This is more of about prediction than analysis. The WiiU had a solid launch by any standards as one would expect with lots of Nintendo fans out there. However, in the coming months we are going to start to see what the demand is really like. One of the remarkable aspects of the Wii launch was that post-Christmas demand stayed high. In a week or two we'll start to see if WiiU sales will continue at a level near where it is now. If it continues to sell at this rate we will know that it is obviously priced right and everything is wonderful in NintendoLand. If sales dip significantly, Nintendo may need a change. Nintendo needs to sell around 2 million units or so to hit their goal for the fiscal year. That means that they need to sell at least 150k+ per week to hit their target. For reference, the Wii sold a minimum of 150k in 2007, but usually around 200-250k per week. So we can assume that's the shipping max to expect for Wii, and what we can assume they would sell if there is full consumer demand.

 

So, before we start to see the answer, what say you? Is the WiiU priced right for full demand or is it too pricey? Is it priced fine but needs more/better games? I ask because in the interview where Iwata states that sales are not bad, he mentions the challenge of 2 SKU's. It seems to be commonly accepted that the basic is in much lower demand than the delux. I know personally I haven't seen dulux packs on shelves, but I have occationally seen the basics. With Wii consumers got at great package right out of the box. Wii and a good minigame mix for $250. With WiiU you get that same deal but for $100 more, or you get a package for less but without the pack-in. I think consumers love pack-ins. It makes them feel like they got a great deal. So does WiiU need a price drop? Or does it need to drop the basic and have a simple model structure? Or should the delux become the basic? Should Nintendo soldier on even if sales are slightly low this winter and spring because these are pricepoints that make sense financially? Should they save a price drop for the fall when competition launches systems?

The price isn't the problem, the name is

Nintendo should have just given it a whole new name, many consumers think the wiiu is just an expansion pack or an "Add on" for the Wii

It just came out, so it does not need a price drop. I think Nintendo will make a White version of the deluxe model, and drop the basic sometime next year. They will also drop the price by about $50 around the holidays.

No price drop. At least try to double the time it took for the 3DS to drop price or next Christmas. Marketing and the name is the problem.

There are so many things Nintendo could do to improve. But they won't do them. The Nintendo fans & gamers of the world know exactly what Nintendo should do, but they won't listen. Nintendo is hands down one of the most insular companies on the planet. They march to the beat of their own drum, and listen to no one outside of the company. Having zero debt and billions of cash in the bank lets you do this.

It's frustrating.

Price isnt the issue, its the lack of

a) 3D Mario
b) Zelda
c) Super Smash Bros
d) Mario Kart
e) "Insert a GOOD third party title and not something like Bayonetta"

Edit: Everything else seems good except for a few minor things like the charging 0.50 for minors or w/e and the ethernet port.

TheLastStarFighter said: This is more of about prediction than analysis. The WiiU had a solid launch by any standards as one would expect with lots of Nintendo fans out there. However, in the coming months we are going to start to see what the demand is really like. One of the remarkable aspects of the Wii launch was that post-Christmas demand stayed high. In a week or two we'll start to see if WiiU sales will continue at a level near where it is now. If it continues to sell at this rate we will know that it is obviously priced right and everything is wonderful in NintendoLand. If sales dip significantly, Nintendo may need a change. Nintendo needs to sell around 2 million units or so to hit their goal for the fiscal year. That means that they need to sell at least 150k+ per week to hit their target. For reference, the Wii sold a minimum of 150k in 2007, but usually around 200-250k per week. So we can assume that's the shipping max to expect for Wii, and what we can assume they would sell if there is full consumer demand.

I agree, the next weeks will be very exciting. it will be most interesting, which direction the sales will take.