Nintendo of America has announced that its 3DS portable gaming console will list for $169.99 starting August 12, 2011. The 3DS launched in America this past March with a price of $249.99. Gamers that already own the system will be able to download 20 games for free — including 10 games Nintendo has no plans to make available to the general public — to make up for the rapid price drop.
While it’s surprising for any system to slash its price less than five months after its debut, it makes sense for the Nintendo 3DS. The system isn’t selling nearly as well as its predecessor. In fact, the Nintendo DS has been outselling the Nintendo 3DS in 2011. Many longtime Nintendo customers simply found the price too high.
Then there’s the PlayStation Vita factor. When Sony revealed that its upcoming Vita handheld will launch for $249, my initial thought was, “Well that makes the 3DS look silly.” The Vita is considerably more powerful than the 3DS and features more expensive parts. If both systems had hit holiday 2011 at the same price then the Vita would have slaughtered the 3DS in the gaming enthusiast market.
What do you guys and dolls make of the 3DS price cut? Is Nintendo in panic mode? Do you think the price cut was a reaction to sales figures or was it a preemptive strike against the Vita?
Is Nintendo in panic mode? Do you think the price cut was a reaction to sales figures or was it a preemptive strike against the Vita?
I think it is all of those reasons. Get some momentum swinging in that direction for the holiday season.
I think Big N hitting panic mode isn't ever a possibility. If they do have a panic mode, it's nothing like the panic mode alot of American businesses are in right now.
I think it was a calculated decision based on the sales numbers. EVERYBODY thought $250 was a bit absurd. Nintendo finally caught on as well when their plan to capitalize on the fresh factor failed.
Check out Groove Coaster in the App Store for $1. It is better than all of the 3DS games I have played honestly. Oh yeah…my iPad also lets me browse the net, netflix, etc. In addition to Apple letting me lock the game to an account instead of the device.
I'm not attacking you, please don't interpret it that way but I do think Nintendo is starting to feel Cupertino more than they want to admit.
Oh… they are noticing the Jobs situation, but I don't think it's anywhere close to making them sweat. More like annoyed if anything.
You do have a great point though. An iPod touch is definitely more economic in the long haul. Considering that the 3D aspect isn't a rage and the overall consensus was "meh"… a price cut seems wise for the people who brought us the Virtual Boy.