Exclusive: Nintendo reacts to sub £40 GameCube
UK price slash rattles nerves - Nintendo defends health of platform.
In prices not seen since the latter days of the Dreamcast, Nintendo Europe saw one nationwide retailer slash the price of its GameCube console to under £40 last week.
Index began shifting hardware at £39.99 last week, much to the surprise of Nintendo, who issued the following statement to us:
“Index is currently running a big promotion on all products, of which GameCube is one, offering up to 50% discount. As far as we are aware Index will continue to trade with Nintendo at certain times of the year,” was the word from European PR chief Shelly Pearce.
She continued, “GameCube sales continue to go from strength to strength. Following the launch of Pokemon Colosseum, sales of GameCube doubled and market share has increased, hitting almost 25% in some weeks. We have a strong software line-up this year and with the launch of Animal Crossing, Donkey Konga and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, we expect this success to continue.”
Although Nintendo reacts in a typically bullish manner towards this situation, the fact remains that seeing console hardware discounted so heavily will always rattle the nerves of both the consumer and third-party developers around the world, although it must be underlined that this is just one retailer’s decision.
Updates as required.
Index began shifting hardware at £39.99 last week, much to the surprise of Nintendo, who issued the following statement to us:
“Index is currently running a big promotion on all products, of which GameCube is one, offering up to 50% discount. As far as we are aware Index will continue to trade with Nintendo at certain times of the year,” was the word from European PR chief Shelly Pearce.
She continued, “GameCube sales continue to go from strength to strength. Following the launch of Pokemon Colosseum, sales of GameCube doubled and market share has increased, hitting almost 25% in some weeks. We have a strong software line-up this year and with the launch of Animal Crossing, Donkey Konga and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, we expect this success to continue.”
Although Nintendo reacts in a typically bullish manner towards this situation, the fact remains that seeing console hardware discounted so heavily will always rattle the nerves of both the consumer and third-party developers around the world, although it must be underlined that this is just one retailer’s decision.
Updates as required.
Companies:
Nintendo
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Comments
DoctorDee 21 Jun 2004 14:05
1/6
Donkey Conga will certainly seeme dusting down the GC for the first time since I completed Pikmin.
I mean, I love the GC and all, but the PS2 is in the lounge, and can play DVDs, so it gets all the time and attention. The GC lives in the library, and gets much less use. But Donkey Conga will definitely change all that.
I mean, I love the GC and all, but the PS2 is in the lounge, and can play DVDs, so it gets all the time and attention. The GC lives in the library, and gets much less use. But Donkey Conga will definitely change all that.
Joji 21 Jun 2004 16:42
2/6
Well each to their own DD. I think a lot of people will take advantage of a cheap console. To be honest I don't think a console has ever been on sale for 40 quid, not even GBASP is this much of a bargain.
Guess I'll bag another one for my bro for xmas. This is cool for the guy in the street. I got a GC already but I think I'd like another at this price.
Guess I'll bag another one for my bro for xmas. This is cool for the guy in the street. I got a GC already but I think I'd like another at this price.
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Jayenkai 21 Jun 2004 21:56
3/6
Holy Cow!
£40!
Buy, Buy, Buy!!! ;)
£40!
Buy, Buy, Buy!!! ;)
NiktheGreek 21 Jun 2004 22:41
4/6
Very good for the consumer, but I'm assuming that they're cutting it so much because either they're about to drop it, or it's been selling worse for them recently.
What's worrying is that one of their PSone deals is only £5 cheaper, and the GBA, PS2 and Xbox prices remain unchanged (save for a stingy £1.50 or so off the PS2). With WH Smith stores across the nation dropping GC too, I'd wager the system's future isn't as bright as Nintendo makes out.
What's worrying is that one of their PSone deals is only £5 cheaper, and the GBA, PS2 and Xbox prices remain unchanged (save for a stingy £1.50 or so off the PS2). With WH Smith stores across the nation dropping GC too, I'd wager the system's future isn't as bright as Nintendo makes out.
Pandaman 22 Jun 2004 07:32
5/6
I don't get Nintendo. They push and push and push the system in America and Japan, and yet they sit around and go, "Hmmm...looks like we're not doing so hot in Europe and Australia. Hmm...interesting...get Game Freak on the phone, we're going to need a new Pokemon game, and quick."
Joji 22 Jun 2004 11:59
6/6
Argos are doing GC pads for 8 quid each. Bag 3 of these, a 40 quid GC and a copies of Mario Kart, Super Monkey Ball 2, and Mario Party. Get some beer in and invite a few friends round for some laughs. This is potential multiplayer gaming for next to nothing. Result.