Trade price for Wii drops in UK
Returns to pre-hike asking price, but RRP "determined by the retailers," says Nintendo
Nintendo has confirmed that the trade price of the Wii will fall from October 2 in the UK and Ireland.
GamesIndustry.biz understands that the trade price will return to the same price it was before the company began asking more for the system in April due to the weak UK pound.
"We will be reducing the trade price of Wii to retailers from October 2, 2009," said the company in a statement.
"In the UK and Republic of Ireland we are also introducing a new configuration of Wii hardware 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," added Nintendo.
Online retailers such as Shopto.net have already begun taking pre-orders, offering the new Wii bundle for GBP 189.99 – a GBP 10 increase on the previous offering.
The news comes as the company announces a significant price drop in the US and Japan, to USD 199 and JPY 20,000, respectively.
"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 videogames. This compelling offer will hopefully make Wii more accessible to everyone," added Nintendo.