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Forums - Gaming - Nintendo needs to drop WiiU's price soon and here's why

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TheLastStarFighter on 04 July 2013
Zero999 said:
TheLastStarFighter said:


Your picking and choosing on your first to points for whatever suits the PS4.  On the one hand you are saying gamers won't look into whether online has a fee, then you are saying people do their research and know about announced games.  The opposite can be said, that core gamers research fees and casuals don't care about gaming announcements, making both points moot.  For the record, I do think it's wise to charge for online from a business perspective since consumers aren't cmpletely rejecting it as they should, but it is a major extra cost for console gaming on both PS4 and XB1.

I think people do generally like the look of the cosole, I just don't think it's a work of art or especially better looking than Wii U, which is also simple, black, glossy and handsome.  Both are nice, but unremarkable... and that was the plan of the desiners of both.  They are just supposed to blend into your living room.

On your last point, do you really think PS4 isn't going to sell everything they ship this Christmas?  I think they are, and as such I don't think Wii U can steal potential sales.  Like I said, Nintendo may need to drop Wii U pricing, but only because people don't think it's worth it.  It will do nothing to stop people from buying PS4 among the initial launch customers.  The mainstream won't be able to find a PS4 till January.

I think the online fee is stupid. sony said they couldn't keep it free considering all the online content they're delivering but that's forcing the consumers to pay for stuff they don't want. there should be a basic online model that only has online multiplayer and a few extra stuff (whatever the ps3 has right now that's free). this way people who just want to play online won't have to pay for these "services" they don't need/want.

I hate online fees and I hate that Sony is implementing them.  And they can give any reason why they are doing it... they are doing it because they can.  I'm just saying it makes sense, because consumers are willing to accept it.  Sony reveals a $599 PS3 at launch and people freak and buy 360's and Wii's.  Sony reveals a $399 PS4 with a $50 annual fee (so $799 @ launch?) and people cheer.  I'm saying the subscription model works because people are dumb.  And since it works, it's wise to do. Nintendo could have launched a $249 Deluxe with more gigs of RAM, more cores and more flops and still made money if they added annual fees for online.  Throw in a free download of old games people already have on Virtual Console and people would even try to say it's worth the money.  Bam, gen won, and no one could bitch because every console would now be charging to play the games you buy.



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Gamegears on 04 July 2013

Reasons Nintendo may not have to...

1. The Wii U is actually selling at almost the same levels of PS3 in it's first year.. right now it is the most expensive console on the market... What happens when other consoles more expensive come out?? Yes I know the sale outs and all.. but let's be honest that is destined to happen in this day and age.. initial sell outs does not mean strong legs throughout the first year..

2. The way this is setting up right now.. the other consoles (360 and PS3) are still going to be out.. and they already have well established libraries.. so the New Consoles are going to have to compete with their old consoles.. and the Wii U.. (Not to mention if their old consoles continue to get games) All of which will be at better prices..

3. Think about this... Nintendo's Wii U.. (Like all Nintendo systems) depends primarily on first party games to sell their system.. Wii U does not have a lot of the big names out yet.. (Other than Mario Bros and maybe Nintendo Land if you want to throw that in there) and yet has somehow managed to sell 4 million units.. (Grant you most of that was because of initial sell out I mentioned earlier) But it has sold at a fairly steady pace month after month... Now however Nintendo has some first party titles coming.. including big Names like Donkey Kong, and another Mario... a Remake of a Zelda..(Which will most likely do well) Wii Fit U.. is coming.. along with Wii Party U (Both of which will most likely move units.. ) Plus a Pikmen.. and of course Wonderful 101... these games alone will help boost sales.. at the current price...

4. Black Friday.. I hate to say it.. but let's be honest.. are stores going to have a better deal on a system just launched? (If they are out by then) Or a system that is already a year old?? I think this is where you see your price cut.. (Most likely 50-100 bucks) or some of the more impressive bundles and deals..and this is where Nintendo picks up a huge amount of sells.. (Right Price + Finally the games to justify the purchase)

In the end.. I think they do get one( right around the holidays) .. but I really don't think they need one..



Nintendo Wii by generations...

1. Wii

2. Wii U

3. Wii O U

Predictions made by gamers concerning the current Nintendo line up of games.

