Nintendo’s confirmed that a new ‘streamlined’ version of the Wii console will be released in the UK, just in time for Christmas.  The console will be part of a new package that includes Wii Party and Wii Sports, and will be a white Wii slightly redesigned to sit horizontally rather than vertically.

However, unlike the current Wii, it will no longer play GameCube games and isn’t compatible with the controllers.  Nintendo has also revealed it’ll announce more bundle deals soon. The new console will be released as part of a new ‘Family Edition’ that includes a Wii Remote Plus, Nunchuck, Wii Party and Wii Sports.  Other bundles are expected to be announced this autumn.

The decision to streamline the current hardware looks to be an attempt on Nintendo’s part to tide the shopping season over until the Wii U arrives sometime in 2012. The new console will also place an emphasis on motion gaming, but include a tablet-style touchscreen controller.

The other smash hit just waiting for gamers is The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. The Zelda series of games goes back to the early days of the Nintendo. It has a loyal following of gamers that have stayed with the game over the years, and years it has been 23-years. Nintendo has done things right for years and there is no doubt that The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will be another hit for the gaming company that can’t seem to do any wrong.

As mentioned, we can expect more bundle announcements to emerge in the coming weeks. But yesterday revealed a select range for Wii, offering classic titles at an entry-level price. The range now includes: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Super Mario Galaxy, Mario Strikers Charged Football, Wii Sports, and Animal Crossing: Let’s go to the City and Wario Ware: Smooth Moves.

The final price for Nintendo products is ultimately determined by the retailer, and therefore may vary between store locations. However, Nintendo can confirm that it is reducing the trade price of these selected software titles.