DS Lite drops to $99 on June 5

by JC Fletcher on May 31st 2011 10:25AM

The 3DS just got more competition. Not from Sony or another competitor, but from another, now impulse-buy-priced, DS. Nintendo just announced that the DS Lite has been officially dropped in price from $129.99 to $99.99, effective June 5. Perhaps the old SKU at the old price was what GameStop was clearing out?

The same month, six Mario games (New Super Mario Bros., Mario Kart DS, Super Mario 64 DS, Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem!, and Mario Party DS) will be re-released in red boxes, to " make it easy for [consumers] to find their favorite Mario titles." Not that anyone ever had trouble finding any of these -- Nintendo announced that more than 9.25 million copies of New Super Mario Bros. have been sold in the US.

No price drop was announced for the games. Just fancy new boxes.

Source: Nintendo

Tags: ds, ds-lite, mario-and-luigi-bowsers-inside-story, mario-kart-ds, mario-party-ds, Mario-vs-Donkey-Kong-Miniland-Mayhem, New-Super-Mario-Bros-DS, nintendo, price-cut, price-drop, super-mario-64-ds

Reader Comments (67)

Super Mario 64 is actually pretty hard to find nowadays, especially new. I hope the new boxes mean they'll reprint some of these (of course, being OCD about my game collection, I will then proceed to swap out all the red boxes for grey ones).

Even if there's no price drop on the games, the console is pretty much a steal now. And with no real reason to buy a 3DS yet, I can see Nintendo selling a few million more DS Lites.

@bigwhiteyeti

I love Super Mario 64 but on the DS is didn't work. The digital control pad didn't work as well as an analog stick. Also it looks terrible compared to the N64 version. I think the reviews were easy on the game because it was a launch game. I think if it was released a year later it would have gotten it's proper terrible score from gaming sites.

I think even Nintendo knew it didn't work well and decided to stop trying to do N64 games on the DS.

@FriedConsole

But with the 3DS you have an analog nub that works awesome with Mario 64. Really it feels worlds better than when I was using the thumb boot with the original DS.

@Punkrawk Bbob

Wow I didn't know the 3DS nub worked on Super Mario 64DS. Still going to wait a couple of years on the 3DS. It needs more games and it needs to be cheaper. Still haven't run out of DS/PSP games yet.

@FriedConsole
It works as an alternate Dpad input. That's it. The movement is still digital. If anyone tells you it's analogue they're lying and are only seeking to further their own personal agenda.

@FriedConsole

The graphics were actually better than the original, because they chose to render out objects in 3D that were originally 2D sprites (like the coins). They also rebuilt the levels to accommodate the specific powers of the different characters.

But, yeah, the controls are broken on a digital control scheme. I ended up using the stylus controls myself, but as Punkrawk Bbob said, I can totally get behind playing it on the 3DS, whenever I get one.

@Banksyliveraa

It's still digital, but it's easier to make precise diagonal movements on an analog stick... that was 64 DS's main problem.

@FriedConsole Looks terrible? Just look at the Bowser and Mario character models. Bowser looks entirely different, as he does in Sunshine, and Mario has a level of detail that only the Nintendo 64 expansion pack could have provided.

@bigwhiteyeti I know what you mean about the cases. I'd maybe keep the red case for New Super Mario Bros, though. Matches the Wii version.

I sold my DS Lite last year and I've regretted it ever since. This seems like a good chance to rebuy one.

@bigwhiteyeti

Looks worse? You are straight up wrong.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d1/Super_Mario_64_DS-Graphics_comparison.jpg

DS version on the left, obviously.

@Colin

I don't care what the tech says. It looks worse on that DS screen to me. Side by side comparisons don't mean anything. Load it up on a N64 and put it next to a DS. I'll play the N64 version on a TV and I will be able to see what the heck going on a lot better.

@FriedConsole
Even with a tv to ds comparison I still prefer the DS versions graphics.

@KaBob799

Same. I don't get the obsession with screen size at all. I'm near sighted, so I have to hold the screen closer to my head anyway so it all looks the same to me.

@FriedConsole
Eh, I played it on a HDTV. Got to say, my N64 teenhood was shattered that day. Who knew scanlines made such a difference on a system that touted AA?

If there's anything I can safely say about the DS vs 64 version, it's that the DS version is a lot easier.

