All comments I have will be detailed toward the end.
Let us start with the announcement of the 2DS. The latest handheld will play both 3DS and DS games in strikingly amazing 2D; hence the name of the announced handheld. The 2DS will have the same functions as the current 3DS and 3DS XL units, including wireless connectivity and access to the Nintendo eShop. The unit will retail for $129.99 on Oct. 12, the same day Pokémon X and Pokémon Y drop.
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| Courtesy of Nintendo |
However, the biggest announcement is Nintendo will drop the price of the Wii U Deluxe down to $299.99 starting Sept. 20.
According to the press release, "The new price makes Wii U an even greater value, particularly with the strong lineup of Wii U games available and on the way for the system in 2013."
In addition to this announcement, there will be a limited edition The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD Wii U bundle with the new system price.
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| Courtesy of Nintendo |
As noted in the press release, "The bundle includes a black Deluxe Wii U console; a GamePad controller adorned with gold lettering, a gold Hyrule crest and gold symbols from the game; a download code for the digital version of Hyrule Historia, a book that details the chronology, history and artwork of The Legend of Zelda series; and a code that can be used to download The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD from the Nintendo eShop immediately at no additional cost."
You can read the full press release right here.
I fully support everything Nintendo is attempting to do to get more systems into more households; including the Wii U. A price drop is much needed and even though Iwata will not come out and say it, the system is not selling because of the price point and the lack of games. Check out The Dace Man's article showcasing the upcoming gaming releases. This would explain why Wii U Basic systems were "recalled" by Nintendo earlier this year.
As for the 2DS, this has to be a very interesting idea. As you can see, the system will not fold in half just like the 3DS and DS systems. However, why would anyone want to play 3D games on a two-dimensional system? Could this mean Nintendo may be shifting its focus away from 3D games for good?
My biggest concern is how this might confuse consumers. Give the following some thought: say you go to a very major video gaming conglomerate where you get crummy deals with trade-in games and purchase "new" games where the wrapping has been removed and is passed off as new. In this store, someone walks in and sees Nintendo's new handheld, the 2DS. The person gets incredibly excited, goes up to the
So, a system which plays 3DS games which were developed for a 3D system can only be played in two-dimensions. I will laugh my backside off if I ever hear someone ask in one of these places if they sell 2DS games.
But, I do understand there are some gamers who prefer playing the games in 2D because either they have sight issues or it may cause some to have seizures. However, the name of the system is weird considering the DS was a two-dimensional system. On the bright side, it is a very nice price. This would definitely boost more sales for 3DS games. With the 2DS being released with a very attractive price could give Nintendo a further edge in the handheld market and give them a bigger boost in sales; which helped the company out when the 3DS first launched to less than exciting sales figures and had to announce a price drop six months after its initial debut.
The announcements for both systems tells me Nintendo is playing a strange game. I support price drops because it will help them get more units into consumers' homes and hands. But, the "Nintendo 2DS?" Really? There was not a different name they could have chosen? And, they are NOW announcing a price drop for the Wii U Deluxe? Apparently, they should have had just one SKU and had it available at $299.99 from the beginning.
Tell me what you think. Do you think Nintendo is starting to lose their minds or are they trying to be clever?
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