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NWR Interactive => TalkBack => Topic started by: NWR_MattB on October 04, 2010, 07:34:36 PM

Title: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: NWR_MattB on October 04, 2010, 07:34:36 PM

Expects them to be in line with current Nintendo DS prices.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/24211

At the recent investors' Q&A, Satoru Iwata mentioned that games for the Nintendo 3DS will be pretty much in line with the current price of Nintendo DS games.

He later went on to comment, "We don't believe that the world is in a state where high priced software will sell well, so we don't believe it will be in a price range too far off from current DS software."

In Japan, most new Nintendo DS software is priced at 5,040 yen (currently, about $60), while premium titles are priced at 5,980 yen ($71).

Despite the retail prices be roughly the same, Iwata expects development costs for some games to be far greater than the cost of developing a D title.

In the same report, Iwata commented on opinions that the 3DS price was set too high at 25,000 yen ($300), saying that the system price was set by considering a number of factors, including the enthusiastic response at E3.

Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: AV on October 04, 2010, 07:52:08 PM
I am happy that DS prices should stay the same, if anything game developers should be pretty happy because it should be almost impossible to emulate 3DS games on anything that doesn't have 3D display, and Nintendo has worked hard to stop piracy so they should get better and steady sales so a price increase for games won't be justified.


Japanese pay up to $71 for a DS game, thats FUCKEN CRAZY. I won't pay more than $40 MAX for a new DS game.
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 04, 2010, 07:56:38 PM
lets hope those price conversions translate over to hardware cost too when this thing comes stateside ;)
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: Mop it up on October 04, 2010, 08:00:20 PM
I was already predicting that 3DS games would be $40, and that looks to be true. Since at $35 DS prices were $5 more than GBA games, I figured we'd see another $5 increase.

Looks like Nintendo is admitting that the high 3DS price is because they know people will buy it, and not because it costs anywhere near that to manufacture.
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: TJ Spyke on October 04, 2010, 08:04:11 PM
One news report I saw jokingly said that next time Nintendo unveils hardware, act disappointed and maybe they will do a lower price. Iwata admits that the price is higher because of how excited people acted over the 3DS unveiling.
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: Halbred on October 04, 2010, 08:23:19 PM
How do people in Japan AFFORD to game?
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: Enner on October 04, 2010, 08:34:25 PM
Quote from: Halbred
How do people in Japan AFFORD to game?


Not just game, but listen and watch as well. Singles and albums go at $10 and $30+ respectively. You can imagine how DVDs and Blu-Rays go for. The only explanation I can think of is that they dedicate to whatever particular hobby and don't splurge or collect a lot. Or maybe there are the few, reliable hobbyists that dedicate any and all disposable income to buying their entertainment.
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: Mop it up on October 04, 2010, 08:52:19 PM
Or maybe they have higher-paying jobs.
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: Stogi on October 04, 2010, 09:16:53 PM
Didn't Nintendo drop the price of the DSi and DSiXL to 150 and 170?

This move leads me to believe that the 3DS will not even cross the 200 dollar threshold and will most likely be priced at $199.99 along side the Wii.

It makes perfect sense that the games will stay the same price since they have found their sweet spot.
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: AV on October 04, 2010, 09:36:57 PM
Quote from: Mop it up on October 04, 2010, 08:00:20 PM
I was already predicting that 3DS games would be $40, and that looks to be true. Since at $35 DS prices were $5 more than GBA games, I figured we'd see another $5 increase.

Looks like Nintendo is admitting that the high 3DS price is because they know people will buy it, and not because it costs anywhere near that to manufacture.


3D makes it more expensive. If they can charge you $3-5 to watch a movie in 3D they logic translates to 3DS and more expensive handheld and games. The 3D tech for displaying movies paid for itself when Avatar became huge, and the glasses probably cost less than $1 so 3D premium is the new rule.
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: Guitar Smasher on October 04, 2010, 09:48:26 PM
Quote from: The Unagi on October 04, 2010, 09:16:53 PM
Didn't Nintendo drop the price of the DSi and DSiXL to 150 and 170?

