Wii for $170???

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http://wii.ign.com/articles/725/725645p1.html

"Wii for $170?"
by Anoop Gantayat

"August 15, 2006 - Nintendo's new Wii console could be yours later this year for less than expected. Tokyo-based Nikko Citigroup has issued a report on Nintendo's rising stock price, and between all the jargon is the financial institution's forecast that the Wii will carry a Japanese price point of 19,800 yen.

Current exchange rates would put an equivalent US price at $170.00. However, console prices rarely convert according to exchange rates. At most, we can probable take this report to indicate an anticipated US price of under $200.

Nikko Citigroup previously forecast a 25,000 yen price for the Wii. The firm arrived at the new, lower price point based on its expectation that Nintendo will be able to procure the Wii's CPU for less than expected.

This report is just another prediction by a financial institution and shouldn't be taken as confirmation of the Wii's price. For now, the official Nintendo word is that the system will be sold for under 25,000 yen in Japan and $250 in America. Final details are expected in September."

Yeah, I know it won't be $170, but this makes the $200 price point a lot more realistic and the $229 price much more likely to be a bundle of some type.
 
That would be cool. I just don't know how they can make money unless they had crazy bundles. I still want one.... I think.
 
[quote name='furyk']
Yeah, I know it won't be $170, but this makes the $200 price point a lot more realistic and the $229 price much more likely to be a bundle of some type.[/QUOTE]
This is a beautiful rumor, but I don't think it lends much credence to $199 as a stand-alone price point. The more I think about it, the more convinced I am that "less than $250" to Ninendo means $249.99. They likey the scratch.

But MY GOD would I love to put down $200 and get a console, controller, and game.
 
Nintendo did some smooth marketing. They have us talking about the Wii daily all over speculation of the price point. I hope a bunch of people buy it no matter the price, because I will.
 
I think they are going to go back to old school packaging - console, 2 controllers and a game... $200. They need to package 2 controllers since they are positioning the Wii as a "play together" kind of machine. Also, let's face it, Gamecubes are going for less than $100 and the Wii is essentially a modified cube so I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility. Nintendo would be coming out of the gates with a vengeance and anyone even remotely interested in video games would have a hard time not picking one up...
 
Let's keep in mind that I'm pretty sure Nintendo decided on a price a long time ago (though it's entirely possible they haven't). So the fact that now, two or three months before launch, they can get a component cheaper, doesn't mean they're going to scrap all their pricing strategy for the last few months and drop the price.

That said, since the direct conversion is $170, $200 is definitely not out of the realm of possibility. I'll stick with my prediction of Wii + Wii Sports + 2 controllers for $200. Which Javery stole from me. That thieving bastard.
 
I still think $200 is a lot, lol. They should give you options, option to get a bundle version with a game and controller, or just the system and a controller. Options make people very happy.
 
[quote name='javeryh']I think they are going to go back to old school packaging - console, 2 controllers and a game... $200. They need to package 2 controllers since they are positioning the Wii as a "play together" kind of machine. Also, let's face it, Gamecubes are going for less than $100 and the Wii is essentially a modified cube so I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility. Nintendo would be coming out of the gates with a vengeance and anyone even remotely interested in video games would have a hard time not picking one up...[/QUOTE]


yea zelda for Wii looks just like zelda for cube, maybe with increased resolutions, so all they need is to add some thing for the control and other gimmicks.

considering how cheap 5 year old CPUs are, I won't be surprised if Nintendo launchs this at 150 core, and 200 for 2 controllers and one game.
 
[quote name='omegaweapon7']yea zelda for Wii looks just like zelda for cube, maybe with increased resolutions, so all they need is to add some thing for the control and other gimmicks.
[/quote]
:whistle2:s

I can only hope that whole post was tongue-in-cheek. :D
 
This is an old theory, but I'm still hoping that they throw in two Wii-motes just to match the design of the Wii logo.

Wasn't there supposed to be some conference in August that would see an official price announcement? Or was that just wishful thinking/lies?
 
[quote name='BustaUppa']This is an old theory, but I'm still hoping that they throw in two Wii-motes just to match the design of the Wii logo.

Wasn't there supposed to be some conference in August that would see an official price announcement? Or was that just wishful thinking/lies?[/quote]
Leipzig Games Convention, August 23. No mention of price, but they were going to reveal some things there.
 
[quote name='BustaUppa']This is an old theory, but I'm still hoping that they throw in two Wii-motes just to match the design of the Wii logo.

