You’re probably getting sick of all of the Wii U rumors that we’ve been reporting for months, but so far, interest in the system has really on survived because of those rumors. Nintendo still hasn’t given us an official release date for their next-generation gaming console, nor have they mentioned an expected price range, but that hasn’t stopped everyone from guessing. However, it looks like this time, we may actually have an official price and release date considering the source.
GameStop recently held a conference and made several big announcements regarding the company’s future and the future of the gaming industry, and it seems that they have accidentally let the Wii U release date slip. According to GameStop reps at the conference, Nintendo’s Wii U will be released on November 18, 2012, and will launch with a price of only $200.
If this information turns out to be correct, the price of the console is far less than most analysts and journalists originally predicted. Many believed the console would be priced around $250-300, already a relatively low price for a new console. Launching the Wii U at such a low cost may be due to a number of different factors. With the console including only a gamepad, many gamers are looking to purchase the Wii U Pro Controller to have a more traditional gaming experience rather than playing with the tablet-based controller. With an expected price of $40-50 for the Pro Controller, gamers are already looking at an initial investment of $240, not including the price of any additional accessories and software.
Considering the presumed cost of producing each unit, including a gamepad, Nintendo would most likely be losing money on each hardware sale, relying on accessory sales to increase profits. The problem with such a low cost, though it is an advantage to consumers, is Nintendo’s ability to meet demand. Recent reports have been stated that the company has been struggling with production of the console, due to the complexity of the gamepad controller. This obstacle has caused Nintendo to delay the European launch of the Wii U, which is now expected to happen in December.
All of this is strictly rumor, however, though GameStop tends to be a reliable source when it comes to game and hardware releases. After all, it is their business. Nintendo is expected to announce the launch date and price of the console sometime this month during a conference. Interest for the console, so far, is still relatively low, both with consumers and developers. It’s hard to say whether or not the system will be successful, but there is always a chance that Nintendo will get lucky as it did with the Wii.
Explosion will have more updates and details as they released, so stay tuned.
