Some examples from Wikipedia for prices at launch:

Game Boy: 90$

GBA SP: 100$

DS: 150$/€

DS lite: 130$ / 150€

DSi: 170$

So yeah, the prices went up, but why should they suddenly break the 200$/€ barrier? 

I think that the analyst just took Pachters analysis and called it his own.

My own bet November launch globally within a month of Japan. A price point of 199USD and about 7 launch games.

I would be immensely surprised to see this thing miss a Christmas launch in the West.  Nintendo always makes conservative estimates when it comes to hardware sales and they think they are going to sell 6 million by the end of March.

I predict a December release in Japan and the US, I won't bet my house on Europe though.  Price will be $200 with a drop to $150 or less for the DSi around launch time.

You didn't take in account inflation, in current prices Nintendo handhelds probably always cost $150-200.

You should also take into account that flat screens and integrated circuits are the only products of which the costs drop faster than they should grow due to inflation, 13 years ago, for example, I payed more than 4 million Lire, more than 2000€, a medium-low end PC with a 17" Nokia CRT, a few months ago I could buy a 19" LCD for 99€ and build a low power consumption, low noise, medium low performances, but quality components PC for another ~400€, but sticking to cheaper parts I could have spent little more than 300€.

I think Nintendo will focus on keeping the price mass market. $250 is going to be a window they'll try not to break, though the $300 PS3 slim certainly qualified

I would just hope not, that's all.

I doubt 3DS will be over $200.  Once you go past $200 on a portable you start to overprice it for the masses.

What will probably happen is DSi and XL will receive price cuts and 3DS will be priced where they currently are, which is below $200.

Agreed

So, it's cool and accepted if Apple releases an iPod touch for $299, but not cool if Nintendo releases a freakin 3D gaming handheld for $249?? Come on now. $249 should be expected and is a VERY fair price for the tech this thing is pushing.

No.

NonononononononononononoathousandtimesNO!

Do NOT tow the line, or they'll just keep raising prices on us.