While many consumers don't care about HD Graphics that comes with next-generation systems, hardcore gamers want it all. They want HDMI, they want surround sound, they want upscaling. The Wii, on the other hand, just sits around, playing games and selling millions of units. Can't Nintendo throw us a bone and maybe give us some DVD playback? How about music CDs? A recent post on the official Nintendo site may give a slight hint that these features are coming. 

The question is a simple one, but the answer might be telling.

Q: Can the Wii console playback music CDs and DVDs?

A: The Wii console released in the end of 2006 does not have the feature to playback music CDs or DVDs.

Odd, isn't it? So the Wii consoles released at the beginning or middle of 2007... do those have the feature? Will it be added via a firmware fix? C'mon Nintendo to the Wii, you can do anything!  

Honestly, though, I'm not sure if anyone would really want this. It might be nice as a portable DVD player on trips, with some Wii Sports on the side, but I'm thinking most Wii owners already have a DVD player. Of course, Nintendo could just release the feature as a $5 download via Wii Ware and turn it into a profit source.

What do you think: needed or not? Would you pay for it?