The price I’m taking is the confirmed US price for the black Wii U: $350.
I’m not counting the cheapest white 8gb model because Nintendo, as with other companies, releases a smaller SKU to try to highlight the value of the more expensive SKU. For example, why buy the white Wii U for $300, when for an extra $50 you can have the best model? It’s a simple marketing gimmick that’s been around for a while now.
Let’s break down the cost. Please note that these figures are not 100% accurate.
$100 dollars for the controller
$250 for the actual console
The $350 Black Wii U
Starting today, the 250gb xbox 360 will set you back $250 and the 160gb ps3 another $250.
Now, considering that the Wii U is a bit more powerful, you can see that the actual price is not that high. The console itself would cost the same as the 360 and PS3, if it weren’t for its tablet. Nintendo has timed it perfectly. They can benefit from having the most powerful console for at least a year.
The problem arises when Sony and Microsoft launch their new consoles. These consoles will have been announced by now next year and will be considerably more powerful than the Wii U. Obviously the price of these will be over $250, try $400-500 for both. The Wii U will be out of date by then, but as seen with the original Wii, the technology doesn’t have to be the best as long as it captures the imagination of users, in the case of the Wii, the motion controller. Nintendo I have tried to do this with the new tablet but this is not enough in my opinion.
The price for me is perfect. The Wii U will sell well for at least a year. It may start to struggle as the other next-gen consoles come out, but they will position themselves as the less sophisticated and cheaper console. , but I’m not convinced it’s as innovative as motion control was. Microsoft has already shown a similar concept with Smartglass and Sony with Vita. However, Nintendo knows from the Wii that a gimmick like this won’t generate lasting sales. That is why they will try to do one more thing.
Nintendo will try to appeal back to the hardcore gamer who felt left out with the Wii U and this will be the key to justifying the price. If this happens, Nintendo could strike a perfect balance between innovation, intense gameplay, and an enticing price.