This is the moment that seemingly everyone has been clamoring for since right after the Wii U was launched – a price cut has been announced for the Wii U. Kotaku revealed this information today when they released details from an interview with Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime.
As its sales have been examined to slap a proclamation of success or failure on the new console, the debate rages on about how well the console is doing. I will not enter into that fray here, but I will state that a lower price point can only help to boost sales. With that said, Nintendo has announced that they are cutting $50 off of the price of the console on September 20.
Reggie also clarified another point about the Wii U system, one that has been rumored for weeks. When speaking about the white 8 GB basic Wii U model, he stated “That has largely sold through in the marketplace…There is not much of that particular configuration out and we don’t expect there to be much at all come September 20.” The Wii U basic has officially received the axe at this point, based on what he said.
Nintendo will be offering the 32 GB “deluxe” model of the Wii U for $299.99 starting on September 20. In addition, the Wind Waker HD bundle would offer a second console option. It will also be 32 GB, but it will come with vouchers to download a digital copy of Hyrule Historia as well as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD. It should be noted that the WWHD bundle is also priced at $299.99, now that there is an official price drop.
Nintendo has a steady stream of software ready to launch over the next few months. That fact, coupled with a modest price cut, should help to increase sales of the system. Only time will determine how many systems will be sold. Lowering the price in advance of the other next gen systems launching in November can only benefit Nintendo. Ultimately, software sells systems, but the price of the system can not be overlooked. A console that is perceived to be high priced will have sluggish sales, even if the games are outstanding. The combination of strong software and a lower price help to create a more favorable market for the Wii U. Once pre-orders are filled for the PS4 and XBox One by mid November, it will be interesting to see how the 3 consoles will sell head to head (to head) for the remainder of the holidays.
What are everyone’s thoughts on the impact this will have on the Wii U? Do you anticipate a strong holiday season for the console?
