Retail unlikely to discount Wii U at launch

The discounting that ‘blighted’ the launch of 3DS at UK retail will likely be avoided for Wii U.

There was a lot of stock of 3DS, which meant we felt we could go lower on price,” one senior retailer exec told MCV. But I don’t expect nearly as much Wii U stock. There will be no need for discounting.”

This is good news for retailers. Indeed, the Wii U launch could be the strongest yet for a Nintendo console, UK High Street execs have said.

Speaking with MCV, retailers have praised the game’s November 30th launch, just in time for the last payday before Christmas.

The standout feature is the quality of the software line-up – the strongest we have seen on a new Nintendo console,” said Tesco’s games buying manager Jon Hayes.

GAME boss Martyn Gibbs added: It is safe to say that anybody that gets their hands on it and plays it for half an hour will see exactly why they should be excited.”

The console’s price points range from 250 to 330.

The Hut Group’s Sarah Jasper commented: The price point is in line with all new consoles. This sentiment is shared by our customers. Pre-orders have been strong.”

But others were less certain.

A HMV spokesperson added: Everyone will have their view on whether the entry-level pricing is spot on or a little wide of the mark, and I guess we’ll find out what the public thinks in due course.”