Nintendo confirm that the new version of the Wii will be the exact same size as the old one.

Last week Nintendo of Europe made the surprise announcement that a new version of the popular Wii console would be released later this year. We soon learnt that the new one would remove GameCube compatibility and many assumed it would be slightly smaller, but this is not the case.

Nintendo has updated its website with a bit of information about the new iteration and confirmed that the new console will be the exact same size as the one currently available on the market.

So in spite of removing the ability to play GameCube games or use GameCube controllers, to "offer maximum value in the here and now", the console will be largely similar to the original other than the fact it is designed to be used horizontally and as such the console's logo has been rotated.

The console is due out in October but there is still no word as to when exactly it is expected to go on sale but we'll keep you updated.