Analyst Predicts March Release for 3DS....maybe $300

"Analyst firm Lazard Capital Markets expects that Nintendo will launch its much-anticipated 3DS system in Japan late this year and in North America next March, with a predicted price point of $249-$299."

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/29006/Analyst_3DS_Expected_To_Launch_In_US_Next_March.php

I'm going to wait until Pachter says something before I believe anything :P

My guess is $250 US and a spring release date for NA. Watch me be right boys and girls

But yeah, I don't think that Nintendo would want to price their handheld higher than their home console, so $200 sounds right to me.

I just want it to come out soon, and I don't care if its $500 - I'm getting it at launch.

I am very curious to see how much it will be though, with the DSi XL being $189.99, I would expect the 3DS to be $229.99 to $259.99 when it launches. I am hoping for holiday 2010 launch, but it probablly will be spring 2011. If its holiday 2010 I would think it would be closer to $249.99, but if its not until spring 2011, then it may be lower around $229.99.

The anticiapation is just killing me though, I just want to play it. I sure hope they have some preview events soon or something at least.

if nintendo has any sense (which they do) they will release it in time for the xmas season its just common buisness sense if you have a new device that you want to put on sale you release it for xmas, the ds 360 ps3 and wii where all released in time for the xmas season, as for price i would say it will be at most 250 but more likely 200

It must be fun being an analyst, you just do what us forum posters basically do for fun and haha's but people actually listen to you and are stupid enough to pay you :o.

I predict April and $225 price, bow before me and pm me for an address to mail my check :P.

No, Japan is supposed to have the 2011 rlease, and America gets 2010.

im telling ye with the amount of games that have been in development for this thing there in no way it wont be released for xmas every console in the last 8 years has been released for xmas

Can't be $300. That's not Nintendo's style. $250 is still a lot for a Nintendo handheld, though it would make more sense.King-gamer

Well Nintendo does not have the power to make things cheap, If the hardware in the 3DS is going to be expensive to make then the handheld will be expensive

I still expect them to release it before Christmas. As other people have mentioned: if they choose sooner rather then later, they may set a higher price though. People will pay more for the product during the holidays then afterwards, so I still espect them to release beforehand at the $250-$300 range that they mentioned. If it's released in early 2011, then I would expect a price of $250, maybe a little less if we're lucky. They're a company, so the best way to get sales quickly at a higher price is to release before the holidays hence why I still stand by that expectation. The only reason they would release it afterwards is if the 3DS is not ready to be released yet (if there's still minor issues they want to work out) or they can't manufacture enough system's in a reasonable amount of time. If they release it this year, it will likely be in October or November.

I really doubt it will cost $300. At most I say $250 but I can see Nintendo releasing it at $200.

One of the major things they kept saying at the conference was how 3D glasses are expensive. I don't think they would make it $300.Minishdriveby

I'm going to wait until Pachter says something before I believe anything :P

The-Next-Guy

$250.00, I'm sticking to it. This analyst is being reasonable.

id be suprised if its over $200xfactor19990

Why? The DSi XL is what, $189? Why are people thinking that the next generation handheld that supports a powerful processor, 3D graphics, backwards compatability, improved online support, and a myriad of other features (3D pictures and movies) is gonna cost $200 or below? That's extremely dumb. That's only $10 more, at most, than the current model which doesn't have all of those features.

I get the wishful thinking, but let's be practical. All of this hardware doesn't come cheap for Nintendo. $250 - $300 seems like a logical esimate. Anything else is a pipedream.

It better not be $300

I think it will be $300. These things are going to be in very high demand when they come out, being the first 3D without glasses, and the cheapest 3D video games. (I know I really want to try 3D out) So if Nintendo wants to make lots of money I assume they will price it as high as they can, while still getting people to buy it, and $300 seems about right.

I never bought a DS and always played my PSP, but I have to give Nintendo props for innovating again and making the first 3D handheld, and no glasses. So I know I really want to try one out and from all the previews I have read it sounds like the 3D works great.

Charge even more than the home console?Rod90

In fact, the Nintendo DS launched at $150 even though Gamecubes were being sold for $100. So I think we can say with confidence that Nintendo would not consider offering their next-gen handheld at a more expensive price than the Wii to be abnormal.

