Nintendo Wii Won't See Price Cut In Near Future, Focusing On Bundles
Even if Nintendo isn't seeing the profits they'd like to, and Wii sales slumping, it looks like the company isn't planning on making any drastic changes to the working model they've got in place now. They still believe that the $200 price point for the console, which already has plenty of extras in the box, is the right way to go. Instead, they believe that offering up console bundles is the way to go forward.
Satoru Iwata, President and CEO of Nintendo, had a quick conversation with the Associated Press, where he took some time to talk about the Wii, and where the company stands on its sales, and what they plan on doing in the near future. While a price drop may be what people expect for the holiday season, it's not likely to happen. "Of course, we cannot say [a Wii price cut] will never happen, but we are not thinking of it for the near future." Iwata added that Nintend is focusing their attention on customers who may have previously wanted to buy the Wii in the past, but haven't managed to get around to it quite yet.
And, while a price cut may be an easy way to get more people to buy the console, Iwata believes they can reach the same goal with bundles. Currently, customers can pick up a white or black version of the console, which comes with a Wii MotionPlus and Nunchuk controller, Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort, all for just $200. And, beginning November 7th, Nintendo will release the 25th anniversary edition of Super Mario Bros. console, which features the "Mario red" color scheme. That bundle, which includes Super Smash Bros., will also retail for $200.
Would a price drop make sense? Perhaps to the consumers, but obviously Nintendo believes that the $200 price point makes sense for the console, plus everything they're throwing into the packages. Bundles are certainly a good way to make money for console manufacturers, as people are always wanting to get something free right out of the box. But, will it be enough to turn the sales numbers around for Nintendo? Only time will tell.
[via CNET]