Pikmen 3= Little Bump to nothing. (Got Little Bump)

Wind Waker HD= Won't sell anything (The explosion happened here and at one time 4 Wii U games was in the Amazon top 100)

Super Mario 3D World= Won't help at all looks cheap. (Currently the most sought after Wii U game and continuing the Wii U increase.)

zorg1000 on 04 July 2013
Soundwave said:

I think Wii U will sell a little less the the GameCube in fall 2002 when it had Mario Sunshine, Animal Crossing, Star Fox Adventures, Metroid Prime, and Resident Evil 0 and was $149.99.

IIRC the GCN sold about approximately 480k consoles in November 2002 and about 650k in December.

I would guess probably 1 million for the Wii U in NPD with November + December combined. If it's below that, then Nintendo has a big problem.


Wow with that line up I have to ask why the fuck didnt GC sell better?



When the herd loses its way, the shepard must kill the bull that leads them astray.

TheLastStarFighter on 04 July 2013
pezus said:
TheLastStarFighter said:

I hate online fees and I hate that Sony is implementing them.  And they can give any reason why they are doing it... they are doing it because they can.  I'm just saying it makes sense, because consumers are willing to accept it.  Sony reveals a $599 PS3 at launch and people freak and buy 360's and Wii's.  Sony reveals a $399 PS4 with a $50 annual fee (so $799 @ launch?) and people cheer.  I'm saying the subscription model works because people are dumb.  And since it works, it's wise to do. Nintendo could have launched a $249 Deluxe with more gigs of RAM, more cores and more flops and still made money if they added annual fees for online.  Throw in a free download of old games people already have on Virtual Console and people would even try to say it's worth the money.  Bam, gen won, and no one could bitch because every console would now be charging to play the games you buy.

So people were dumb for paying for Plus up until now? Do you even know how much content you get with it? For a measly $50

No, Nintendo could not have done that. There's no guarantee that they'd get enough subscribers or that the subscribers would keep subscribing long enough, especially since their online service is so far behind the others. Sony won't be losing much money at all on the $399 PS4. PS4 price isn't too low, it's just WiiU's that is way too high. I don't know what they include in those tablets, but they need to find a way to make them cheaper.


What is the weakness of Wii U's online vs PSN?  I know how much content you get, I'm saying it's not of much value.  Most people don't play a lot of games, and those that do buy the games upon release and have little need for them when they become free.  That's why Sony can do it, it's costing them very few lost sales.  Wii U:  click button, play COD match.  PSN:  Click button, play COD match.



TheLastStarFighter on 04 July 2013
pezus said:
TheLastStarFighter said:
pezus said:
TheLastStarFighter said:

-The plus subscription is very relevant to pricing.  PS4 is able to be $399 because Sony can safely assume that at least 50% of owners will subscribe, creating extra revenue that was lacking on PS3. Assuming an 8 year life span, that means the cost of being a Playstation gamer is more this gen than ever before.  $799 for a launch system purchase.  The games are a nice bonus, but its not optional and personally I don't care about it.  My tastes are specific and I mostly buy new titles and AAA titles.  So for me (and most, since most software is purchased early and most consumers only purcase 10 titles for the life of their console) the bonus games are of little value. But having to pay to play COD online is a significant new cost to a significant number of owners.

-What is the difference between games and games support?  As a consumer I buy for games.  PS4 will not have more games this fall. Wii U will have more games.  In time I have little doubt that PS4 will have more gaming options, but objectively speaking, as you like to say, this fall - which is the time frame your talking about - Wii U will have more games.

-Internet chatter about the look of a console is irrelevant.  Sony fans love the look of Sony products and there are lots of Sony fans on the internet.  I think it looks good.  Much better than PS3, better but not as distinctive as PS2.  I think Wii U looks great.  Both are nice systems. Neither are especially remarkable, and outside of something really unique (and good - eg Wii) or unique and bad (eg Gamecube) I don't think looks are overly relevant.  You just like the look of PS4 because you are excited about.  Personally I like the thinness of it.

-Power is relevant for longevity.  It helped the SNES, it helped PS3 and it somewhat helped XB360.  It is of little impact as to why Wii U needs a price cut in the near future.  It will be of significant impact down the line.

