If true this makes perfect sense to me regarding WiiU.

I expected something similar this year with a bundled game but no official retail price drop. This way they're almost certain to post a profit come March (the end of fiscal 2013), and I don't think it's a coincidence that Mario Kart is rumored to be releasing the month after that to probably coincide with an official price drop - quite possibly in the $80 range ala 3DS.

And thats what ive been saying for awhile when people say it needs a price cut this holiday, it would be nice but isnt absolutely needed. Keep the price the same while increasing the value, release high quality exclusives and advertise, also this holiday will see plenty of retailer discounts and bundles. If those things dont do the trick then do a big price cut in April to coincide with Mario Kart 8, which would be a great way to start off the fiscal year. By then they should be able cut the price and sell at a profit and even if its sold at a small loss then the software sales should br able to make up for it without even taking into account 3DS profit.

I think Nintendo would like to cut the price and they probably could. It would help sales for sure over a bundle.

Iwata can't do it though. He already burned his one "get out of jail free" card saving the 3DS and dragging Nintendo into a full year of unprofitability to do so.

If he tried to do it again, I think he knows he probably would get the boot.

As mentioned above I don't this its a coincidence Mario Kart 8 is convenienatly dated for April of next year ... it's the beginning of the new fiscal year, which is when I think Nintendo feels they'll be able to cut the price.

Not this year. I think privately their hope is that the Wii U can just tread water and improve from its horrific situation right now to at least GameCube holiday levels of health. The GameCube had some decent holiday seasons, nothing comparable to the Wii or DS, but some OK ones.

The Wii U simply cannot interfere with one of the 3DS' prime earning years (perhaps it's peak year). I think its just that simple. Or Iwata's goose is cooked.

$199.99 + Pokemon is a pretty good deal. I hope the bundle is released over here (I'd choose the blue 3DS)

I think Nintendo's learned their lesson though -- no more $100 controllers with a console ever again, unless they're sure it's a mind blowing/system selling idea.

Kinect 2 is going to be an anchor on XB1 sales too for a while I think.

Sony's the only one that resisted temptation and simply made a good generational leap console without a sales-sucking expensive control input.

I think £250 for a Premium Wii U with Wind Waker and Nintendo Land would be tempting, especially because I'd be able to get games like Zombie U, Wonderful 101 and Pikmin 3, but I expect this bundle will retail for £300.

They better not make a Zelda special edition console with that bundle, otherwise I'd be stuck here with a lame standard black console again .

I still haven't bought a Wii U and I'm interested in getting a new 3ds (the pokemon or monster hunter 4 bundles look great.) So both would be awesome.

LOL this is EXACTLY what I thought when I read this :P

It has only happened to me every time.

Missed out on the golden versions of the N64, GBASP and DS. On the GC limited edition WW bundle and initially also on the 3DS special edition. Only have the Zelda 3DS console now (still sealed in box, have a regular aquablue one) because my stepfather gifted it to me when he picked up my sadness .