Nintendo America announce price drop for the Wii U, Wind Waker Bundle Confirmed
Nintendo this evening (or morning, depending on where you live) have announced that they will be cutting the price of the Wii U console.
Confirming previous rumours – the console will be offered in an already existing black deluxe model, bundled with NintendoLand. In addition to this, there will be a new Zelda model – which we reported on last week. This bundle is also black, but has gold etchings on the GamePad and also includes vouchers to download a digital copy of the Hyrule Historia art book as well as a copy of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
The new Zelda model remains in line with previous black models of the console, with 32gb of on-board flash memory.
Speaking of the price cut, Reggie Fils-Aime discussed with Kotaku Nintendo’s rationale: –
[quote]Obviously we want to drive Wii U momentum, We’ve been very clear that software is what drives hardware. And we feel very good about the line-up of software for Wii U. Taking the added step to improve the value just reinforces our commitment to make sure that Wii U has a strong holiday this year and is set up to be a strong platform into the future.
All you need to do is look at the numbers, At this point in time the Wii install base was beginning to approach three million—this is U.S. numbers—and as we sit here today, the Wii U installed base is at about 1.5 million. So clearly the sales pace is different. But I will also tell you that the focus on making sure that this holiday—its second holiday—is really strong is actually quite consistent with the way we’ve always thought about our hardware launches.[/quote]
Come September 20th, when the price drop is planned to hit, Reggie doesn’t foresee there being many (if any) white basic editions of the console left.
The price drop for the Wii U is sitting at around $50US, but once we have local details we’ll be sure to let you know.
I’m not sure bundling Wind Waker is the way to sell a lot more units. Remembering that Wind Waker didn’t help sell the Gamecube at all back in the day. If anything people started calling it a kiddy console and such.
But now that it has had a decade to age, a lot of people actually have come out and said it is their favourite in the series. And people have gotten over the fact that it’s cartoony and actually appreciate it for it’s unique art style. It’s a different audience, so we don’t really know the response. I think the main issue of it not selling consoles will be because it’s a remake, not because of it’s content.
Either way it seems odd that you choose this game to bundle with the console when you have a 2D Mario game that you could bundle with the console with a bit more selling power. Also I’m not sure Wind Waker is that popular outside the hardcore community.
I’ll definitely buy one if they produce an Aussie version. Been waiting on something like and a price drop before I buy a wiiu. Also where the hell are some more special edition 3ds xl console bundles so nintendo can take my hard earned dough?
I’m always surprised at how many hardcore zelda fans haven’t got a Wii U.
I’d imagine they’re all nintendo fan boys, but they come with a price.
Most Likely because there hasn’t been a zelda game?
Skyward Sword was probably best delayed a year for the Wii U launch.
That would’ve increased sales for sure!
On a site note, is Windwaker really that much more “kiddy” seeming than Nintendo Land? They’re both great games, but a lot of people don’t appreciate Nintendo’s colourful outlook on graphics.