 

I think Nintendo absolutely will be battling PS4 and XB1.  I think the three systems will be going head to head for consumer attention and dollars and the market will be fierce.  I just don't think many will be cross-shopping this fall.  PS4 will be in too limited supply and too pricey for all but the most dedicated Playstation fans to get a copy.  Those that want it won't even consider Wii U and have been anticipating this launch since 2006.  True cross shopping won't happen until after Christmas when buying slows down and systems are readily available on store shelves.  At that stage I think Wii U will need a price cut to compete.  I expect one to come near or before the release of MarioKart 8.

That said, a Wii U cut is very possible just before PS4 launch to dry to drum up excitement and hype for Wii U.  Nintendo may also need to do it if sales continue to lag as they have been.  But this would be due to a general lack of interest in Wii U because of itself, not because of PS4.

How Sony were able to price the console so low is highly irrelevant. The fact is that it's price low and a Plus subscription is optional - and it brings free games. Consumers look at the price tag, many of them not even knowing that they will need to pay for online play, and don't calculate multiple years into the future.

Game support = Announced games. Not necessarily games that will be available at launch. People actually do look at which games have been announced when buying a console, at least the hardcore gamers. See FFXIII, Versus and the like. Game support is basically the promise of games, developer and publisher support plus the games available at launch. 

Of course, everything can be countered with "Sony fans dominate the internet" these days. It couldn't possibly be that people in general like the look of the console. I did say "all over the internet and in real-life". I don't know, maybe Sony fans dominate my town as well (actually, I'm pretty sure they do ).

WiiU sales having been lagging for months now, and yet there is no price cut. I think a price cut just before PS4's launch would absolutely be partly to try to steal consumers away from them.


Your picking and choosing on your first to points for whatever suits the PS4.  On the one hand you are saying gamers won't look into whether online has a fee, then you are saying people do their research and know about announced games.  The opposite can be said, that core gamers research fees and casuals don't care about gaming announcements, making both points moot.  For the record, I do think it's wise to charge for online from a business perspective since consumers aren't cmpletely rejecting it as they should, but it is a major extra cost for console gaming on both PS4 and XB1.

I think people do generally like the look of the cosole, I just don't think it's a work of art or especially better looking than Wii U, which is also simple, black, glossy and handsome.  Both are nice, but unremarkable... and that was the plan of the desiners of both.  They are just supposed to blend into your living room.

On your last point, do you really think PS4 isn't going to sell everything they ship this Christmas?  I think they are, and as such I don't think Wii U can steal potential sales.  Like I said, Nintendo may need to drop Wii U pricing, but only because people don't think it's worth it.  It will do nothing to stop people from buying PS4 among the initial launch customers.  The mainstream won't be able to find a PS4 till January.

Well, you did the same when I mentioned the free games that come with Plus. Like I've said before, though, the advantage is in the price of the console itself. I could just as easily say that if you want 2 tablet controllers for WiiU you will need to pay an arm and a leg (was it 150 or 199?) to get the extra one, assuming WiiU supports 2 now. BUT, that isn't the point. The point is that the entry price is low, and very close to WiiU's entry price, which doesn't even come with a hard drive. In my experience, people like more gigabytes over less.

The PS4 isn't really "unremarkable", though. It has several design features that make it stand out like the blue LED strip and the way it is split in two.

WiiU, in comparison, looks very very basic. 

Don't tell me you think people won't like the look of the PS4 more. You may not think so, but I have a strong feeling that they will and I am inclined to conduct an experiment to try to prove it.

Last point: That is precisely why Nintendo should drop the price. Instead of the PS4 stragglers waiting it out or going for the Xbox One, they will buy the much cheaper WiiU to tide them over until the PS4 becomes available. You see, the only way Nintendo could not steal customers away from Sony with a price cut is if every single one of them was dead-set on getting a PS4 AND Sony ships more than is needed.

You're silly and you just love Sony products.  They are both just shiny black boxes.  PS4 looks like a nice DVD player or a compact PC.  IF you took Sony off, slapped on "Lenovo" you would pass it without noticing in an electronics store.  Same with the Wii U.  Both are fine, but unremarkable.  Personally I like the physical look of Wii U better, just because it's all gloss.  I would prefer the PS4 was all gloss.  But it looks fine all the same.

 

Now with a blue LED strip!!!



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kljesta64 on 04 July 2013
pezus said:
kljesta64 said:
pezus said:
kljesta64 said:


they said the same thing about ps3 vs wii , ds vs psp , 3ds vs vita.

