The rumors got stronger and stronger over the past couple weeks, and today it's been confirmed at last: Nintendo will lower the price on Wii from $249 to $199. The new price goes into effect on Sunday, September 27.
"Wii has reached more video game players than any game system before because it attracts everyone—both men and women, and people of all ages," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Our research shows there are 50 million Americans thinking about becoming gamers, and this more affordable price point and our vast array of new software mean many of them can now make the leap and find experiences that appeal to them, whatever their tastes or level of gaming experience."
In Japan the Wii will be lowered from 25,000 yen to 20,000 yen. Nothing's been announced for Europe just yet, but speculation among U.K. retailers points to possible Wii bundles.
Update: Although there is no official retail price drop in the U.K., Nintendo has actually lowered the trade price of the Wii (after raising it earlier this year). Here's a Nintendo U.K. statement: “We will be reducing the trade price of Wii to retailers from 2nd October 2009. In the UK and Republic of Ireland we are also introducing a new configuration of Wii hardware from 2nd October 2009 which will replace the current offering and will include the Wii console and Wii Sports with the new Wii Sports Resort game and Wii MotionPlus accessory. This will be available to retailers at the newly reduced trade price. The ultimate price to consumers is, of course, determined by the retailers. Our aim has always been to expand the gaming population and there are still many more people out there who have not yet experienced the fun of video games. This compelling offer will hopefully make Wii more accessible to everyone.”
