Gamescom 2011: A New Wii Model for Europe

This new version will sit horizontally instead of vertical and for some reason the system will not be backwards compatible with GameCube games and doesn't support GameCube controllers.

By Matt Mann /

Nintendo announced today that they will be releasing a new Wii model in Europe this Christmas. This new version will sit horizontally instead of vertical and in addition, for some reason the system will not be backwards compatible with GameCube games and doesn't support GameCube controllers. The system will come with Wii Party, Wii Sports, a Wii Remote Plus, and a nunchuk. Nintendo on releasing this bundle in the United States:
"Nintendo of America does not currently have any plans to release the Wii bundle that was announced by Nintendo of Europe on Aug. 17. Consumers in the United States can currently purchase a Wii console bundled with the Mario Kart Wii game and Wii Wheel accessory for a suggested retail price of $149.99. The Wii Party game is available separately for a suggested retail price of $39.99."
No price or release date has been set for this console, but I have to question why Nintendo would release this updated system that has less features than the original? Is this system package something you would be interested in or would this be a waste of money without the GameCube controllers and backwards comparability?