35 replies to this topic

[Muhammad Farrukh]

Forget The Box is reporting publisher's upcoming console carries manufacturing costs of around $180;

Wii U's retail price "will be no less" than $300 at launch.

A new report claims Nintendo's upcoming Wii U console could retail for around $300 at launch.

Citing "sources closely involved with manufacturing and distributing Nintendo products", Forget The Box reports the total cost of materials required to manufacture the Wii U console, including the Wii U controller, is estimated to be around $180, with materials and components costing Nintendo an additional $50.

Based on these estimates, the report claims Nintendo is likely to finalize the cost of the Wii U to be no less than $300 at retail when it launches before the end of the year.
"Cutting production costs to maximize profits is Nintendo’s main concern with the Wii U," the source told Forget The Box."

"They are cutting costs in the Wii U's hardware to build back confidence in investors. Nintendo wants investors to view Wii U as a less risky proposition."

At the time of the Wii U's unveiling at last year's Electronic Entertainment Expo, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata indicated the new console will probably cost more than ¥20,000 ($250.47).
By comparison, the Wii began its life cycle selling for $250.


Earlier this month, it was reported the Wii U could be set for a November 18 global release date.

[Blackhearted]

And yet at only $300(if this rumor is true) it could still be more powerful than the 360/ps3 due to how those things are horribly overpriced for their age.

[~Johnny]

Blackhearted, on 10 April 2012 - 07:43, said:

And yet at only $300(if this rumor is true) it could still be more powerful than the 360/ps3 due to how those things are horribly overpriced for their age.

Technically the rumour says it's only around $130 for the consoles parts, although I don't know how much a PS3's parts costs. But either way, there's benefits to be had from newer architectures.

[MightyJordan]

Blackhearted, on 10 April 2012 - 07:43, said:

And yet at only $300(if this rumor is true) it could still be more powerful than the 360/ps3 due to how those things are horribly overpriced for their age.

Hmm, the last Wii U rumour I heard was developers claiming that it's less powerful than the 360 and PS3.

Like almost everything else about the Wii U so far, it's all rumours and speculation, but I personally wouldn't be surprised if this rumour turns out to be true. Nintendo usually focus on everything but the graphics, which isn't a bad thing, especially when you look at this gen's console sales.

[compl3x]

$300 in the US, $500 in Australia.

People here in Aus aren't that exceited when we hear about cheaper pricing for gaming related products because we usually get screwed anyway.

[threetonesun]

$300 seems reasonable for a new console these days.

[c3ntury]

I'd have hoped the Wii U would surpass the current generations graphics, or at least, if it doesn't, have a low price-point to reflect it.

[+Jdawg683]

$299.99 sounds probable. Nintendo cant afford a more expensive console.

[The Teej]

$300 would probably retail for £230 over here which would be fine for me

[Alladaskill17]

Specs please? not that I'd get one, but for those on the fence...thats a good chunk of the cost for next gen Xbox/Playstation..or an awesome PC GFX upgrade.

[+Jdawg683]

The Teej, on 10 April 2012 - 19:31, said:

$300 would probably retail for £230 over here which would be fine for me

except it'll also be £300 in the UK too

[jerzdawg]

I'll be hoping for another $250 price @ release. I feel like that $50 difference will stop me from picking it up @ launch. Hopefully we'll see alot more of this @ E3

[The Teej]

Jdawg683, on 10 April 2012 - 19:41, said:

except it'll also be £300 in the UK too

If it does, it had best have the world's greatest line-up on launch or expect me to purchase it when there's a price drop

[+littleneutrino]

and yet no matter what cost they charge it will still be outdated prior to ever being released. as it is only targeted to be as powerful as current generation consoles

[BetaAddict]

Just as I predicted. $300 at launch, with a potential price cut to $250 next year to counter the launch of the new xbox, which I would predict to sell for $299 and $399 for two different models just like the xbox360 did.

littleneutrino, on 11 April 2012 - 19:50, said:

and yet no matter what cost they charge it will still be outdated prior to ever being released. as it is only targeted to be as powerful as current generation consoles

People don't buy nintendo products for the graphics, rather the games. Franchises like Mario and Zelda always had enough brand power and quality to get people to buy it, even as a secondary console.