The 3DS has an incredible amount of hype surrounding it right now, and must have cost Nintendo a pretty penny to produce. Nintendo likes to sell profitable hardware, especially when it comes to handhelds. Think of how much money Nintendo likely makes off of each DSi XL hardware sale right now at $190.

I'm guessing $250 with a pack-in game and a generous amount of internal storage. And the DSi XL will not be going off the market. It will likely get a price cut to around $150, with the regular DSi coming in at $130. Nintendo will have their bases covered at all levels, from the high-end to the low-end.

Even though I posted the original article, I tend to believe the low end of the price range given is closer......i.e., it might be $250, but I can't see it being $300. I agree with the person who said they would not price it significantly more than the Wii. Since it does have something the Wii doesn't, 3D, I can see it being about the same price....but not much more. I'll stand by my guess the other day of $229.

If it's anymore than $220, that's way to much. And if it's $300, I'll forget that the 3DS even exist and that I ever saw it.

[QUOTE="xfactor19990"]id be suprised if its over $200Khadaj32

Why? The DSi XL is what, $189? Why are people thinking that the next generation handheld that supports a powerful processor, 3D graphics, backwards compatability, improved online support, and a myriad of other features (3D pictures and movies) is gonna cost $200 or below? That's extremely dumb. That's only $10 more, at most, than the current model which doesn't have all of those features.

I get the wishful thinking, but let's be practical. All of this hardware doesn't come cheap for Nintendo. $250 - $300 seems like a logical esimate. Anything else is a pipedream.

Adding 3D and better graphics doesn't warrant a $300 price tag.

[QUOTE="Khadaj32"]

[QUOTE="xfactor19990"]id be suprised if its over $2001kryptic

Why? The DSi XL is what, $189? Why are people thinking that the next generation handheld that supports a powerful processor, 3D graphics, backwards compatability, improved online support, and a myriad of other features (3D pictures and movies) is gonna cost $200 or below? That's extremely dumb. That's only $10 more, at most, than the current model which doesn't have all of those features.

I get the wishful thinking, but let's be practical. All of this hardware doesn't come cheap for Nintendo. $250 - $300 seems like a logical esimate. Anything else is a pipedream.

Adding 3D and better graphics doesn't warrant a $300 price tag.

If the technology was costing them so much to produce, that they would have to sell it at $300 they wouldn't include that tech. We all know that Nintendo's strategy is, and always has been to use technology that's cheap to produce a great gaming experience. They seldom have been "cutting edge" because it cost's a lot to be cutting edge. Anyone who thinks this handheld is going to be outrageously priced needs to do some research on Nintendo.

"Analyst firm Lazard Capital Markets expects that Nintendo will launch its much-anticipated 3DS system in Japan late this year and in North America next March, with a predicted price point of $249-$299."

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/29006/Analyst_3DS_Expected_To_Launch_In_US_Next_March.php

RichardWrite

[QUOTE="Khadaj32"]

[QUOTE="xfactor19990"]id be suprised if its over $2001kryptic

Why? The DSi XL is what, $189? Why are people thinking that the next generation handheld that supports a powerful processor, 3D graphics, backwards compatability, improved online support, and a myriad of other features (3D pictures and movies) is gonna cost $200 or below? That's extremely dumb. That's only $10 more, at most, than the current model which doesn't have all of those features.

I get the wishful thinking, but let's be practical. All of this hardware doesn't come cheap for Nintendo. $250 - $300 seems like a logical esimate. Anything else is a pipedream.

Adding 3D and better graphics doesn't warrant a $300 price tag.

I agree, which is exactly why you need to read up on everything else they've added, and take into account developing costs and hardware costs.

[QUOTE="King-gamer"]Can't be $300. That's not Nintendo's style. $250 is still a lot for a Nintendo handheld, though it would make more sense.mrmcygan

Well Nintendo does not have the power to make things cheap, If the hardware in the 3DS is going to be expensive to make then the handheld will be expensive

This is based off what?

Do analysts realise Nintendo said it will come out before their fiscal year ends for both Japan AND North America?

And Kid Icarus has a Q4 release date

Nintendo will not miss the holidays for a console launch. Believe me, Quote Me

Fall 2010 for NA/JP, Spring for EU

[QUOTE="1kryptic"]

[QUOTE="Khadaj32"]

Why? The DSi XL is what, $189? Why are people thinking that the next generation handheld that supports a powerful processor, 3D graphics, backwards compatability, improved online support, and a myriad of other features (3D pictures and movies) is gonna cost $200 or below? That's extremely dumb. That's only $10 more, at most, than the current model which doesn't have all of those features.

