Nintendo may be looking to focus sales of the Wii U by selling only one model of the HD gaming console at GameStops.
Updated: Nintendo has responded to IGN, stating that the 8 GB model will continue to sell, but that there were too many in stores in comparison to the 32 GB boxes. Nintendo’s statement via Nintendo of America senior director of corporate communications Charlie Scibetta reads:
“There is a current misperception about Wii U hardware. To clarify: Nintendo is working with its retail partners to simply rebalance the stock of the White 8GB and the Black 32GB Wii U models in the market. Consumers looking for either model will continue to find them available.”
Original story:
If Kotaku’s report is true, the basic Wii U is set to be recalled in two week’s time from all GameStops. Further credence to Nintendo’s recalling of the basic Wii U comes from both IGN’s and Gamespot’s reporting of Kotaku’s story.
According to Kotaku, the following information was sent by Nintendo to all GameStop stores.
Nintendo Wii U Basic Recall – Two Week Preparation On Tuesday, 6/18, all stories will need to return all new/unopened Wii U Basic (020359).
.. Stores that have 10 or more in stock will receive shipping cartons from the DC [distribution center].
.. All other stores will need to save shipping cartons for this recall.
If this information is true, this means that only the black 32 GB model of the Wii U will be available for purchase, new, at all GameStop stores.
Currently, the white 8 GB Wii U has an MSRP of $299.99, while the hardware-heavy black 32 GB model has a $349.99 price tag.
The differences between the two models vary in importance, depending on the type of player using the Wii U. The basic white 8 GB set only has the hardware necessary for gameplay, including the Wii U GamePad and a HDMI cable.
The deluxe black 32 GB box comes with all that the 8 GB one does, on top of the game Nintendo Land, an eShop purchasing discount membership, and a couple of cradles for the GamePad and Wii U console.
Nintendo’s basic Wii U recalled?
If you believe that the recall is really going to happen, what are your thoughts on it? Were you relying on being able to buy the basic model of the Wii U new from GameStop specifically?
It should be noted that this report, if true, would only affect the selling of the basic Wii U at GameStops.
Image Source: Nintendo