Should Nintendo offer an optional WiiU SKU without the Gamepad?

[archbrix]

Zero999 said:

archbrix said:

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.

the general consensus is that the gamepad only increases the sku's price in $50.

Do you have a link for this?  Because as of a year ago, Nintendo was charging about three times that amount for a replacement:

http://mynintendonews.com/2013/02/26/wii-u-gamepad-could-cost-you-at-least-140-to-replace/