Nintendo to launch new 'Wii Mini' console in March

Nintendo is to launch a stripped-down, cheaper version of its Wii console in the UK - minus its internet TV and online gaming functions.

The new console will go on sale on March 22 - and is described by Nintendo as "family friendly" due to its lack of internet functions.

Wii Mini is smaller than the original Wii, and comes in black. In the US, the console is priced at $100 - £65.

It comes with a red Wii Remote Plus and a red Nunchuk controller, and also works with older Wii accessories.

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The machine launched in Canada before Christmas, at which point Nintendo claimed there were "no plans" to bring it to the UK.

"With a family-friendly design offering no internet capabilities, Wii Mini allows you to jump straight in and experience all the great Wii games from the last six years since the Wii console first launched," Nintendo said in a statement today.

The machine will not play old GameCube games, unlike Wii itself.

Nintendo is also rereleasing more classic Wii titles at lower price to coincide with Wii Mini's launch - with titles including Mario Party 8, Super Paper Mario and Wii Sports Resort.