Wasn't there supposed to be some conference in August that would see an official price announcement? Or was that just wishful thinking/lies?[/quote]

Nintendo is going to have a keynote address at the Leipzig Games Covention (Aug 23rd, 10:15 am). Since Ninty is not going to be at TGS this year, it would make sense that this will be the event that they reveal the release date and price.
 
It's going to be $200, how many consoles do they need to release at $200 before you people get it? :p

Bundles may make a different price, but I'm thinking console, two controllers, and Wii Sports - $200

The only iffy thing in my mind is the classic controller, it would be best for them to stick one in there just so everyone with the console has one and the developers can assume such.
 
I think the $230 one is more likely because it needs to come with two controlers, the extra controler will cost $30 so it wil lbe $230.

Of course the same can be said with this rumour, $170 plus a second controler would be $200.
 
[quote name='lebowsky']Nintendo is going to have a keynote address at the Leipzig Games Covention (Aug 23rd, 10:15 am). Since Ninty is not going to be at TGS this year, it would make sense that this will be the event that they reveal the release date and price.[/quote]
My thoughts exactly, no SpaceWorld, no TGS, and the "Wii keep our promise" montra have me thinking this will be the unveiling.
 
I think it'll probably be $249.99 with 1-2 controllers and Wii Sports. I'm still anxious for the official announcement from Nintendo, though. Would be nice to see something even lower like $229.99. I think $199.99 is just wishful thinking. Seems too good to be true.
 
Legolas813 is right on.

"Under $250" = "$249.99"

When the other guys are launching at $400 and $600, Nintendo doesn't need to come in super-cheap, not right now. And if they bundle in a couple of controllers and free virtual games it only makes sense that it would come in at the higher end of the range.
 
[quote name='Legolas813']I think it'll probably be $249.99 with 1-2 controllers and Wii Sports. I'm still anxious for the official announcement from Nintendo, though. Would be nice to see something even lower like $229.99. I think $199.99 is just wishful thinking. Seems too good to be true.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, but Nintendo's always released their systems at a low-ish price. I can't see them jumping up $50 in price from their norm especially when they've been going on and on about how the Wii is a next gen system for less money.
 
[quote name='Mr. Anderson']I'm thinking Wii console and 1 Wiimote for $249.99. Sorry, but you guys are dreaming. :)[/QUOTE]

How are we dreaming? Every Nintendo system has launched for $199.99 and Nintendo is putting out three first party controllers in the Wiimote, the classic, and the Super Zapper. Nintendo also released the DS Lite for twenty bucks under the launch price of the Wii in Japan. I can't see a launch at $250 with nothing included.
 
WII virtual Console w/ Wii mote + nunchuck + 5 virtual games (possible include WII Sports) for $200

WII Virtual Console w/ WII mote + Nunchuck + (5 - 10 virtual games) + wii classic control (Possible Zapper & Wii Sports) For $250
 
$170!!!! That is Wiidiculous. :rofl: You know someone had to do it. I really hope this is true or there will be a package along the lines of what Masterkyo mentioned. I have around $235 in GS credit that I accumulated during the "trade 3 get an extra $10" and to get the most bang for my digital buck would be outstanding:)
 
[quote name='furyk']How are we dreaming? Every Nintendo system has launched for $199.99 and Nintendo is putting out three first party controllers in the Wiimote, the classic, and the Super Zapper. Nintendo also released the DS Lite for twenty bucks under the launch price of the Wii in Japan. I can't see a launch at $250 with nothing included.[/QUOTE]


I don't know why you mentioned peripherals, as that has nothing to do with what a system launches with. If you think Ninty is going to throw in a free classic controller or Super Zapper, you're delusional. Nintendo may have released the DS Lite cheaper here, but that still doesn't relate to how they are going to price the Wii. It may be indicative of their strategy, but it's not concrete at all. I realize nothing is, but come on. Be realistic. Nintendo knows they can milk consumers at 250. It'll still be a bargain, and people will buy it. Also, don't expect Wiimotes to be less than 40 bones individually. Some people are saying Console + 2 Wiimotes + VC credits + pack-in game at $200. That's just not going to happen. There will be no pack in game. Maybe a little demo of something, but no game. I would LOVE to be proved wrong. I just don't think I will be.
 
I bet its just another bad rumor. However if it was 170 dollars i would say fuck PS3. Then run out to the local gamestop, camp outside, and buy a Wii. But I still think the console will be 200 - 250 dollars.
 
