Following yesterday's disappointing July video game sales results, Broadpoint AmTech analyst Ben Schachter has pointed out that Wii hardware sales were at their lowest level since the console launched back in November 2006. The Wii sold through 252K units during the month, which we observed was quite low by Wii standards, but we didn't realize it was the lowest since the system's debut.
Everyone's chattering about PS3 and Xbox 360 price cuts, but it's becoming increasingly clear that Nintendo must lower its price on Wii too. "Although Wii Sports Resort sold well, it appears to have offered little lift to Wii hardware sales, increasing the probability in our view that Nintendo must lower the price soon (we expect a September cut)," commented Schachter.
Despite slumping Wii sales here and abroad, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata already said earlier this month that he's not thinking about a price cut on Wii. At the time, he pointed to a weaker Wii software lineup for the first quarter, but if titles like Wii Sports Resort can't do enough to boost sales, we have a feeling that Iwata will be changing his tune. Besides, it's completely unprecedented for a console to hold its original launch price as long as the Wii has - a price cut is overdue at this point.