I get the wishful thinking, but let's be practical. All of this hardware doesn't come cheap for Nintendo. $250 - $300 seems like a logical esimate. Anything else is a pipedream.

Khadaj32

Adding 3D and better graphics doesn't warrant a $300 price tag.

I agree, which is exactly why you need to read up on everything else they've added, and take into account developing costs and hardware costs.

Ugh, the DSi and XL are price dropping soon

OK

You realise, in 2007 the 8GB iPod Touch sold for $300 even though it only cost $149 to make an individual iPod Touch 8GB back in 2007? So you guys are saying, something with Multi-Touch, 400Mhz+ CPU, 128MB RAM, 100Mhz GPU, 3.5inch 480x320 Glass LCD Screen, Wireless B/G, 8GB flash storagecost only $149 in 2007, in two thousand and seven!

And you guys think Nintendo is going to top this?

43DS doesn't have Multi-Touchsince its using a stylus. 3DS probably won't have 8GB internal storage, probably 2GB if we're lucky. The 3DS doesn't have Glass screens to my knowledge, the 3DS doesn't look like its rocking 128MB System RAM, but i don't know. Honestly with the graphics of Kid Icarus, and RE:R, the 3DS may be using a nice ARM CPU around 400-600Mhz but thats not very expensive

Trust me fellas, Nintendo will sell this thing at $199, and i bet they'll be making a 20%-30% profit off every unit sold for that price.

I mean really, $300? More than the Wii ever WAS? Ever?

For 10 year old GameCube tech?

Hey the GBA used SNES-like tech, did it ever cost as much as the SNES in its prime? And the DS used N64-Like tech did it ever cost nearly as much as the N64 did?

Just coz you're wowed by the 3DS, doesn't mean its actually anywhere near Cutting edge tech. Facts are, its CPU/RAM, flash storage, Wireless, are all probably going to be below current industry standards by a bit, and be very affordable

Come On! This is Nintendo guys.

Link for the iPod proof

http://www.neowin.net/news/main/07/12/19/isuppli-8gb-ipod-touch-costs-apple-15504

[QUOTE="1kryptic"]

[QUOTE="Khadaj32"]

Why? The DSi XL is what, $189? Why are people thinking that the next generation handheld that supports a powerful processor, 3D graphics, backwards compatability, improved online support, and a myriad of other features (3D pictures and movies) is gonna cost $200 or below? That's extremely dumb. That's only $10 more, at most, than the current model which doesn't have all of those features.

I get the wishful thinking, but let's be practical. All of this hardware doesn't come cheap for Nintendo. $250 - $300 seems like a logical esimate. Anything else is a pipedream.

Khadaj32

Adding 3D and better graphics doesn't warrant a $300 price tag.

I agree, which is exactly why you need to read up on everything else they've added, and take into account developing costs and hardware costs.

They have 10 year old tech, 3 bad VGA cameras, 2 low resolution screens by current mobile handset standards, probably WiFi B/G, probably very little internal memory, an SD slot, the same old DS game slow, and what?

Do you understand how cheap it is to put a CPU/GPU/RAM that could produce GameCube/Wii graphics in a cell Phone? Sure, clock speeds may not mean everything, but it sure helps.

They added ONE, i repeat ONE 3d lcd screen. It isn't even glass or scratch resistant to my knowledge and the touch screen ISN'T multi-touch

Nintendo 3DS is still behind a generation of hardware.

[QUOTE="Khadaj32"]

I agree, which is exactly why you need to read up on everything else they've added, and take into account developing costs and hardware costs.

darth-pyschosis

They have 10 year old tech, 3 bad VGA cameras, 2 low resolution screens by current mobile handset standards, probably WiFi B/G, probably very little internal memory, an SD slot, the same old DS game slow, and what?

Do you understand how cheap it is to put a CPU/GPU/RAM that could produce GameCube/Wii graphics in a cell Phone? Sure, clock speeds may not mean everything, but it sure helps.

They added ONE, i repeat ONE 3d lcd screen. It isn't even glass or scratch resistant to my knowledge and the touch screen ISN'T multi-touch

Nintendo 3DS is still behind a generation of hardware.

