Nintendo’s new 3D portable system has made a pretty big splash at E3. Most of the press coming from the showfloor has remained pretty positive about the 3DS and its capabilities. Having handled the new system, a few analysts have taken to guessing a possible suggested retail price and release date for the console.
Colin Sebastian, analyst for Lazard Capital Markets believes the 3DS will launch somewhere around $249 to $299 retail. “Nintendo’s 3D-enabled handheld device (3DS) was the largest draw at E3, and we believe it will be successful at extending the company’s leadership position in the portable market. Importantly, the 3DS does not require glasses or a 3D TV to enjoy a 3D experience, which we believe will resonate well with consumers. We expect a late 2010 launch of the 3DS in Japan, followed by March 2011 in North America, with a price point in the $249-$299 range,” he said.
David Cole of DFC Intelligence spoke to IndustryGamers and confirmed his belief in the $249 price point. "The 3DS exceeded expectations on most levels for me. Prior to the show I would have said it had to be under $200. Now $250 seems reasonable for what it offers."
Finally, Todd Greenwald of Signal Hill Capital cautioned Nintendo to be wary of growing competition from Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch.
“Those that have held it are mostly blown away with the 3D features,” he said. “I think $250 would be too high. We saw how well the PSPgo did at $249, right? Also, needs to be priced closer to iPhone or iPod Touch, in my opinion. Think it comes out at $199. And probably launches in spring 2011, likely in March. "
14 Comments
June 17, 2010
No way it will be $250, that is not Nintendo's history. The most expensive handheld they have ever released was the Nintendo DSi XL, and that was $190. The most I can see the 3DS being is $200.
June 17, 2010
I agree with Timothy. Why would Nintendo price this higher than their Wii? $199 seems about the right price point. But maybe they will take a gamble and succeed where the PSPGo did not.
June 17, 2010
I highly doubt it will cost more than $200, its not gonna be more than a wii.
June 17, 2010
yeah, nintendo sells stuff cheap
June 17, 2010
It seems reasonable that they wouldn't announce the price just yet... Nintendo is probably waiting as long as they can in order to see what the market looks like closer to release. If sales are slow, they can bring it in at a lower price point, and if there seems to be great anticipation they can charge more for it. This also gives them more time to evaluate the competition's pricing. Why leave money on the table if they don't have to?
June 17, 2010
How much was the Virtual Boy? IMO this is the Virtual Boy 2, not in a bad way but the Virtual Boy as it should have been.
July 3, 2010
I think it the retail price should be around $220 also if they push it with the price to around $400/ $300 it will be in a race for worst game system/ biggest disappointment with Sony's outstandingly awful psp go rather on the Nintendo 3Ds would be the new iPhone 4 accept for gamers and kids also it's possibly coming out in 10 months so gamers shouldn't worry.
July 5, 2010
I see it at 249.99....EXACTLY
July 12, 2010
I think that the 3ds being priced at $250 would be a reasonable price, but considering the Wii, WITH the two sports titles is only $200 I doubt they would make it more than that.
July 16, 2010
okay, WILL YOU IDIOTS STOP PUTTING BUSSINESS ADVERTISEMENTS IN VIDEOGAME COMMENT GROUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You people are tainting this place with your... your handbags and necklaces! You should be blocked from this place of videogames and entertainment!
July 25, 2010
umm...I think I would buy it no matter how much it costs ^.^ Nintendo all the way! but if I had to choose I would say 250$ is a good price for what your paying for.
December 16, 2010
I rather buy the xbox 360 slim..........if the 3ds cost 200$
January 6, 2011
Da most it should go for its $250 but i hav to stay dats still to high lukk newer ds systems hav just gone up $30 ds lite=$130 dsi=$160 dsi XL=$190 3ds should go for=$220 now dats a reasonable price we can all agree to besides it comes with mor technology n a 2gb memory card for free but nintendo at least keep it from $240 PLZZZZ NINTENDO KEEEP IT LOW NOT LIKE IN JAPAN DAT DA PRICE =$300 ITS NOT FAIR IF ITS DAT PRICE KEEP IT LOW N U WILL GET LOTS OF PPL TO BUY IT N U GET MO MONEY SO KEEP IT LOW+GET MO CUSTOMERS= $$$$
January 6, 2011
Ok make it at most $250 n if it is dat price der should at least be a 3ds game included like how kinect has it with da xbox360 slim