This move leads me to believe that the 3DS will not even cross the 200 dollar threshold and will most likely be priced at $199.99 along side the Wii.
They might think the larger difference in price may help perceptions that 3DS truly is a notable upgrade over the DS, from the general public.

I wouldn't expect them to sell them for $100 cheaper over here, unless Japan sales are truly underwhelming.  Remember, you can't just jack up the price of your system if you exceed expectations; it only goes the other way.
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: Stogi on October 04, 2010, 10:17:42 PM
All it takes is a significant marketing strategy and the glasses free 3D will sell well at any price. But it's not just about the 3DS. Nintendo would love to continue to sell Wii's for the foreseeable future. Pricing the system, no matter how substantial the upgrade over the DSi, above the Wii is a bad idea; period. It'll make the Wii seem extremely inferior, as if it's not having that problem already. Plus it's all about making a notable profit on software, not so much on hardware. The more people that can afford it, while not dipping below profit margins, the more money you will eventually make. Pricing it significantly higher then what it costs to make is a very Apple strategy, but Apple doesn't make money off any software they make, only a percent of other peoples hard work. Nintendo on the other hand makes the most money as a developer; more than anyone else, in fact.

Now if Nintendo were to announce WiiD (Wii 2) this coming E3 then I don't see that as such a bad idea. In fact, it would be a very good idea because of the reason you stated, and it would show that the Wii is in fact inferior to the handheld. The 3DS would look like it is worth the extra money. It also segments the market for those who can't afford the 3DS but still want a game machine to pick up the bargain that is the DSi.

I guess it all comes down to how soon the WiiD will be announced.
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: Caliban on October 04, 2010, 11:31:10 PM
$30 I won't mind, but $35 or $40 I will buy a lot less games. I already have too many DS games anyway.
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: Killer_Man_Jaro on October 05, 2010, 02:08:32 AM
I suppose the Japanese don't think about 25,000 yen the same way you think about $300.

As for the American price point, I've heard so many conflicting viewpoints on the matter. I reckon $250 is the absolute maximum that people might bite on for a new gaming handheld.
In the UK, the Wii did début at (and remain for a long time) £180, which is in the range where I expect the 3DS to land... maybe it will hit the £200 mark, but no more.

Software-pricing wise, I'm not expecting much of a change. I am also hoping for that; they generally cost enough as it is.
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: TJ Spyke on October 05, 2010, 09:37:32 AM
Speaking of high prices in Japan, £200 is about $317 US. I would be shocked if it is even that much in the UK.
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: MaryJane on October 05, 2010, 11:12:33 AM
Higher development costs always means higher game prices, so expect most games to fall in the 'premium' category of $50.
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: TJ Spyke on October 05, 2010, 11:39:53 AM
I don't see a jump of $10 for higher end games. The only 3DS games I could see being $50 are ones that require accessories, like the Guitar Hero On Tour games.
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: KDR_11k on October 05, 2010, 12:29:11 PM
Quote from: Mr. Adolph Vega on October 04, 2010, 07:52:08 PM
Japanese pay up to $71 for a DS game, thats FUCKEN CRAZY. I won't pay more than $40 MAX for a new DS game.

Higher standard of living, you'd think their prices on bread were insane too. Also from what I've seen Japan gets equally insane discounts on games that are only two months old.
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: BwrJim! on October 05, 2010, 01:35:10 PM
are we forgetting one little thing that Iwata said during e3?

Converting to a 3d game doesnt cost that much at all and most games can easily be displayed in 3d


I know it was something like that, so the software will cost more in the developments most likely from the more detailed art in the games.
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: Captain N the Game Master on October 05, 2010, 04:26:28 PM
I would pay $100 a game if I could get them now!
Title: Re: Iwata Discusses 3DS Software Prices
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 05, 2010, 04:59:52 PM
I expect to see a lot of variety in pricing on the 3DS. Something like Metal Gear Solid will go for $40, but you'll see a lot of $20 and $30 games with smaller budgets.