So Nintendo’s new console, the Wii, now has a launch date and price.

$250USD, November 19 (Dec 2 in Japan), including Wii Sports, a new Wii controller, the second Wii controller (each person gets 2), receivers and batteries for the receivers.

Launch games include (thanks Joystiq): The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Excite Truck, Trauma Center, Madden 07, Need for Speed: Carbon, Elebits, Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz, Metal Slug Anthology, Rayman: Raving Rabids, Red Steel, Barnyard, Cars, Avatar, Blazing Angels, Far Cry: Vengeance.

So that’s the facts. Some folk are angry that the console isn’t “less than 250$” as Nintendo had promised, at least not really. Some are angry that it isn’t being released before the PS3 (launches 2 days earlier).

Personally, I won’t be buying the Wii at the pricepoint that it’s launching at. For 100-150$ I might think about it. But not at 250$. Sure, the 250$ includes a game. And sure the game’s worth 50$. But I would never buy it, so the game’s worthless to me. Besides, an Xbox 360 is only 50$ more. Yeah, it’s the cut down version. But the cut down version compares nicely with the Wii (except that the 360 is more powerful and will have 100 more games).

That’s not to say it won’t do well. The Wii will launch with about 2M consoles, more than 1.5M more than the PS3. And I’m confident they’ll sell out of those (as will the PS3). My biggest concern is the launch lineup for both systmes. Besides Legends of Zelda, Rayman and Red Steel, nothing even vaguely appeals to me.

Anyways, the Wii will do well. I’m pretty sure the new controller system will even go over well. But, once that initial rush is over, it could be tough going. Fighting against the 360, without real online play, less games, less “classic” games, a nearly identical price point, less high profile games… Really the only saving grace for the Wii after that first rush is the new controller and some of the games that go with it.

I only wish Nintendo the best. I’ve been a huge Nintendo fan since my first NES and Mario. I’d never want Nintendo to pull a Sega. I’m just really concerned that they aren’t doing anything this generation to position themselves as a leader. And considering Sony’s doing everything in their power to ensure that the PS3 fails, that really only leaves the 360. And my concern is, as always, that given a leadership position, that Microsoft will stop innovating.

In short, while I won’t buy a Wii at first (or until there are games I must, must have), I’m pulling for the little guy to make a big enough mark to pressure Microsoft, inspire developers and lay another nail into the PS3.