Nintendo appears to be in problem solving mode today, including solving some problems we didn't even know existed. Aiming to simultaneously bolster sales of its flagging Wii U console and get more people to buy 3DS systems even though a lot of people have already bought 3DS systems, the company announced a pair of moves sure to get people talking, and maybe even buying more systems. Maybe.
First up, the Wii U, which will see its deluxe model drop to a price point of $299.99, $50 less than its debut cost. Nothing too fancy about that news, though given the lack of consumer interest the Wii U has engendered thus far, it makes perfect sense, especially given the timing of the move. The price drop will officially take hold as of September 20, two months before Sony and Microsoft launch their new console platforms.
On the 3DS side, Nintendo's latest announcement should be of great benefit to you if you haven't ever owned a 3DS and your barrier to entry for the system was $40 and one too many dimensions. Today, Nintendo announced a 2DS. Yes, it's just like the 3DS, but without the 3D functionality. It also retails for $129.99 ($40 cheaper than the standard 3DS model) and ditches the system's clamshell-style lid. It will support all 3DS titles and include backward compatibility for classic DS games.
Again, the Wii U news is kind of a no-brainer, though the timing (and bizarre design) of the 2DS is a real head-scratcher. Like, sure, it's absolutely an entry-level device not aimed at the sort of people who would already own a 3DS, and the usefulness of the system's 3D capabilities has been debated pretty much since the system debuted, anyway. But when you consider that the 3DS is already the best-selling platform on the market as of right now, it seems maybe a bit...superfluous? I don't know. Maybe I'm wildly underestimating how cheap this thing is to produce, and the number of parents of Pokemon fans who will run out and grab this thing for the kids come this holiday season.
You tell me. Is this a thing you, or someone you know would want? And while we're at it, is $50 off enough to get you on board with the Wii U?
UPDATE: Amid the torrent of Nintendo news, I neglected to mention the also just announced Wind Waker HD Wii U bundle. The bundle, which will also launch on September 20, includes a special black Wii U console (with custom gold lettering and symbols on the GamePad), a free download code for the Hyrule Hystoria book, and a download code for the Wind Waker HD game from the Nintendo eShop. Interestingly, this bundle goes for the same $299.99 price point as the regular deluxe model, and comes ahead of Wind Waker HD's October 4 retail release.