Wii Launch and Price Revealed

[Professor S]

Originally Posted by Xantar

It looks like they're trying the same strategy as they did with the DS. It had a pretty high launch price compared to the PSP, but once the early adopters had bought it, Nintendo dropped the price and the thing took off like a rocket.

I understand the strategy, but the handheld and console markets are two completely different animals. Nintendo dominates handhelds like no other. People trust the Nintendo brand name on a mass-consumer scale when it comes to that market.

The console market is much different. Both MS and Sony have better brand names in consoles in terms of visiblity and market share in the west. They aren't going to have that automatic trust outside of their hardcore fanbase.

All said and done, though, I'm conflicted about the price point. True, its higher than we'd like, but its also quite different from the other consoles and still priced lower for a full system, and not a half-assed one like the low rent, HD-less abortion MS tried to sell with little effect. I don't even see advertisements for that version much anymore.

All in all, I think they would push more consoles at $200, but a $250 pp might actually be more profitable in the long run, and Nintendo has always been very smart about remaining profitable.