Opinion: Nintendo 3DS game prices in Australia are weird, too expensive and need to change

At the moment game prices for the Nintendo 3DS are just plain weird, they’re too high and they need to change. Here’s why.

Since the launch of the Wii U here in Australia, aside from some third party games, recommended prices for that console have been $79.95 or lower. This has included ports, new titles and even original Nintendo first party titles. Yes, first party Nintendo titles for less than $99.95.

That’s lower than most launch day Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 titles, that’s lower than some Wii titles still rotting store shelves to this very day. Donkey Kong Country Returns, one of the Wii’s later titles is still $88, Skyward Sword is still $98. These games will remain that price too until grandma buys it for little Jimmy or cleared out in a years time.

This is all good news though, a positive move – Wii U games are cheaper and closer to other regions.

However the same can’t be said for Nintendo 3DS games. Let’s take a look at the upcoming catalogue from Big W and their pricing for Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate.

That’s some nice pricing there for the Wii U version. But hold on what’s going on with the 3DS one, just ten dollars less ($58) that’s not bad!?

Alright let’s go to EB, they have most games for full RRP – although they’ll be sure to remind me they do price match.

What was now a $30 difference between console and handheld is now (looking at RRP) a $10 one. Even less when retailers discount, 3DS games are now priced in this awkward void,  $69 seemed cheap when compared to console games but now with the console game prices falling it just looks terrible.

We also have to consider that all of these games are available on the eShop as well for the full $69.95. That is of course you switch your eShop region (which has no ill effects) to the UK or Europe and score copy for £39.99 or less. Converted back into AUD that’s around $59. If you try other currencies as well such as the Euro or Polish Zloty you might have an even better return.Normally we wouldn’t directly convert prices, however this is a digital store and there’s no taxes, shipping or packaging to account for here. There’s also no excuses.

We were able to find Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate from Europe (physically) as well for £29.99, that’s $43.60AUD or 60% less expensive. We could also compare US prices as well, but that’s another ball game all together with region locking in place. That too is another fight for another day.

The simple fact is 3DS games are too expensive in Australia and its weird, it’s a familiar complaint but evidence has shown that game prices are falling. It’s certainly not Nintendo 3DS ones though.