[quote name='I AM WILLIAM H. MACY']Can we please stop making rumor threads? This is getting really tiresome.[/QUOTE]


When Nintendo gives us some actual information then news sites can stop posting their speculation and we can comment on it.

[quote name='Mr. Anderson']I don't know why you mentioned peripherals, as that has nothing to do with what a system launches with. If you think Ninty is going to throw in a free classic controller or Super Zapper, you're delusional. Nintendo may have released the DS Lite cheaper here, but that still doesn't relate to how they are going to price the Wii. It may be indicative of their strategy, but it's not concrete at all. I realize nothing is, but come on. Be realistic. Nintendo knows they can milk consumers at 250. It'll still be a bargain, and people will buy it. Also, don't expect Wiimotes to be less than 40 bones individually. Some people are saying Console + 2 Wiimotes + VC credits + pack-in game at $200. That's just not going to happen. There will be no pack in game. Maybe a little demo of something, but no game. I would LOVE to be proved wrong. I just don't think I will be.[/QUOTE]

The reason we've all been talking about peripherals is because a decent number of us had an NES. The original NES launched with a R.O.B., two games, a zapper, and the system at $200. I'm also pretty sure that when they took R.O.B. out, they started bundling a third game, Track and Field, and a power pad with the console. Since Nintendo is preaching this whole return to basics approach, the simple fact is that points to something be bundled with the console. That's why peripherals are so important to this launch.

As far as "Nintendo milking the consumer" sure. We all know that a lot of us would begrudgingly pay $250 for a system, a Wiimote, and maybe even just one download. The simple fact of the matter is that this runs contrary to Nintendo's current philosophy which is to get non-gamers into playing new games as fast as possible. The easiest way to do that is bundle a game with the system. Furthermore, Nintendo has both stated and implied through their publicity ads that the Wii is meant to be a communal experience. It seems contrary to that mission to sell Wiimotes at $40 and not bundle an extra controller with the system. Wiimotes will probably sell at $30 and the classic controller might sell a bit cheaper.

At some point, the collective game world will wake up and realize that Nintendo is out to make money, but that doesn't imply that they're trying to screw the consumer while doing it.

And to anticipate the redesigned system argument as a way of screwing the consumer, here's what I think. Nintendo realizes how important it is to have a console on market to compete with other systems, and let's face it. Their home console market has sucked the big one, so any form of competition on the handheld market causes them to sweat, especially well designed handhelds. Even though the Neo Geo Color failed here, I honestly think that system scared a lot of people over at Nintendo as it was their most formidable opponent yet.

They had to push up the release of the GBA before a better backlighting scheme became feasible for a cheap system launch. Nintendo did put out the better (I said BETTER, what, you can't hear me? Maybe you should take off your headphones and listen rather then playing your SP...) SP once the cost of backlighting and rechargable batteries came down. This is probably the third time in Nintendo's history where the entire company had their heads up their asses (N64 being cartridge, GC having mini discs) as the exclusion of a head phone jack was inexcusable. It's single handedly the most boneheaded move they've ever done with the handheld market (yes, I'm including the Virutal Boy too). Then the Game Boy Micro! Moving on...

As for the DS/DS Lite, I think competition scared Nintendo again. This time in the form of Sony. They rushed a much more playable product then the original GBA to market as cheaply as possible. They then later implemented the better screens and address the other issues with the DS in the DS Lite, and released it at the same price point. I think that in and of itself lends to the theory that Nintendo wants community gaming since the early adopters either had a second DS when they got their Lite and could pass their first one on to a little brother, best friend, spouse, or other family member to play. For about the same price as a "Value" pack PSP, Nintendo was giving early adopters two DSes to exploit the best feature of the system, the wireless multiplayer.

I may be insane at not being angry over the system redesigns (besides the SP), but that's how I feel. I've bought three DSes so far, two phats and one Lite, and haven't regretted it one bit. The same way a lot of PS3 future owners are saying "if it gives me $600 worth of entertainment, I don't mind paying $600" I'm saying it was worth the extra money to adopt early and then get a third system for $40 with all of the credit I had at Gamerush.

Sorry to take this way off topic.
 
Are you sure there not just in it for the money? They are a corporation in fact. I would have never thought the reason they made a redesign of the DS so we could pass it on a spouse, is this true? I thought it was because, well, money and its better.

