We here at the CrazyGamers deeply apologize for sleeping on this, dear reader, but some very revealing information about the Wii U has been floating around the internets and we failed to bring it to your attention.
According to a variety of sources, including the one provided below, there will be a special Wii U Nintendo event in NYC next Thursday, September 13th. It’s safe to say that, despite the details not being confirmed until then, it’s pretty much a lock that this will be the day we all know for sure regardless.
Now here’s where it gets juicy. Previous reports out of a recent Gamestop event in Texas had pegged the console for release on November 18th, but now there is evidence that suggests it will release the week prior, on November 11th. It’s safe to say that it will be one or the other, since Nintendo releases typically occur on Sundays.
This is beside the point. The most interesting bit of news here is that it will launch with an unprecedented (for Nintendo at least) 3 separate SKU’s (stock keeping units, for those of you not versed in retail terminology). There is nothing that provides explanation as to what differentiates the 3 options, but that they will cost $249, $299, and $349, respectively.
What do you guys think? Some people are speculating that the pricier versions will pack in a game or two, such as Nintendo Land or Super Mario Brothers Wii U, or something else peripheral based such as an additional Wii Remote/Nunchuk or even a Wii U Pro Controller. Other theories posit that the most expensive option would include increased flash memory space for downloadable titles through the Wii U’s eShop application, or even Blu Ray support and other crazy possibilities. Of course, this is all rumor and speculation until we find out on September 13th. Either way, we should finally know what our options are as Nintendo has certainly been keeping every one waiting long enough as the busy holiday season rapidly approaches.
I’m not gonna lie, I have not been a Wii U supporter, but I am super high on ZombiU from recent footage I’ve seen, and at $249 with a solid Mario title on top of that, it may not be a bad deal. The other two prices put me immediately in “not so much” mode, but I can’t deny that Nintendo would be best served, in my opinion, offering a price that cheap as an option. It’s normally too good to be true with Sony or Nintendo when it comes to these types of things, but I would nod my head in approval if Nintendo let their nuts swing by taking quite a bold move of this sort. I’m not sure how they would earn their profit on the investment at that price, however, due to the NFC technology and the fact that the damn controller has a big ass touch screen on it, and Nintendo notoriously always makes a profit on their hardware. Either way, one thing is for sure: if they want to really drop a competitive bomb with a lot of impact, offering one of these things for that price would certainly cause waves.
Rumor Patrol: Wii U to Launch Early November with Multiple SKU’s [Game Rant]
If those prices are correct, Nintendo has a little heat on their hands. I did call the price point would be no more than 399. This is where things will get funny though. None of these SKUs will come with 2 Wii-U tablets. My hunch. I got a feeling the 349 pack will have a tablet, wii-u controller, but the real difference will be in storage, I’m assuming. I have no problem with game packins, but I do not see them doing that so early. It would be nice if they took a nod back to their old days, but we are far removed from that. Blu-Ray support seems to be a little out there, but I wouldn’t doubt it. It is the standard now. Will these price really change the inevitable though? I don’t think so. The system is under powered on arrival. Maybe I should modify that statement. It will be under powered when the big kids upgrade next year. Wii all over again? Maybe. I’m not going to count them out. Even with their history as of late. The price point does have me interested again though. I’ve thrown away money on worse things.