Wal-Mart cutting 3DS price early?

What we heard: Last week, Nintendo announced that it would drop the MSRP of the 3DS from $250 to $170 effective August 12. The Japanese game giant also promised 20 free NES and GBA Virtual Console games to those who connect to the 3DS eShop by midnight on August 11, having presumably purchased the system at full price. However, if Cheap Ass Gamer's source proves accurate, gamers will be able to pick up a 3DS for $170 and still nab the 20 free games.

Cheap Ass Gamer's source says international retail behemoth Wal-Mart will cut the price of the 3DS to $170 next Tuesday, August 9. If true, gamers would be able to easily take advantage of both the 3DS price break, as well as the free games.

Even if Cheapy D's source is mistaken, Wal-Mart.com's price difference policy states that if the cost of an item changes within seven days of purchase, customers are eligible for a refund of the difference. The in-store policy is the same, except the price adjustment duration is extended to two weeks. Per policy, this means gamers can purchase a $250 3DS today through Tuesday and get a refund for the difference next week when the official price change goes into effect.

The official story: As of press time, Nintendo had not responded to GameSpot's request for comment.

Bogus or not bogus?: Looking not bogus. Cheap Ass Gamer has a proven track record for accurate retail predictions. And even if the rumor proves false, there's no reason gamers can't get the system for $170 and get the free games by taking advantage of Wal-Mart's own price adjustment policy.