Nintendo has confirmed that while it is increasing the price of the Wii to retailers, the trade price of the DS and DSi will stay the same - for now at least.

“The present exchange rate was taken into consideration when we announced the trade price of DSi to retailers across Europe”, a Nintendo rep said.

“At this time, we do not expect to have to change the trade price we charge to retailers for the DSi or DS price in the UK in the foreseeable future.”

The outlook is not so rosy for the Wii, however. "Due to the severe and continuing depreciation of the pound, we are, unfortunately, having to raise our trade price to UK retailers of Wii hardware", a Nintendo spokesperson said.

MCV reports that the price hike of the console, which has an RRP of £179.99, will be £16.50 - that's around £19 including VAT.

While this is going to hit retail price margins hard, however, it won't necessarily do the same to the consumer. Nintendo effectively washed its hands of the issue, saying, "The price that they then offer to consumers is, of course, up to the retailers.

"We are only, reluctantly, raising our trade price now to retailers due to unprecedented and sustained depreciation of the pound. This is a problem brought about by extreme currency fluctuations that are a symptom of the global economic situation."

Legally, of course, Nintendo is right. It can't dictate price to retailers. It is, however, putting them under pressure that may well leave them with little choice but to raise prices. That, or try to generate revenue from yet more bundles.

Alternatively, the move could see other, more profitable products being favoured by retail in its point of sale efforts.

^{Source: MCV}