Iwata:WiiU Price Not the Problem

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While the Wii U hasn't sold particularly well, with Nintendo moving just 160,000 units across three months in Q1 2013, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata is holding strong that the system's price isn't the problem - the price discrepancy between the two Wii U models is. "If the price is actually an issue [with Wii U], then there is some contradiction between the current sales balance between the Basic and Premium versions of the Wii U," Iwata told CVG.

"The basic version should have sold a lot, but the fact of the matter is that people are buying more of the premium version. So the issue is not there," he said.

Iwata cited the disparity in sales between the Deluxe and Basic Wii U models in January when noting that the system was selling "steadily," and stated plans in June to regain the system's momentum through the end of the year before establishing "successful third-party Wii U software titles." Iwata has been there before, after all; He took a 50 percent pay cut in July 2011 due to poor 3DS sales around the time the system's price dropped, later selling the 3DS XL at a profit.

Of course, whatever version of the Wii U you choose to pick up, there's still the matter of what the heck you're going to play on it. "I understand that the real issue is the lack of software, and the only solution is to provide the mass-market with a number of quality software titles," said Iwata. Great idea!Joystiq

 So his argument is that if price were an issue, then the cheaper model would sell better...? He doesnt seem to know what he is talking about.

My thoughts are of course they need a strong library, but being within $50 of the PS4 isn't going to help them either.

Disagree. Its a big problem. Its also a big problem because of where that price is coming from (the controller).

They're probably buying the Premium version because the basic one sucks ass.freedomfreak

not sure how much they can go down since the controller is probably $100 itself, but yeah software and price is a problem. If they did have banging software price probably wouldn't be too much if an issue.

They're probably buying the Premium version because the basic one sucks ass.freedomfreak

[QUOTE="freedomfreak"]They're probably buying the Premium version because the basic one sucks ass.nintendoboy16

Joystiq left out some key info in their report that was in the original article on CVG (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/423771/iwata-wii-u-basic-model-sales-show-price-isnt-the-issue/?cid=OTC-RSS&attr=CVG-General-RSS)

Speaking to CVG contributor Steve Boxer, Iwata insisted that a lack of software, not pricing, was the real issue behind Wii U's lost momentum.

"I understand that the real issue is the lack of software, and the only solution is to provide the mass-market with a number of quality software titles."

EDIT: I see they mentioned it in the last line, missed that on the first read through.  Leaving my original post as is so you guys can humiliate me if you choose.

[QUOTE="nintendoboy16"][QUOTE="freedomfreak"]They're probably buying the Premium version because the basic one sucks ass.freedomfreak

who would pay 150 more for a ps3/360 with less 3rd party support.

who would pay 150 more for a ps3/360 with less 3rd party support.

TheRealBigRich

Weak hardware.

Gimmicky periphal tablet that cant even do multi touch input with god awful battery life.

Shitty 3rd part game support.

Tired and rehashed 1st party lineup of the same old franchises done for the nth time.

Terrible online support.

So yeah price isnt the part of the problem, but it is a major problem out of many because why the hell would I pay 350 dollars when it has all of the problems listed above? Thats just stupid. Even if the wiiu was 150 dollars, its still a 150 system with a ton of other problems.

I bought a wiiu and its been a constant source of buyers remorse for me. I spend more time playing wii games on it than I do wiiu games or even use wiiu features.

Weak hardware.

Gimmicky periphal tablet that cant even do multi touch input with god awful battery life.

Shitty 3rd part game support.

Tired and rehashed 1st party lineup of the same old franchises done for the nth time.

Terrible online support.

So yeah price isnt the part of the problem, but it is a major problem out of many because why the hell would I pay 350 dollars when it has all of the problems listed above? Thats just stupid. Even if the wiiu was 150 dollars, its still a 150 system with a ton of other problems.

I bought a wiiu and its been a constant source of buyers remorse for me. I spend more time playing wii games on it than I do wiiu games or even use wiiu features.

Gargus

The Price is a problem but it is not THE problem.

THE problem is the shortage of games.

The problem is the simply the price for what you get... weaker hardware... NO hdd space. (32 gb is NO space for my purposes)... not worth it.  200 dollars.  128gb.  It's a gen 7 system.  Would have been a great deal 7 years ago. 

Of course price is an issue. People want value for their money.

The basic is just worthless, and the premium is way overpriced for what you get. People are buying the premium more, but not enough of them.

[QUOTE="TheRealBigRich"]

who would pay 150 more for a ps3/360 with less 3rd party support.

PurpleMan5000

"The basic version should have sold a lot, but the fact of the matter is that people are buying more of the premium version. So the issue is not there,"

:|

Really Iwata?  Really!?!?  What a f***ing idiot.  

The problem is both price and games

That price tag is too high for many people, while others would buy it if you had the frikkin games to back it up.

You released a piece of junk hardware (in terms of power and such) and in turn get little to no support from third parties.  This makes it ALL UP TO YOU to deliver us great games.  You have not done so.  not really.

I have an idea!  Lets make the console weak but we will spend a lot of money on a nifty controller (that not everyone can use at the same time) that we won't even make our games around half the time.  BRILLIANT! 

The problem is the simply the price for what you get... weaker hardware... NO hdd space. (32 gb is NO space for my purposes)... not worth it.  200 dollars.  128gb.  It's a gen 7 system.  Would have been a great deal 7 years ago. 

Infinite_Access

Exactly.  Almost noone is going "oh  man!  That controller!  I NEED THAT FOR ANY PRICE!" 

People don't want your gimmicks, now move on and get back to making amazing games on your consoles please.

The main problem is that it is garbageTheKingIAm

Seems pretty much spot on to me.

If the 3DS has taught us anything is that a system can be saved with good software. Bread_or_Decide

It's a combination of things that are the problem.  The price, the name, the games, the console itself, Nintendo and probably a number of other things.   The entire thing is just one big **** up.

If the 3DS has taught us anything is that a system can be saved with good software. Bread_or_Decide

I'll just leave this here...

The Price is a problem but it is not THE problem.

THE problem is the shortage of games.

Maroxad

SO~~~~7-8 years old specs with 32gb of memory (LOL are we in the 90's???) sold for $350 isn't too much? Is the guy stupid or just ashamed to lower his console that isn't even a year old to $199?silversix_

I'll just leave this here...

ninjapirate2000

It's rather telling that so many people have their own take on the systems issues. It's got so many massive ones no one can decide on the biggest.

[QUOTE="ninjapirate2000"]

I'll just leave this here...

silversix_

Price is most definitely a problem. Especially looking at the power you are getting compared to the PS4 and Xbone that don't cost that much more.

If lowering the price for Nintendo is a problem because they don't make enough profit from it than they seriously screwed up on the hardware side.

Price is most definitely a problem. Especially looking at the power you are getting compared to the PS4 and Xbone that don't cost that much more.

If lowering the price for Nintendo is a problem because they don't make enough profit from it than they seriously screwed up on the hardware side.

R4gn4r0k

[QUOTE="R4gn4r0k"]

Price is most definitely a problem. Especially looking at the power you are getting compared to the PS4 and Xbone that don't cost that much more.

If lowering the price for Nintendo is a problem because they don't make enough profit from it than they seriously screwed up on the hardware side.

silversix_