According to a source over at Kotaku, GameStop will be sending all of their Wii U basic sets back to Nintendo on June 18th. Their source, someone that seems to work within GameStop received the following email at work:
“Nintendo Wii U Basic Recall – Two Week Preparation On Tuesday, 6/18, all stories will need to return all new/unopened Wii U Basic (020359). .. Stores that have 10 or more in stock will receive shipping cartons from the [distribution center]. .. All other stores will need to save shipping cartons for this recall.”
Kotaku reached out to Nintendo and received the following response:
“We do not comment on our business practices with retailers.”
So, what does this mean exactly? Well, we don’t know for sure, but it could mean one of a couple things. First, it could mean that due to the projected high retail pricing of the Xbox One and PS4 (projected at just under $400), the $349 price tag on the deluxe model (assuming there is no price cut) would fair well against the newer consoles. Or two, maybe they will be introducing a new package which will be announced at E3. I am more apt to believe the later option. I honestly cannot see Nintendo dropping the basic model, especially upon the imminent launch of the competition’s models. Maybe the recall will allow for a game to be pre-packaged within the box. Maybe include a Wii Mote Motion Plus. Maybe…well, I could keep guessing all day.
Regardless of what might be going on, I think the timing is pretty telling. The recall takes place after E3, so I am sure Nintendo has something up their sleeves. What do you think it could be?
**************UPDATE***************
*Nintendo UK has stated that they will NOT be pulling the basic model from their shelves.
*It has also not been confirmed whether this decision was made my Nintendo directly, or North American GameStop Stores.
