So, when will the blasted gizmo actually get here? The new word on the street is: next month (April) will be the official launch by Nintendo.

So, it looks like you all have another month to save up for that spare IR controller, and your must-have copy of Rayman vs. The Raving Rabbids to go along with Wii Sports.

Tick… tock… maybe I should find a way to cryogenically freeze myself until the Wii actually gets here.