From the get-go, I knew the 3DS would have a rocky start and have difficulty taking off.
However, it has nothing to do with the 3D being an issue for people.
Rather, Nintendo has failed to clarify that the 3DS is an entirely new, far superior gaming device that succeeds the DS. As a result, the much higher price-point seems to most gamers to not be worthwhile. Pay $120, or $250? It's not a difficult choice.
The DS's price needs to drop. It's outdated tech. It has scarcely changed in price in the past five years. If they drop the DSi to $100 and the DSi XL to $130-$150, they'll be able to drop the 3DS to $200 and fit it into the "sweet spot" of gamers' wallets. From this point, both systems will enjoy a sales surge - and the 3DS will probably be able to take off once and for all.
Granted, this IS the "off season" of gaming, but it's still pretty rough when a brand new gaming device launches and its launch sales die off to the bottom of the barrel within a month's time. The 3DS is a magnificent piece of hardware with an enormous amount of potential. At its current price-point, it's going to have a hard time living up to that potential. Right now, Nintendo is holding back on releasing their big hitters to try coaxing third parties into developing more stuff, giving them a bigger piece of the spotlight. Problem is, they're not going to be wanting to release that much while the system is floundering in its launch window. At this rate, the system isn't going to start picking up sales until Nintendo releases all the big hitters they've got planned, and at that point in time, third parties will once again be overshadowed and it'll be lost.
I expect Nintendo to drop the price of both the 3DS and the original DS systems in time for the holiday season, if they plan on doing well. Perhaps late September, early October?
Thoughts?
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