Next month will see the release of Wii Sports Resort, follow up to the best selling console game of all time. There has been a decent amount of debate as to what type of hardware sales increases the release should bring to the Wii, which is currently experiencing a period of flat sales. As it's been pointed out, the market for the same expanded audience that Nintendo has successfully captured this generation is significantly larger than the current Wii user base which brings up the question of what are the reasons why these consumers continue to hold off on the purchase of a Wii, and more importantly, what is the impetus that will compel them to buy the console, nearly three years into its life cycle?
1. Price
It is no secret that the Wii has been profitable for Nintendo since day one, due to their decision in hardware architecture to expand upon the previous generation Game Cube, allowing for lowered R&D costs as well as lowered production costs. Despite this, the price was still a very acceptable (for a new platform) $250, making the decision to buy one easier.
Nearly three years later, production has finally matched demand while remaining at the same retail price as its debut; one of the longest stretches of this type in console history.
Is the $250 price what is currently holding the platform back from the next tier of market penetration?
2. Bundles, colors, special editions
It was often predicted that we would see new color choices, software bundles or special editions prior to seeing any sort of overall price drop in the original package. And while color options do provide consumers with the option of matching colors, individual preference, etc. what type of hardware boosts could a new paint job realistically expect to sustain over time, or would it simply be catering to niche markets within the Wii user base?
3. Wii Sports Resort
As the follow up to the best selling console game of all time, some have been predicting that the release of WSR, along with the bundled Motion Plus peripheral could be anything from one of the best software movers of all time, comparable with Wii Play and Wii Fit, to a rebirth/reimagining of the Wii experience.
Realistically, there is little question the game will be a huge seller, but in terms of sustained increases in hardware slaes, things are considerably less clear. The original was essentially a free game, although it was still the reason for many to buy the console in the first place, making WSR an automatic purchase for many.
But what type of sustained hardware sales can realistically be expected once WSR debuts? We will find out the initial bump effect next month.
4. Motion Plus
Tied largely to WSR, but already available at retail along with two M+ enabled EA Sports titles. Numbers aren't out on the number of attachments being sold, relatively easy to estimate based upon the number of units EA moves. It is safe to say at this point that neither game has been a legitimate system seller, despite the use of the extended motion controls of M+.
But these are initial efforts, and the benefits of M+ have yet to be really showcased (see WSR). Future efforts may turn the current minor ripple effect into waves, should the additional abilities fully deliver when it comes to the games.
Opinions?
