Today at a Tokyo hotel, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata shot down talk of a Wii price cut anytime soon. This comes as Nintendo posted losses due to slow sales and the strong Japanese yen.
"Of course, we cannot say it will never happen, but we are not thinking of it for the near future," Iwata said about the price cut. According to the Associated Press, Iwata pointed out that the new red Wii console hoped to attract consumers during the year's end.
While the red Wii will be available, the eagerly anticipated Nintendo 3DS won't go on sale this holiday season. It's due for next February in Japan and the following month in the West. Christmas and the New Year's holidays are big shopping seasons in Japan. February, however, is not.
Still, the AP reports that Iwata was upbeat about the 3DS.
Since the portable is a 3D gaming device, Nintendo has a difficult time promoting the handheld's main feature (glasses-free 3D) through traditional mediums like regular TV or print ads. To counter that, Nintendo is planning a series of 3DS events for people to get hands on with the portable.
The last time Nintendo held an event in Japan for the general public was when the Wii launched in 2006. There were Nintendo World events in Japan. The 3DS will be getting similar events. On January 8, 9 and 10, a Nintendo 3DS showcase will be held at the Makuhari Messe outside Tokyo. But not just in Japan, it seems. According to AP, there will be a series of hands-on events around the world.
In a video message, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata stressed the importance of seeing the 3DS first hand. The upcoming 3DS events look to make that possible for players.
Nintendo chief rules out Wii price cut [Yahoo! Canada News] [Pic]