@Colin

I said looks BETTER. Reread my comment.

@Banksyliveraa

Ya, never said it was analog movement. Just said using the analog nub (thats what it is) is way more useful than the d-pad for movement.

@bigwhiteyeti

It was a misreply to to guy who was saying the game looked worse. I completely agree with you.

I still prefer the DS Phat's D-pad and feel to the Lite. But for anyone who doesn't own a DS (I don't know anyone who doesn't) this is a great deal.

%$@%ing Nintendo. DROP THE GAME PRICES!

@CaptainProtonX

This makes more sense. Especially for Wii. Super Mario Galaxy has dropped a whole $10 since 2007.

@CaptainProtonX

Seriously. I want Bowser's Inside Story, but there's no way I'm paying $35 for a DS game that doesn't have the word "Pokemon" on it.

@CaptainProtonX

Nintendo usually doesn't do this. It will often stop production before setting a cheap price on some games.

I guess it works because Nintendo games are the only ones I bother picking up a launch because I know there won't be a price drop for years. That and I am a stupid drooling Nintendo super fan.

@CaptainProtonX
Hmm I guess you don't know that it's the outlets that set the price of games. And they're only ever going to drop prices once sales dry up. And they haven't. Which is why all the best DS and Wii games still cost a mini fortune.

@Banksyliveraa The outlets set the price based on the MSRP. The MSRP for Nintendo published titles are rarely lowered. Therefore, the outlets seldom offer price reductions on Nintendo titles save in the odd "sales" event.

You must not have known that.

@CaptainProtonX
I agree, I'm pretty sure I'm done with Nintendo. I find their lack of price drops disturbing.

@Epoque
Sellers will set prices based on the wholesale price that they pay.

Effectively Nintendo sets the price (within a range from the minimum that cheap stores charge, to MSRP) because the wholesale price they charge will be such that any retailer can only offer a certain small discount on the MSRP, and still make a profit. Retailers just decide how small that small discount is going to be.

Same is true of other publishers (but other publishers may drop wholesale prices, er, rather sooner, especially if a game doesn't sell very well).

My years of frugality pay off! Huzzah!

@ijustw1n

They didn't drop the price FYI - They just changed the color of the boxes.

@Punkrawk Bbob

I think he's talking about the console itself.

@ijustw1n

Awesome! You saved $30 over 5 years!

Very good move by Nintendo, at $99 DS Lite is more appealing to people who don't have one yet.

The article says they announced a DS lite drop from $129 to $99. As someone still rocking his GBA, it might be enough...to find a used one....for under $99. Hooray for saving cash.

@ijustw1n I picked up a hardly used crimson DSL for about $64 on Amazon Warehouse a few weeks back, so it's definitely not impossible.

Huzzah for Nintendo continuing to screw their 3rd parties. They went as far as to highlight their games on the shelf to say "ignore that crap, these are the good games to buy".

/snicker

really though I wish they were doing like a Player's Choice pricing with these titles and dropped them to $20. I mean, they have a new platform now.

If I didn't have a 3DS i'd be all over this.

@Jawmuncher

Have you been able to justify your purchase yet? I haven't. :(

@baby sea tuna
I have. Currently about 5-7 games I play regularly.

@baby sea tuna
It took me well over a year to justify my launch DS.

At least when PS3 games come in annoying red boxes, it's because they're like $20. >_>

So is it just the boxart changing, or are these player choice titles that are going to be cheaper now? I've yet to pick up any Mario v Donkey Kong or Bowser's Inside Story yet, a cheaper price would convince me to pick them up.

Ugh! No price drop? I'm not paying $35 for Bowser's Inside Story! I'll continue waiting for a sale. It's not like I don't have enough of a game backlog to play one new game a week for over a year.

I am considering getting a new pricedropped DS Lite. My old Zelda edition DS lite is suffering from dying pixels, and it would cost $75-$85 for Nintendo to fix it, and by fix, it means they'll likely just trade it out for another refurb and I'll be out my shiny gold.

It was really novel at the time, but the controls defenetialy don't feel as good now. That said, the graphics are a world better than the N64 version, especially the character designs, so I don't know where you are getting that from.

