Nintendo not dropping Wii or DS Lite price anytime soon [Update]
by Griffin McElroy 
{ Apr 27th 2008 at 5:00PM }
Update: Oops! We've realized we covered this before, but think of it this way -- now you're two times more aware of these firm, firm prices as the other denizens of the internet.
Whether you've yet to join the hunt for the Golden Ticket-esque Nintendo Wii, or you're one of the eight people yet to buy a Nintendo DS of some shape or color, we certainly hope that the reasoning behind your reluctance to join Camp N isn't the anticipation of a price drop for the two (relatively) affordable consoles. According to a recent statement from Ninty's Satoru Iwata, there are currently no plans to lower the retail price on either of their money-printing apparatuses.
While this fact isn't exactly surprising considering the systems' sales success at their current costs, Iwata's reason for the set-in-stone price is rather intriguing -- should either system undergo a cheapening, he explained, it would upset those who bought the console at its former price. Yes, we're sure it has nothing to do with the near completion of Miyamoto's personal, Scrooge McDuck-style gold coin swimming pool.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Yourself @ Apr 27th 2008 5:08PM
Wasn't this posted like 2 days ago?
Yourself @ Apr 27th 2008 5:09PM
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/no-nintendo-wii-or-ds-price-cuts-this-year/
?
Roto13 @ Apr 27th 2008 5:11PM
Well, I know it was posted everywhere else two days ago. I'm not so sure about here.
Roto13 @ Apr 27th 2008 5:12PM
I'm slooooooow.
SoulBlade @ Apr 27th 2008 5:17PM
It's called flamebait.
Nigeria - MK: 0430-8491-9123 @ Apr 27th 2008 5:22PM
For real, how is this flame bait?
I don't see it.
Not even the top pro-trolls could turn this into a flamewar. It's impossible.
Shmil @ Apr 27th 2008 5:23PM
well now we know the DS lite won't have a price drop.
Sora267 @ Apr 27th 2008 6:08PM
"Not even the top pro-trolls could turn this into a flamewar. It's impossible."
I beg to differ. Let's see, this should suffice:
"So what if this was posted two days ago? I happen to love Joystiq's top-notch, un-biased stories, this being one of them. You're just an anti-Joystiq b*stard. Stop coming onto this site if all you're going to do is troll and comment on all of their mistakes!" (Note - that's not my opinion.)
Spunk Buster 8000 @ Apr 27th 2008 5:09PM
i laugh at his gold coin style swimming pool, the implications of such an idea baffle the mind, still maybe his head first dives in to said pool are what giving him his crazy - yet brilliant ideas..
TheHuntIsOn @ Apr 27th 2008 5:14PM
They have no reason to.
360 is now cheap too. Only system that needs a price drop is the PS3 and PSP, granted I was happy buying one at £130 but they should have included a memory card. And don't just add things to the PS3 bundle! Give us the console and controller at a lower price.
Is my thoughts.
Trickob @ Apr 27th 2008 5:18PM
Wasn't there an episode where Scrooge got amnesia or something and when he tried to dive into his money, he couldn't break the surface of the pile of coins and hurt his head? That was a weird episode.
Anywho, as one of the 8 people who has yet to get a DS, I'm hoping to get one for my birthday in about a month. Then, like when I got a PSP for my birthday last year, they'll probably announce a new SKU for the DS right after I get one. *shrug* What are ya gonna do?
Roto13 @ Apr 27th 2008 6:12PM
Well, there is that rumour flying around. :P Is your birthday right before E3? xP
vidGuy @ Apr 27th 2008 5:26PM
This is so obvious that, pitted with the fact that this site and others reported on it two days ago, I'm not sure how it qualifies as news, even on a Sunday! ;)
Anyhow, we won't see a price cut until two things happen:
1) The XBOX360 or PS3 is cut under $250
AND
2) Wii demand softens and the supply is high enough to put consoles on shelves
Economically, the thing to do now would be to raise the price, but of course that's a poor PR move. I'd say we won't see a price cut on the Wii until Summer-Holidays 09. The DS will probably get a cut over Holidays 08 or early Spring 09.
Grant @ Apr 27th 2008 5:27PM
this just in:
When supply can't keep up with demand, the fair market value is actually higher, not equal, and definitely not lower than MSRP.
ThornedVenom (Harley Quinn Defense Force) @ Apr 27th 2008 5:34PM
As much as a price drop WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO ALL CONSUMERS *gasp*, marketing-wise, they have absolutely zero reason to.
Jhongerkong @ Apr 27th 2008 5:37PM
They're waiting to prepare a new itprintsmoney.gif before lowering the price.
Roofie @ Apr 27th 2008 5:38PM
Did you guys see the new news about Donkey Kong 64? Apparently you're going to be able to play as 5 KONGS!? WTF!? That is so awesome. I can't wait.
The Sound @ Apr 27th 2008 5:39PM
Duh?
T @ Apr 27th 2008 5:40PM
Why would they need to drop the price? Price drops are usually used to boost sales. Last I checked the Wii and DS didn't need a boost.
Not to mention the Wii's able to be sold at a profit and still check in at a hundred or more under either competitor.
Michael K. @ Apr 27th 2008 5:48PM
even though I don't think either the wii or the ds needs a price drop, I think that nintendo is going to start getting too arrogant, which can hurt them later on
Roto13 @ Apr 27th 2008 6:15PM
I guess if they haven't learned from their mistakes. If history repeats, though, it'll happen with the launch of the next Nintendo console. :P
Billy @ Apr 27th 2008 5:50PM
Why would a company EVER announce there was an upcoming price drop? Unless they wanted to kill their near future sales, they'd have to be real dumb to do something like that.
In conclusion - duh?