Nintendo has yet to announce any official pricing for their new Wii U console, which will go on sale later this year. However, Nintendo’s CEO Satoru Iwata has assured that the pricing of the console will be reasonable.
The Nintendo CEO recently gave an interview to a newspaper in Japan, the Yomiuri Shimbun daily newspaper. He said that the Wii U will be available at a ‘reasonable’ price and added, “We won’t make the same mistake that we did with the 3DS, which was considered relatively high [priced] by consumers.”
Lessons Learned from the 3DS
The 3DS, despite its innovative 3D technology, initially struggled in the market due to its high price point. Nintendo had to implement a significant price cut to boost sales, which eventually helped the handheld console gain popularity. This experience has evidently influenced Nintendo’s strategy with the Wii U. By ensuring the Wii U is priced reasonably from the start, Nintendo aims to avoid the pitfalls they encountered with the 3DS and attract a broader audience right out of the gate.
One of the reasons the original Wii console was popular was because the device was cheaper than many of the other consoles available on the market. If Nintendo is able to sell their new console for a decent price, then they may have another hit on their hands. The affordability of the Wii made it accessible to a wide range of consumers, from casual gamers to families looking for an interactive entertainment system. The Wii U, with its innovative GamePad controller and enhanced graphics, has the potential to capture a similar market if priced correctly.
Potential Market Impact
The gaming landscape has evolved significantly since the original Wii was released. Competitors like Sony and Microsoft have also upped their game with advanced consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. These consoles offer high-definition graphics, extensive game libraries, and robust online services. For the Wii U to stand out, it not only needs to be reasonably priced but also offer unique features that appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers.
The Wii U’s GamePad, which features a touchscreen, motion controls, and the ability to play games independently of the TV, is one such feature that could set it apart. This innovative controller opens up new possibilities for gameplay, making it a unique selling point. Additionally, the Wii U’s backward compatibility with Wii games and accessories adds value for existing Wii owners considering an upgrade.
Whether the Wii U console will end up being as popular as the original Wii remains to be seen. The original Wii’s success was partly due to its appeal to non-traditional gamers, including older adults and young children. The Wii U will need to capture this diverse audience while also appealing to more traditional gamers who may be drawn to the advanced capabilities of competing consoles.
As soon as we get some details on how much the console will actually cost, we will let you guys know. The anticipation surrounding the Wii U’s release is palpable, and many are eager to see how Nintendo will position this new console in a competitive market. With the promise of a reasonable price and innovative features, the Wii U has the potential to make a significant impact in the gaming world.
Source Digital Trends
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