The launch of a new console is a time of uncertainty for video game publishers, as they find themselves starting, once again, from a hardware install base of zero. Convincing people to spend hundreds of dollars on new game hardware -- and buying your expensive new game -- is harder than ever, in today's world where games can be played on so many other platforms.
"I'm never happy when the machines are expensive," added Guillemot. "What we have to do there is remember that compared to an iPad, [Wii U] is cheap. With what it brings [to the gaming table] it's cheap. But I hope they'll be able to drop their price in time."
At least one industry prognosticator is betting the Wii U can have a stronger launch than the original Wii (which debuted at $250), but whether or not Nintendo can maintain that momentum over the coming years is difficult to predict. The company has shown a willingness to drop hardware pricing early on if sales are lagging -- maybe that can ease Guillemot's price tag anxiety.
In any case, Guillemot's reserved displeasure isn't as aggressive as other industry CEOs' console pricing criticisms. Remember when Activision boss Bobby Kotick not-so-subtly suggested his company might stop supporting the PlayStation 3 back when it was $400?
Perhaps because Nintendo left millions of dollars on the table with the original Wii? Gray market prices showed that the Wii could have been initially priced at about 50% more (which in fact is about the price difference between the Wii launch and WiiU launch in the US).
$350 dollars is not a lot of money for something that would essentially become the center for your gaming entertainment at home over the next 5-7 years. Jesus even at 5 years that's only $70 a year or ~$6 a month. If you can't afford that then your ass should be out getting a better (or "a") job, not playing video games.
Just because people can't afford every game and system doesn't mean there is something wrong with the pricing model.
I'm not sure why everyone is up in arms about WiiU pricing. It is just about the same price as a 360 or PS3--and they have been on the market for 6 years. This is a brand new machine.
Very true. Those that see the glass half-empty though wonder why the price of the 6 year old models still rivals that of a new system - then wonders why anyone would by the new system when the old one is $50 less and has a lot more games they could play today on it.
I always wonder if the price is up simply to grab all the money from those that buy the latest gadget just with the expectation of dropping it once they have cashed in on the initial excitement.
The Wii at 250$ was a net profit. The WiiU at 300 is a net loss.
"and that's why we kept charging only $50 for our console games and $20 for our handheld games."
No? Oh...
This time, not so much. I couldn't care less about the Wii U's extra screen.
It would be one thing if Nintendo compensated with a strong launch lineup, but another 2d mario reheat just isn't enough.
Just because people can't afford every game and system doesn't mean there is something wrong with the pricing model.
I always wonder if the price is up simply to grab all the money from those that buy the latest gadget just with the expectation of dropping it once they have cashed in on the initial excitement.