As the only next-gen console without a firm price and release date, Nintendo’s Wii is shrouded in mystery and rumor. Those rumors have gotten pretty interesting lately, and now it seems there’s some decent confirmation Wii will be cheap.
GamesIndustry.biz recently spoke with Electronic Arts’ David Gardner about Wii and found out he’s heard the console will sell for about $170 in Japan. Gardner couldn’t say what the machine will go for elsewhere, but this does backup earlier rumors about the under $200 pricing.
But, it’s important to remember this is not the official word from Nintendo. That’s expected to come sometime next month along with a release date.
Right now, however, it’s looking like Nintendo’s strategy for Wii involves solid, fun playability, affordable pricing and cheaper games than the competition. With a desire to appeal to “everyone,” Nintendo seems to be setting itself up to do well in the next-gen race – an observation that wasn’t lost on Gardner.
"Nintendo has come up with a very clever strategy," said Gardner. "They've made a choice which is great for the consumer. Now we're going to have a choice whereby consumers can buy a Wii plus one other console."
No matter what its official price ends up being, it looks like Nintendo is on the right track to appeal to a broader base of customers than its competition. How this will fall out in terms of sales would take a crystal ball to know for sure. But one thing’s for certain, it’s going to be an interesting show.
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