Justify how? How does one value entertainment? If playing pong is a game and one game is equal to another as they provide 'fun'? I got my 3DS on launch and have had a blast showing it to people and seeing their reactions. I enjoy the social experience andnovelty factor. So i don't regret my purchase at all. From a pure gaming time on it, it has been chilling on the cradle a bit while playing through my 360 backlog. But i'd say it's been justified from the experiences its brought my friends and I. I do eagerly await some more games, but the fun is still there.

What a joke!! Do they actually still produce the DS lites? So we're going to make our games red so they stand out more but not give you a price break?? Ahhh Nintendo and their wisdom!! Now everyone will want the original packaging. No one really likes the Sony greatest hit line cases but atleast they are priced cheaper. 3rd party companies should avoid all Nintendo systems since the only games that ever will and always have sold on those systems have been Nintendo titles. Now, they even highlight them to make it harder for 3rd parties LMAO!!

Hey, this is really nice. Maybe I should pick up an extra...?

Funny, I have never seen a price drop for Mario Kart DS. I doubt it will ever happen.

@iAlejandro
Well considering the fact that Mario Kart still sells like crazy, I don't think Nintendo has any real reason to drop the price.

No price drop, just box change?

They really won't give up the ghost on this, huh?

I finally bought Mario Kart about 6 months ago for full price because I wanted it and was tired of waiting. I really want Bowser's Inside Story, but I can't wait anymore. It's never gonna happen. You're never going to lower the price. Well? Are you? That's what I thought. I'd like to say that I'll just never buy it, but we both know I'd be lying. I give up. You win, Nintendo. I will buy it for the price you want me to buy it for. Why do you hate me when all I do is love you?

Reprint Tetris DS. Then we will talk.

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New Super Mario Bros (DS)

DS Lite drops to $99 on June 5

Reader Comments (67)

Posted: May 31st 2011 10:29AM bigwhiteyeti said

Posted: May 31st 2011 10:44AM FriedConsole said

Posted: May 31st 2011 10:49AM Punkrawk Bbob said

Posted: May 31st 2011 10:55AM FriedConsole said

Posted: May 31st 2011 11:20AM Banksyliveraa said

Posted: May 31st 2011 11:24AM bigwhiteyeti said

Posted: May 31st 2011 11:25AM bigwhiteyeti said

Posted: May 31st 2011 11:33AM Epoque said

Posted: May 31st 2011 11:45AM McBeeferton said

Posted: May 31st 2011 12:04PM Colin said

Posted: May 31st 2011 12:42PM FriedConsole said

Posted: May 31st 2011 1:39PM KaBob799 said

Posted: May 31st 2011 1:46PM Colin said

Posted: May 31st 2011 2:02PM Mmmmz said

Posted: Jun 1st 2011 10:08AM bigwhiteyeti said

Posted: Jun 1st 2011 12:11PM Punkrawk Bbob said

Posted: Jun 1st 2011 3:19PM Colin said

Posted: May 31st 2011 10:31AM TraceurRyuk Part III said

Posted: May 31st 2011 10:34AM CaptainProtonX said

Posted: May 31st 2011 10:43AM TraceurRyuk Part III said

Posted: May 31st 2011 10:46AM baby sea tuna said

Posted: May 31st 2011 10:51AM FriedConsole said

Posted: May 31st 2011 11:19AM Banksyliveraa said

Posted: May 31st 2011 11:45AM Epoque said

Posted: May 31st 2011 2:09PM jwalsh1989 said

Posted: May 31st 2011 4:16PM xxxsam said

Posted: May 31st 2011 10:48AM ijustw1n said

Posted: May 31st 2011 10:49AM Punkrawk Bbob said

Posted: May 31st 2011 11:26AM bigwhiteyeti said

Posted: May 31st 2011 4:07PM Chibi Chaingun said

Posted: May 31st 2011 10:49AM motang said

Posted: May 31st 2011 11:03AM ijustw1n said

Posted: Jun 1st 2011 5:42AM radioactivez0r said

Posted: May 31st 2011 10:51AM Punkrawk Bbob said

Posted: May 31st 2011 10:55AM Jawmuncher said

Posted: May 31st 2011 11:11AM baby sea tuna said

Posted: May 31st 2011 7:59PM The Aquacharger said

Posted: Jun 1st 2011 12:58AM KaBob799 said

Posted: May 31st 2011 10:55AM Roto13 said

Posted: May 31st 2011 10:57AM (Unverified) said

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