I'm kinda iffy on buying any of these consoles, as I'm content with the systems I have. I mean there are loads of games I've yet to play, and I still havnt played Halo yet. They need to slow down, lord. I'm gonna be waiting for pricedrops, redesigns, bundles, etc. , and in the meantime, be playing games from this generation and before this genertation.

Just because its a communal experience, doesnt mean there going to bundle a game or remote. They know consumers will buy the games and remotes seperate if they have to. Thats how a business is run, if you can save a buck, do it.
 
[quote name='Riyonuk']Are you sure there not just in it for the money? They are a corporation in fact. I would have never thought the reason they made a redesign of the DS so we could pass it on a spouse, is this true? I thought it was because, well, money and it's better.

I'm kinda iffy on buying any of these consoles, as I'm content with the systems I have. I mean there are loads of games I've yet to play, and I still haven't played Halo yet. They need to slow down, lord. I'm gonna be waiting for price drops, redesigns, bundles, etc. , and in the meantime, be playing games from this generation and before this genertation.

Just because it's a communal experience, doesnt mean there going to bundle a game or remote. They know consumers will buy the games and remotes seperate if they have to. Thats how a business is run, if you can save a buck, do it.[/QUOTE]

Don't get me wrong, Nintendo is in it for the money. I just like to think that they're in it for other reasons to help justify all of the money I've spent towards them the same way I can justify buying a four dollar pint of ice cream from Ben and Jerry's. The whole "Nintendo cares" thing is just another way of saying "Nintendo knows its audience". Its core audience is willing to support them out the wazoo, but the newer audience its trying to attract isn't necessairly gamers. It's people who know who Mario, Sonic, and Link are, but really care all that much. It's the type of audience that would buy a game system, and expect to be able to play something on it without having to drop another 50 bucks on a game.

Nintendo's best way of making money right now is selling as many consoles as possible at launch and then having people either download or buy a game here or there every month or so. It's not going to be the type of launch where the average consumer buys five games at launch even though there'll be at least that many AA-AAA titles. I think that the Nintendo's best bet is to sell the system as fast as possible and let the community get the more novice gamers to the wackier titles (Trauma Center, Elebits, etc).
 
The more I think about it, the more I'm absolutely convinced that a sub-$200 price could be completely do-able for the Wii.

We already know that the system hardware is going to be a lot less expensive to manufacture than the 360 or PS3. On top of that, Nintendo has several generations of old games for the Virtual Console which will probably be in the $5 - $15 range. They're going to make an absolute killing on VC game sales -- enough to buffer any narrow profit margins on console sales and to pay for the WFC infrastructure. And of course, the first-party games are always a reliable profit source.

I can completely see a price point around $170 at launch.
 
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=19149

Speaking exclusively to GamesIndustry.biz, executive VP and COO of EA's worldwide studios, David Gardner, has revealed that the publisher believes the console will retail for around US $170 in North America.

In an interview to be published later this week, Gardner said: "I've heard in Japan that the price is about $170, but I don't know if the price has been set in Europe yet."

Gardner went on to discuss the key differences between Sony's PS3 and Nintendo's new console, saying he was confident that the Wii will find its niche in the market as consumers' 'second' console.

"Nintendo has come up with a very clever strategy," Gardner said.

"They've made a choice which is great for the consumer. Now we're going to have a choice whereby consumers can buy a Wii, plus one other console."

Nintendo has so far declined to reveal exact details of a release date or price point for the Wii. However, the company has previously confirmed that the console will retail for less than US $250, and will launch before the end of this year - with shipments estimated to total 6 million by the end of March 2007.
Click to expand...
 
Maybe we've all been thinking the wrong thing with a $200 launch and $250 with a game. Maybe the real pricing is $170 for the core and $200 with a game (maybe Wii Sports?). Imagine this Christmas with the Nintendo brand name stamped on a package that is at least 50% cheaper than either of its competitors AND includes a game. $200 is still a lot of money, but parents would snatch this up for their kids.
 
Right now I'm sure of one thing...If Nintendo announces(in a couple of days?) a price of $230+ and/or a release date of later than the beginning of nov. they are gonna have a bunch of angry fanboys to deal with. Even if these rumors are wild speculation that they have no control over, if they ignore them and set some price and date totally opposed to them, they aren't going to please anybody. And negative word-of-mouth spreading like wildfire on the internet is one thing they don't want to have happen in the last few monthes before launch.

So yeah, 170-200 is pretty much what they have to stick to at this point to get one last surge of excitement and positive hype before launch. And hopefully a launch date around when most are speculating(late oct.-very early nov.).
 
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