For the first time in, well… EVER, Nintendo is experiencing first-hand what it is like to have a system ‘fail’.In an attempt to curb the poor sales, Nintendo is issuing a new colored system alongside a conveniently timed ‘price drop’.
Now, the 3DS isn’t a failure as a whole, there’s just something about it that consumers don’t really find all that fascinating. What is it about the system that causes this, people can just can’t quite put their finger on. It’s like being caught in a limbo as you struggle to decide whether someone is attractive in a unique way or just downright fugly. Surely Nintendo has never really experienced this on the hand-held front before.
However, the new Flame Red system, which is set to release this Friday, August 12th is set to accompany the strategic price drop from $250 to $170. Everything was supposed to hit Friday, but Wal-Mart has jumped the gun a bit and already marked their entire stock of 3DS systems down to the new price. At first it was just a rumor, but as people started sharing photos of receipts around the net, it became a full fledged fact. So, I popped over to my local Wal-Mart to check it out and sure enough, I was met with a massive price tag bearing the $169.99 price point. In case you’re wondering, no, I didn’t buy one.
Unfortunately, it seems like Nintendo is still a bit naive to the situation at hand as they proceed to ooze optimism about an obviously suffering system.
“Nintendo 3DS is poised to be on fire for the holidays, with its new suggested retail price, great games and our new Flame Red color. With major upcoming releases in the Star Fox, Pokémon and Mario series, in addition to downloadable offerings from Nintendo eShop, Nintendo Video and Netflix, the system offers new and fun experiences to owners on a daily basis.” – Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime
It seems that retailers want the 3DS to succeed as well because several major retailers have stepped up to offer their opinion on the matter.
“The new, lower Nintendo 3DS price combined with a hot new color and big-name games will entice even more Target guests to get their hands on this first-of-its-kind 3D gaming experience,”- Nik Nayar, vice president of Merchandising, Target.
“GameStop customers were excited about the Nintendo 3DS launch, and this lower price point should spark additional demand.With a solid back-half game lineup, the Nintendo 3DS price drop is well timed to drive consumer interest and purchases through the holiday season.” – ” GameStop President Tony Bartel.
The retailers’ outlook may be a glimpse into the enigmatic mind that is Nintendo and company. Everyone is running around screaming that the 3DS is failing due to a lack of solid launch titles, but the again, has any system really ever had a solid launch lineup? The 3DS is mere months into it’s lifespan and we are getting a price drop already. Genius? Perhaps. Pocketbook friendly? Of course!
Eric Pederson – ManaTank’s US Editor – is a veritable jack of all trades with a life-long passion for games.
Leading what many consider to be an inconceivably random life, he’s identified as everything from a bus
driver, golf coach, butcher, driver’s ed instructor, and professional mosquito killer. More recently though,
he’s taken on the task of teaching English, creating YouTube commentaries, and developing websites.
The 3DS is a gimmick system, the gimmick being 3D. 3D is on its way out the door as people realise that its not worth the money, even EA has droped out of the 3D market. If Nintendo had released the 3Ds earlier then it probably wouldnt have had a problem but people arnt willing to drop that much cash for a hand-held system just for 3D when a majority of the "big" games I have seen for it are out on other systems.
I agree with your statement to a degree. I do believe the 3DS is a gimmick system, but underneath the gimmick is actually a pretty cool machine that could push hand-held gaming forward. However, I do not agree with the fact that 3D is on its way out. I think too many people had insanely high hopes too early on and thus the technology was unable to live up to anyone's expectations. I have a 3D Bravia TV and absolutely love it. I only use the 3D on occasion, but I think once we figure out how to do MASSIVE 3D without glasses, it will take off like people are expecting. Great thoughts though! Thank you for sharing them.
I have always had problems with 3D with the glasses because of an astigmatism but I have used the 3DS in store and it works for me but I still think it is a great system without the 3D. I don't think it't was worth the money originally and I might get one after the drop. Also, is it true that people who bought it before the drop get 20 free games?
As of 8/25 I have not actually seen a red one advertised.