Wii U to be priced at $299?

[archbrix]

happydolphin said:

archbrix said:

VGKing said:

The price point is most likely true. It won't fly off shelves at $300 though.
I think $250 is the perfect price point for a Nintendo console.

Oh, it will definitely fly off shelves at $300 with the right software.  The PS2 did exceptionally well at that launch price (still holds the record here in the States for the biggest first day opening for a console).  Granted, it also featured DVD playback, but its launch lineup was pretty lackluster.  All WiiU needs is the right games.

Another point in favor of PS2 was that it was riding off the huge success of the PS1. 100M sales at the time was a ginormeous feat. Plus impeccable marketing and brand power. Nintendo is doing very well post DS/Wii, but is still a disputed winner this gen, since PS360 together beat it, and a large segment is not under its banner, So, it's way under the PS1's power, and way below what the big N is capable of, and what it's once been (NES).

This is true, and something I considered as well (although coming off of the Wii's success is nothing to sneeze at), but a few things to consider are the fact that Nintendo hasn't had a serious visual upgrade in console tech in over ten years (since N64 to GC), the fact that the WiiU offers a new type of controller (which is something the PS2 didn't), and that WiiU is launching first in the 8th gen, whereas the PS2 launched second (not that it mattered... poor Dreamcast).

I truly believe that with a year's head start, a $299 price and, most importantly, compelling software, WiiU has the potential to be the victor next gen IF Nintendo plays their cards right.