"A number of other Wii bundles will be announced this autumn, all offering great value. Watch this space!"

I wonder what other bundles we will see... a golden Wii with a golden remote for Zelda would be cool! :)

The new Wii that won't play GameCube games—which we're unilaterally renaming the Wii Minus—may be a European exclusive, it seems. A company rep tells Kotaku that Nintendo "does not currently have any plans" to release it in America.

Source: http://kotaku.com/5831855/nintendo-has-no-plans-to-release-the-wii+minus-in-america

I think I just figured out what happened to NoA. Reggie couldn't find someone to fill Cammie's position fast enough so her position was filled by a parrot

The question is; does Japan have plans?

In Europe dropping GC support makes sense, because GC was almost a non-entity there, but then again GC was almost a non-entity in Japan as well. USA was the only place it did well, and thus the only place where continued GC support through backwards compatibility made a lick of sense in the first place.

No; as long as you have the component cables for Gamecube to run in pro-scan.

However, I used to game on an older Samsung CRT HDTV (only displayed 480i, 480p and 1080i) and for some reason running my GC in progressive scan resulted in weird vertical lines on that TV.  But the GC games played on a Wii in pro-scan looked fine.  It was really strange and I'm sure 99.9% of people wouldn't experience this problem but I guess for some reason that TV and the GC with its component cables just didn't get along.

The big problem (for me) is that without the GC controller ports, Smash Bros Brawl can't be played with the GC controller, which is the absolute ideal way to play it.  Also, VC N64 games like Mario 64 or Waverace 64 can't be played with GC controllers either (which is how I like to play them), but if you're ok with the Classic Controller then I guess it doesn't matter.

^Yep, I pack component (a multi cable that I also use on my PS2). No lines or anything with a converter box for my PC monitor ;)
For Smash, I think I'll be able to deal with the classic controller pro. Worst case scenario, I get a used Wii.

Other stores should follow suit if they want to clear out stocks, $135 is cheap.

I dunno, kinda ironic for no NA plans

Now people can get a Wii with gamecube waaay cheaper now(used). that's pretty cool.

Did you not read above? No plans for this new Wii to come to NA.