This article from Edge Online explains in great detail the situation. Let's just say this, Nintendo is raising the price that retailers pay for their console in the UK by around $40 USD. Which is fascinating and completely unprecedented. Now, Nintendo says they are justified in doing this given the great demand for the console. I have a few thoughts on this. And by the way, I know I don't EVER talk about the Wii here. Because it is a toy and Hades Times is a VIDEO GAME blog but I just had to comment on this.
First and foremost. The Nintendo Wii is using technology, other than the motion controls; based in Nintendo Gamecube hardware. Which they had plenty of since the Gamecube was a complete failure and they had to stop manufacturing the consoles a full 2 years before PS2 or XBOX stop their production. Also the has no Hard drive, has only 480p support, and has VERY Limited internet connectivity. By that I mean that the console is not technically online all the time. Just when the need for online arises and the user triggers that connection.
Second, the Wii launched at a reasonable price point of $249.99 which was a wonderful buy given the pack in game of Wii Sports. Now these two factors along with the motion control were certainly instrumental in the success of the console with casual gamers and people who were not gamers at all.
Finally, the Wii has been out since November of 2006. They want to raise the price this far after the launch. That would be like a car company raising the price of a car once it's a year old just because it popular.
OK, given all this here is my opinion: The Wii is popular because it's cheap. It's for causal gamers who might not want to invest the money in a more expensive system or maybe have a PS2 and are using as their 2nd console. Also, the Wii is popular with people who don't play video games normally and this price hike will be extremely confusing and upsetting to them. Finally, this console is made up of old hardware that was probably sitting around after they dismantled their Gamecube line and they said from the very beginning that they would be making money on every unit sold. So what? Now, their saying they NEED to make MORE money on every unit sold?
Lastly, if I were going to buy a Wii I'd head over to Gamestop and get a used one, quickly. Because you know that when that base price goes up so will the used prices. And I'm sure given NIntendo's current catalog options that many hardcore gamers have all ready turned in their dusty Wiis for XBOX 360s or PS3s. But hey, what do I know, the last Wii game I played was Super Smash Brothers Brawl and yeah THAT game was good. But two games does not a console make(also check out Super Mario Galaxy).
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