OT: NO

price will stay the same maybe next year a price cut if not met expectations

 

  • More power (irrelevant)
  • More game support (irrelevant)
  • Blu-ray (irrelevant)
  • Better looks (irrelevant)
  • Cheapest Playstation console ever (spot on)
  • No name confusion (spot on)
  • Sony consoles can generally sell more at a higher price than Nintendo consoles (spot on)

WiiU is nowhere near being a DS, Wii or even 3DS. It's seeing the lowest weekly sales of a new console in recent memory. I think people are kidding themselves if they think WiiU doesn't need a price cut. The question is if Nintendo are willing to take the loss or not. With no price cut they will get demolished, especially early next year.


i never said wii u doesnt need a price cut. what do you mean by nowhere near ds,wii,3ds ? it is a console adn nintendo knows how to sell them even if they fail like they did with 3DS they proved it but yes that still doesnt mean anyithing only time will tell ..and if people are being silly (i mean hardcore gamers) they think the PS4 will demolish everything..only hardcore fans will buy it ,mostly..I think after the launch of PS4 the PS3 will outsell it just like the Wii outsells Wii U right now. the same thing happend with PS3 vs PS2.(no need to mention x360) 

PS4 is too hyped right now. it certainly looks like sony did everything right but it is a big market and people buy console not only for gaming(netflix,blueray etc..)

I cant wait to see what will happen

That wasn't directed at you specifically. You said the price would stay the same, though.

You also said: "they said the same thing about ps3 vs wii , ds vs psp , 3ds vs vita." as if the WiiU vs. PS4 would be a repeat of those situations. That is about as likely to happen as Edward Snowden being allowed into America. Even if PS3 will outsell PS4 for some weeks, that is not comparable to the Wii vs. WiiU situation because PS3 is seeing much stronger sales than Wii has done for several years. You have to factor in that the price difference between PS3 and PS4 isn't that high. PS3 goes for $269 to $299 I think in America. I see a price drop lowering it to perhaps $229 or so. But again, PS4 doesn't need to outsell PS3 to outsell WiiU.


I said that simply because people seem to always repeat themselves for years now "sony will beat nintendo" there is no other option ever(I think thats totally out of control and crazy) so thats my counter argument lol evrything seems to be a fact and there cant be no other way there are no options never ever. even you say "Even if PS3 will outsell PS4 for some weeks" you say this as it is almost a fact...why weeks ? why not for some time or months or days if you want. thats my point. you probably meant something else maybe im mistaken i dont know im just saying to prove my point but its out of control adn everyone needs to calm down take a deep breath and realize price is not everything... the market is big and no one knows anything.



Tsubasa Ozora

Keiner kann ihn bremsen, keiner macht ihm was vor. Immer der richtige Schuss, immer zur richtigen Zeit. Superfussball, Fairer Fussball. Er ist unser Torschützenkönig und Held.

Zero999 on 04 July 2013
Gamegears said:
Reasons Nintendo may not have to...

1. The Wii U is actually selling at almost the same levels of PS3 in it's first year.. right now it is the most expensive console on the market... What happens when other consoles more expensive come out?? Yes I know the sale outs and all.. but let's be honest that is destined to happen in this day and age.. initial sell outs does not mean strong legs throughout the first year..

2. The way this is setting up right now.. the other consoles (360 and PS3) are still going to be out.. and they already have well established libraries.. so the New Consoles are going to have to compete with their old consoles.. and the Wii U.. (Not to mention if their old consoles continue to get games) All of which will be at better prices..

3. Think about this... Nintendo's Wii U.. (Like all Nintendo systems) depends primarily on first party games to sell their system.. Wii U does not have a lot of the big names out yet.. (Other than Mario Bros and maybe Nintendo Land if you want to throw that in there) and yet has somehow managed to sell 4 million units.. (Grant you most of that was because of initial sell out I mentioned earlier) But it has sold at a fairly steady pace month after month... Now however Nintendo has some first party titles coming.. including big Names like Donkey Kong, and another Mario... a Remake of a Zelda..(Which will most likely do well) Wii Fit U.. is coming.. along with Wii Party U (Both of which will most likely move units.. ) Plus a Pikmen.. and of course Wonderful 101... these games alone will help boost sales.. at the current price...

4. Black Friday.. I hate to say it.. but let's be honest.. are stores going to have a better deal on a system just launched? (If they are out by then) Or a system that is already a year old?? I think this is where you see your price cut.. (Most likely 50-100 bucks) or some of the more impressive bundles and deals..and this is where Nintendo picks up a huge amount of sells.. (Right Price + Finally the games to justify the purchase)

In the end.. I think they do get one( right around the holidays) .. but I really don't think they need one..

