Retail prepared to reduce new Wii to £79.99

The new-look Wii won’t have a trade price drop, but retail is prepared to cut the console to 79.99 or less.

A new Wii hardware price and Mario Kart bundle caused a sales uplift in May. Now the platform holder hopes to repeat the trick with a new-look console and bundle.

Leading UK retailers told MCV this week they expect the machine to be on sale for under 80 during the peak Q4 period, even if it’s a temporary promotion.

The new unit is designed to sit horizontally instead of vertically and doesn’t allow for GameCube software or hardware. The bundle includes Wii Sports, Wii Party as well as a Wii Remote Plus controller and Nunchuck.

We’re always looking at ways to bring fun and entertaining experiences to even more families across Europe and this is just one example,” a Nintendo spokesperson told MCV.

The trade price will be similar to previous Wii bundles. At this stage in the console’s lifecycle we want to offer potential customers good value bundles that include ‘must have’ games that family and friends can play together.”