Sales of Nintendo 3DS have been a lot lower than Nintendo had expected. The console, which went on sale in March, originally retailed for $250. Now, just 4 months after the release of the 3DS, Nintendo has decided to drop the price in order to boost sales.
Nintendo is dropping the price of the 3DS by $80, down to $170, which is a pretty significant reduction from the console’s original retail price. But will this be enough to boost sales of the 3DS?
Reasons Behind the Price Drop
Nintendo also announced that they have only sold 830,000 units of the console in the US. This figure is far below the company’s expectations, especially considering the strong brand loyalty and the innovative features of the 3DS, such as its glasses-free 3D display. The company is clearly looking to boost sales in the US and other countries with the price drop.
The competitive landscape in the gaming industry has also played a role. With the rise of mobile gaming on smartphones and tablets, dedicated handheld consoles like the 3DS face stiff competition. Lowering the price makes the 3DS more accessible to a broader audience, potentially attracting those who might otherwise opt for mobile gaming options.
Incentives for Early Adopters
So what about the people who paid the $250 for the console? Nintendo has said that it will offer the early adopters 10 free Game Boy Advance games for the 3DS. These games will only be available to customers who have purchased a 3DS before the 12th of August, which is the date that the price drop comes into effect.
This move is part of Nintendo’s Ambassador Program, designed to reward loyal customers who supported the 3DS from the beginning. The free games include popular titles like “The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap” and “Metroid Fusion,” which are sure to please fans of classic Nintendo franchises. This gesture aims to mitigate any potential backlash from early adopters who might feel shortchanged by the sudden price drop.
Additionally, Nintendo is likely hoping that these free games will encourage early adopters to continue investing in the 3DS ecosystem, purchasing more games and accessories in the future. By keeping their most loyal customers happy, Nintendo can maintain a strong user base that will help sustain the console’s long-term success.
Future Prospects for the 3DS
The price drop and the Ambassador Program are just part of Nintendo’s broader strategy to revitalize the 3DS. The company is also planning to release a slew of new games and software updates to keep the console relevant and exciting. Upcoming titles like “Super Mario 3D Land” and “Mario Kart 7” are highly anticipated and could drive significant sales.
Moreover, Nintendo is investing in augmented reality (AR) features and other innovative technologies to differentiate the 3DS from its competitors. These advancements could make the 3DS more appealing to tech-savvy consumers who are looking for unique gaming experiences.
In conclusion, while the initial sales of the Nintendo 3DS have been disappointing, the company’s aggressive price drop and strategic initiatives could turn things around. By making the console more affordable and rewarding early adopters, Nintendo is taking significant steps to boost sales and ensure the long-term success of the 3DS.
Source Wired
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