That's pretty much it, ps4 and xone will face the same problems wii u had. the big exception is that they'll have to face an already established and less expensive oponent (wii u) unlike wii u wich was alone on the 8th gen. we'll have to see if the announced 2014 titles for ps4/xone will help but at the same time wii u will probably be doing gangbusters with MK8 early in 2014.



Zero999 on 04 July 2013
kljesta64 said:


I said that simply because people seem to always repeat themselves for years now "sony will beat nintendo" there is no other option ever(I think thats totally out of control and crazy) so thats my counter argument lol evrything seems to be a fact and there cant be no other way there are no options never ever. even you say "Even if PS3 will outsell PS4 for some weeks" you say this as it is almost a fact...why weeks ? why not for some time or months or days if you want. thats my point. you probably meant something else maybe im mistaken i dont know im just saying to prove my point but its out of control adn everyone needs to calm down take a deep breath and realize price is not everything... the market is big and no one knows anything.

bolded: the funny part is that it didn't happen the last 3 times (3ds vs vita, wii vs ps3, ds vs psp), has a high chance of repeating with Wii U vs Ps4 and yet they'll keep saying sony will win.



kljesta64 on 04 July 2013
pezus said:
kljesta64 said:
pezus said:

That wasn't directed at you specifically. You said the price would stay the same, though.

You also said: "they said the same thing about ps3 vs wii , ds vs psp , 3ds vs vita." as if the WiiU vs. PS4 would be a repeat of those situations. That is about as likely to happen as Edward Snowden being allowed into America. Even if PS3 will outsell PS4 for some weeks, that is not comparable to the Wii vs. WiiU situation because PS3 is seeing much stronger sales than Wii has done for several years. You have to factor in that the price difference between PS3 and PS4 isn't that high. PS3 goes for $269 to $299 I think in America. I see a price drop lowering it to perhaps $229 or so. But again, PS4 doesn't need to outsell PS3 to outsell WiiU.


I said that simply because people seem to always repeat themselves for years now "sony will beat nintendo" there is no other option ever(I think thats totally out of control and crazy) so thats my counter argument lol evrything seems to be a fact and there cant be no other way there are no options never ever. even you say "Even if PS3 will outsell PS4 for some weeks" you say this as it is almost a fact...why weeks ? why not for some time or months or days if you want. thats my point. you probably meant something else maybe im mistaken i dont know im just saying to prove my point but its out of control adn everyone needs to calm down take a deep breath and realize price is not everything... the market is big and no one knows anything.

I didn't say it as a fact. I consider all possible scenarios. PS3 outselling PS4 at least for some weeks is a likely scenario. Especially since GT6 is coming to PS3 late this year, and possibly a price cut. That doesn't change much for the PS4 vs. WiiU battle, though, because PS3 has outsold WiiU by something like 5:1 this year already.

WiiU's situation just isn't comparable to 3DS's, DS's or Wii's. Not in the slightest. Here we have a console that has been breaking record lows week after week vs. consoles that were successful right of the gate, or in 3DS's case, not quite successful enough in Nintendo's eyes but still with decent sales. 

But keep in mind that I am not predicting the outcome of this generation in this thread lol. I am merely saying that Nintendo need to drop the price to combat the PS4 near its launch...and next year too. PS4 will be really, really, popular right out of the gate. I think that much can already be claimed.

i said almost as a fact as if you want it to be so. dont you think a likely scenario is people buying PS3 for cheaper blueray or a bigger library of games or for something else over PS4 ? not just for weeks but months..im very curious  

I dont think they will lower price this year but early next year is more likely and they dont care about any other consoles right now all they wanna do is cash in when holidays arrive.



Tsubasa Ozora

Keiner kann ihn bremsen, keiner macht ihm was vor. Immer der richtige Schuss, immer zur richtigen Zeit. Superfussball, Fairer Fussball. Er ist unser Torschützenkönig und Held.

NintendoPie on 04 July 2013
kopstudent89 said:


I think they can afford to drop the price with the recent Yen fluctuation. They can afford up to a 30% drop at the moment. $70 price drop is not outa the equation.

Is the Yen stable enough to keep this fluctuation up enough, though?