Should Nintendo offer an optional WiiU SKU without the Gamepad?

[archbrix]

Zero999 said:

Justagamer said:
I was like archbrix... I didn't at first think it was a good idea. But having had a wiiu since launch and played a lot if games, I'm convinced it's ultimately unnecessary. There isn't one game that truly requires it. So I agree, off two sku's and sell the pad-less one for as low as they possibly can, like $179.

wrong on both. there are games requiring it and withou it, the sku would only be $50 less.

The general consensus was that (at launch anyway) the Gamepad accounted for over $100 of the WiiU's price.  They're still losing a little on each console at $299.

Without the inclusion of the Gamepad they could sell the console at $199 with just a Wiimote/nunchuck and not lose any more than they're losing now, if not breaking even.  If it were only $50 less as you said, then they'd surely be profiting nicely with each sale.  Either scenario would be better for Nintendo.