Imagine how much profit Nintendo is making on each one of the systems which are currently sold. And then we can look at Nintendo's absolute dominance of the North American handheld market, which means they have no immediate threat, at least in a hardware sense. Why on earth would Nintendo want to launch this system near the old DSi XL price point? They would make much less profit per unit than they did before.

While it's true the DSi and DSi XL got a price cut in Japan, let's not forget that Japan is a much more competitive market for Nintendo - they have been frequently if not usually outsold by the PSP this year. I do think we will eventually get a price cut here, but not until much closer to the 3DS's launch.

(Besides, the DS was similar to 8-year old N64 tech when it launched, but it was still priced $50 higher than the Gamecube.)

[QUOTE="Khadaj32"]

[QUOTE="1kryptic"]

Adding 3D and better graphics doesn't warrant a $300 price tag.

darth-pyschosis

I agree, which is exactly why you need to read up on everything else they've added, and take into account developing costs and hardware costs.

Ugh, the DSi and XL are price dropping soon

OK

You realise, in 2007 the 8GB iPod Touch sold for $300 even though it only cost $149 to make an individual iPod Touch 8GB back in 2007? So you guys are saying, something with Multi-Touch, 400Mhz+ CPU, 128MB RAM, 100Mhz GPU, 3.5inch 480x320 Glass LCD Screen, Wireless B/G, 8GB flash storagecost only $149 in 2007, in two thousand and seven!

And you guys think Nintendo is going to top this?

43DS doesn't have Multi-Touchsince its using a stylus. 3DS probably won't have 8GB internal storage, probably 2GB if we're lucky. The 3DS doesn't have Glass screens to my knowledge, the 3DS doesn't look like its rocking 128MB System RAM, but i don't know. Honestly with the graphics of Kid Icarus, and RE:R, the 3DS may be using a nice ARM CPU around 400-600Mhz but thats not very expensive

Trust me fellas, Nintendo will sell this thing at $199, and i bet they'll be making a 20%-30% profit off every unit sold for that price.

I mean really, $300? More than the Wii ever WAS? Ever?

For 10 year old GameCube tech?

Hey the GBA used SNES-like tech, did it ever cost as much as the SNES in its prime? And the DS used N64-Like tech did it ever cost nearly as much as the N64 did?

Just coz you're wowed by the 3DS, doesn't mean its actually anywhere near Cutting edge tech. Facts are, its CPU/RAM, flash storage, Wireless, are all probably going to be below current industry standards by a bit, and be very affordable

Come On! This is Nintendo guys.

Link for the iPod proof

http://www.neowin.net/news/main/07/12/19/isuppli-8gb-ipod-touch-costs-apple-15504

I agree 100%. He thinks the 3DS is some sort of genuis invention with cutting edge revolutionary technology. Nothing about the 3DS warrants a $300 pricetag, no matter how great you think it is. They can't get away with charging people $300 for this thing. That would be absurd.

The price of the DSi here in the UK has just dropped from £149 to £129, so it seems that the $200 price mark may be correct. Lets wait if the DSi XL price drops.

250 or 300, makes no difference to me!

$300?!!! That seems unlikely. It is a portable. If it had multi functionality--say it was as big as an E-Reader, then maybe. I think it will be between $179 and $219, possibly $229, but no higher than that.

...And I really want an october/november release in the states.

[QUOTE="Khadaj32"]

[QUOTE="1kryptic"]

Adding 3D and better graphics doesn't warrant a $300 price tag.

darth-pyschosis

I agree, which is exactly why you need to read up on everything else they've added, and take into account developing costs and hardware costs.

They have 10 year old tech, 3 bad VGA cameras, 2 low resolution screens by current mobile handset standards, probably WiFi B/G, probably very little internal memory, an SD slot, the same old DS game slow, and what?

Do you understand how cheap it is to put a CPU/GPU/RAM that could produce GameCube/Wii graphics in a cell Phone? Sure, clock speeds may not mean everything, but it sure helps.

They added ONE, i repeat ONE 3d lcd screen. It isn't even glass or scratch resistant to my knowledge and the touch screen ISN'T multi-touch

Nintendo 3DS is still behind a generation of hardware.

Weren't you the one all excited about the 3DS? The one who felt the rest of us who bought XL's were buying paperweights while you were being smart to wait for this "ten year old , behind-a-generation hardware"?