Wal Mart is insisting that the Wii price will drop in October
Worldwide price cut may be on the cards - but will UK gamers see the benefit?
It's a funny time in retail at present. The global economy is still reeling from the worldwide recession and in the UK - where the value of the Pound has plummeted - Nintendo has been forced to push up the trade price of its Wii console, which in turn has resulted in some retailers exploring the possibility of increased retail prices, too.
Taking this into account, it's rather strange than we're now hearing that US retail giant Wal Mart is planning a "price roll back" next month. The reasoning behind this is obvious - both the 360 and PS3 have seen their RRPs slashed lately, and as a result the Wii is looking less attractive from a consumer's point of view - sales are down by almost half compared to what they were the same time last year.
While both Nintendo of America and Nintendo UK are refusing to comment on the entire situation, we're guessing that even if the US cut happens, British gamers won't be celebrating a similar Wii price drop this Christmas. The Pound is still weak and as a result it's going to be hard for UK-based companies to even consider reducing the value of the machine at this stage.
However, US gamers that haven't taken the plunge on the Wii yet are advised to keep their powder dry until at least the end of October, when the drop is expected to occur.
1. ReZon
14 Sep 2009, 14:43 BST
No mention of the actual price drop though? I'd venture to say it'll be $199.99.
Good for you Nintendo, it was time.
2. lz2009
14 Sep 2009, 14:44 BST
Normally I'd say that this is crazy, but it has been three years since the Wii's release.
3. y2josh
14 Sep 2009, 14:48 BST
I don't like Wal-Mart, but I like seeing NIntendo get called out by them
And the European Wii prices are mindblowing, it just doesn't make any since at all.
4. Hardy83
14 Sep 2009, 14:51 BST
I guess NoA finally realized their 3 "AAA" if you want to call them that (Mario Bros Wii, Wii Fit Plus and I GUESS Wii Sports Resort) won't be enough to compete with the large price cuts for the other systems.
5. Jockolantern
14 Sep 2009, 14:57 BST
It's a wise business decision considering the price cut on the 360 and PS3. It just makes sense. Good call on Wal-Mart's part and it gets the system in the hands of those who still want the system for an even cheaper price. Nothing to complain about there.
6. ejamer
14 Sep 2009, 15:00 BST
Oddly, I don't really care unless this translates into increased developer support... and that's unlikely at best. Good for people who don't already own a Wii though!
7. Objection_Blaster
14 Sep 2009, 15:10 BST
I think its about time for a price cut. Next on the agenda: introduce Wii Greatest Hits. Every other console has and some of the older titles need that second chance to be picked up.
8. Strofan7
14 Sep 2009, 15:17 BST
Yes to greatest hits! I started a thread about it haha. I would love some discounted goodies...
9. tambourine man
14 Sep 2009, 15:18 BST
Haha, everyone else gets a price drop when over here it gets more expensive
I already have a Wii though so I don't care much.
10. Egg miester
14 Sep 2009, 15:48 BST
every company does a bundle before a price drop both sony and microsoft did it before price drop, even in japan they made the black wii's before a price drop even if every store would try to get price drop nintendo can tell them to screw themselves
anyways price drops mean nothing to me i own already have one
11. Kirk
14 Sep 2009, 15:51 BST
It's a joke, recession or not, that after 2 years on the market it looks like we are having to pay more for the Wii than when it was released! [Watch your language - even if abbreviated! - Mod]
I've never seen a situation like this, even the basic Xbox Arcade is getting a price hike too, and it's just not good.
The Wii should be sub £150 by now imo, and probably even £99, considering it it basically a Gamecube 1.5
12. JustYourAverageBleh
14 Sep 2009, 15:54 BST
Time for the next reinvented Wii
13. ejamer
14 Sep 2009, 17:24 BST
I like the "Wii Greatest Hits" idea for first-party Nintendo games, but otherwise it seems kind of pointless. There are many awesome third-party titles for under $20 and a huge selection for $30 or under, so this doesn't seem nearly as relevant for Wii as it does for other consoles.
14. Machu
14 Sep 2009, 18:03 BST
I know some disagree, but I really feel Nintendo are completely mad for not slashing the price of the Wii quite heavily. Get the units out there, in preparation for the slew of quality games that are en route (both announced and all the enticing rumours floating about).
The difference between the US and UK price-points is just insulting. I bought my Wii for £180, I need a second one, do you think I'm gonna pay £10/20 more than i did nearly three years ago.
I love Nintendo, but if they don't act quick, they will lose their dominance, if they haven't already.
I hope Asda (WalMart UK) make the bold decision NoE seem unable to.
15. Machu
14 Sep 2009, 18:08 BST
And the pound is not weak! It's still stronger than everything else, just not as strong as it was. Nice one Gordon Brown you ****ing a55! Ug!
16. motang
14 Sep 2009, 18:20 BST
Price drop for the Wii is needed, as well as the DSi IMO.
17. ODOGG618
14 Sep 2009, 18:49 BST
I agree with Machu and Motang, took em long enough. They can enjoy another month of Sony and Microsoft kicking their butt thanks to the price drop. I was waiting on that PS3 drop, Nintendo better show me some good games quick cuz Madden on the Wii stinks.
18. The Cow
14 Sep 2009, 19:09 BST
OH PLEASE!!!!
THIS IS JUST ANOTHER STUPID ASSUMTPION THAT PEOPLE/RETAILERS NEED NINTENDO TO BADLY MAKE A PRICE CUT!!!
GET OVER YOURSELVES PEOPLE!!!!
WE WON'T EVER GET A PRICE CUT ON THE WII UNTIL NINTENDO THEMSELVES A PRICE CUT; WHICH WE ALL KNOW MIGHT NOW HAPPEN IF NINTENDO WASN'T SO DAMN SECRETIVE ALL OF THE DAMN TIME!!!!!
See ya soon.
-Panda
19. Stuffgamer1
14 Sep 2009, 20:09 BST
@The Cow: Again with the language. I'll only defend you so far, y'know...and you've crossed the line twice today alone!
And it's not a "stupid assumption" that people/retailers need a Wii price drop...it's based on solid evidence of rapidly declining sales, the system being around nearly THREE YEARS without a single price drop, and in my case, personal experience working retail.
I hope Wal Mart doesn't actually decide to roll back the price below MSRP, because I doubt very much that Gamestop would do the same in retaliation, which could well make my job even harder.
EDIT: Thanks, Panda.
Also, it looks like my Wal Mart-only price drop fears are moot now that the news post about the Toys 'R' Us ad is up. All I can say is it's about time!
20. WolfRamHeart
14 Sep 2009, 23:16 BST
It looks like the price drop is going to be happening after all and it makes logical sense to do it now. I think it would be rather foolish of Nintendo not to do a price drop after Sony and Microsoft did theirs. This move will not effect me since I already have my Wii but it does level the playing field for Nintendo especially with the holidays coming up. Now if only Nintendo would just lower the price on the DSi.
21. Super Smash Bros. Fan1999
15 Sep 2009, 00:12 BST
Nintendo needs to give us the official price cut before I change my mood on the price it has not. This won't do squat.
22. OK_Computer
15 Sep 2009, 01:57 BST
They're down by half since last year because no one wants a 3rd Wii.
23. Jolted85
16 Sep 2009, 21:26 BST
the question is, if the price drop does happen how will the people that paid $249 feel?
24. StarDust
20 Sep 2009, 23:05 BST
Man, I feel sooo bad for UK gamers; they are just getting ripped off royally, and it is not fair to them at all. The time has never been better for importing a shiny new US Wii
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