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Forums - Nintendo Discussion - Wii U Meant for Consumers with Higher Disposable Income, Says Nintendo

 

http://www.gamezone.com/news/wii-u-meant-for-consumers-with-higher-disposable-income-says-nintendo

 

                                      

 

 

 

As rumors about the Nintendo Wii U price point continue to spread, its becoming evident that the newest console from Nintendo is not going to be cheap.  Even the Nintendo's President Satoru Iwata admitted, "This thing is not going to be cheap."  At the time he hinted it would be priced at more than 20,000 yen in Japan, or roughly $250 in the U.S.

Recently, we had a few leaks which saw several sites and retail outlets pricing the Wii U for $600.  Regardless of whether or not you believe these are placeholders or the potential price, it becomes more evident that the Wii U is going to be expensive.

In fact, based on the latest details from Nintendo’s North America President Reggie Fils-Aime, if I had to choose between a price for the Wii U between $250 and $600, I'd say it's going to cost closer to $600.

That's right.  It's now appearing as if the Wii U might not be for everyone.

When speaking to AllThingsD, Fils-Aime had said the Wii U is going to be "for consumers who want to have the latest gadgets and have a higher disposable income."

When speaking about the success of the Wii and its record-breaking sales, thanks mostly to affordable pricing, Fils-Aime made it clear that the Wii U will not follow a similar suit.

"The market is going to continue to differentiate based on the types of experiences that consumers want. As an example, if I’m the head of a household of a family of four, and my disposable income is $50,000 to $60,000, I’m going to continue to look at the Wii because of the software, and it’s a great entertainment device. For consumers who want to have the latest gadgets and have a higher disposable income, that’s for the Wii U."

Of course, anyone who has seen the Wii U knows that it is using innovative technology with its new tablet controller - which is part of the reason for its high price estimation. 

Though Nintendo hasn't announced an official price for the new console, Aimes did say, "given the current pricing of the Wii, it's not going to be there."

"We’ve been very clear, the market is going to decide how long these products will coexist side by side. Our goal is to launch the Wii U and drive it into the marketplace, but it will speak to a different consumer than the one that is buying the Wii today during the holidays."

Unfortunately, it looks like that "different consumer" is going to be for the wealthy individuals who have the extra money to spend.  And looking at the current economy, it doesn't look like it will be many - especially if it's closer to the $600 price.  Based on fan reaction to the earlier estimates, many don't seem to be willing to part with that much money. 

 



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hell i'm already broke, do i need to go into debt just to own a Wiiu?



Awesome, I have plenty of diposable income, I'll buy two.



WTF?

600+250=850
Divide by two $425?

The smallest amount is could be is at $425?

Do they expect me to work 2 jobs?  I rather wait



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it worked so well for sony, they went from being market leader by a landslide to loosing a significant amount of brand recognition to microsoft and nintendo



 

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Well that's not the audience that made the Wii a success, neither is it the one that buys core games ...

I guess Nintendo have realised that a controller with a screen in it isn't anywhere near as easy to sell to casuals as the Wii was though (hence why they're desperatly trying to appeal to other audiences)

They're also making the grave mistake of thinking Wii is going to be remotely desireable after WiiU launch, the thing is declining rapidly 0_o



 

If this is true, I hope that Nintendo and the 3 people that buys a Wii U will be happy.



 

 

 

The only logic I can see here, is that: they'll launch the product at a high price at first, to sell to the hardcore Nintendo fans who buy things and launch and other techies

Nintendo will then hold the price there until the PS4 and 720 come out, just because they know they won't be able to beat the PS3 and 360 for pricing and game library when the WiiU comes out

So why appeal to that market when there is time for that later?



Though Nintendo hasn't announced an official price for the new console, Aimes did say, "given the current pricing of the Wii, it's not going to be there."

So it's gona be more expensive than a Wii? What a surprise.

When speaking about the success of the Wii and its record-breaking sales, thanks mostly to affordable pricing, Fils-Aime made it clear that the Wii U will not follow a similar suit.

And it will be more expensive than the Wii at launch. Again, not too surprising either.

Sorry but I still believe it will launch for about 350 $/€. Too expensive to call it cheap or affordable but not in the realms of the prohibitive luxury.



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spurgeonryan said:
That is not the full interview.

Well just do it Reggie, and we will see how long it takes you to reduce the price like the 3DS.


 Exactly! And I thought Nintendo didn't want to do that. They are just going against what they say eariler! That's just plain stupid, and I'm sorry Nintendo but if you price the Wii U like that you will fail next generation.