Cheaper Wii Possible

[lost]

I think most people agree it's about time the Wii had a price cut. Well, the contract for the accelerometer that powers so much of it's special interactivity is up for renewal and causing something of a stir. There is a rumour that Nintendo will manage to barter for a cheaper chip that may reduce the overall cost of the console.

Sensor manufacturers have been in keen competition over the three-axis acceleration sensor used in the controller of Nintendo Co Ltd's "Wii" game console.

The acceleration sensors are currently supplied by Analog Devices Inc (ADI) of the US and Franco-Italian firm STMicroelectronics (ST). But other manufacturers have been courting Nintendo with the aim of becoming a new supplier.

Nintendo has been evaluating samples obtained from a number of acceleration sensor manufacturers other than ST and ADI, according to sources. Kionix Inc, a US-based venture firm, once attracted attention as a strong candidate

Kionix was regarded as such because of the high reliability based on its past records of supplying sensors for hard disk devices, according to a source involved in the case. Also, Kionix's device has a structure different from its competitors: Its MEMS sensor is several times thicker than ADI's device, making it "easier to enhance sensitivity," according to engineers in the MEMS industry.


Should they find a cheaper manufacturer it'll be interesting to see if they pass the savings onto consumers.

More from TechOn. (http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20081203/162281/)

[Arnage]

In bulk these sensors go for about 3 dollar. Sure it's nice for Nintendo to save a few cent per sensor when their savings are a few million times a few cents. But there are only two sensors in a wii bundle (one in the wiimote, the other in the nunchuck) so this by itself won't result in a significant cost reduction per SKU.

[trip1eX]

I think most people agree it's about time the Wii had a price cut.

I don't agree. Who agrees the Wii needs a price cut? It's having the best selling year of any console in history and it needs a price cut? Do you know something Nintendo doesn't?

Well, the contract for the accelerometer that powers so much of it's special interactivity is up for renewal and causing something of a stir.

It's causing a stir? Where? Why? What's the stir?

There is a rumour that Nintendo will manage to barter for a cheaper chip that may reduce the overall cost of the console.

Should they find a cheaper manufacturer it'll be interesting to see if they pass the savings onto consumers.

Wow a part in the Wii might get cheaper to make? News at eleven.

Sure it will be interesting to see if the Wii's price is reduced to $248.99 and wiimotes to $39.49 to reflect their savings. That's how companies make pricecuts. They lower console prices a few cents anytime they save a penny. Not.

[Johan]

Consumers always want a price cut, so everything "needs a price cut" from a consumer's point of view. As long as the Wii continues to sell out of stock, however, Nintendo would be IDIOTS to lower the price. What business says "here...we're selling out as fast as we can make this product, but we want less of the money you're already willing to part with, so take some back!"

A bankrupt business might do that. Nintendo...prints money! :D

[ElfShotTheFood]

Why should they cut the price on something that flies off the shelves?

[Trazzlo the Magnificant]

According to this (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081208.wnintendo1208/BNStory/Technology/?cid=al_gam_nletter_dtechal) article, Nintendo more than doubled its Black Friday sales. They sold 800,000 which was up from last years 350,000 sold for the day.

On top of that, they are expecting to sell 27.5 million Wii's by their March year end.

Unless sales really start to drop off, I don't think they have any need or desire to drop the price. It probably makes them laugh that they can outsell the 360 when they are at a higher price point by $50. Microsoft would have to be putting a serious dent into their sales for them to feel they need to price compete.

And, in the article Nintendo President Iwata even says they don't like to price compare. Except on their own parts purchasing prices of course :p

[lost]

I don't agree. Who agrees the Wii needs a price cut? It's having the best selling year of any console in history and it needs a price cut? Do you know something Nintendo doesn't?


I do. People who can't afford them do. People who think that electronics should drop in price after a significant period of release do.


It's causing a stir? Where? Why? What's the stir?


Perhaps not in your living room but the contract has attracted numerous bidders. The article suggests more than is ordinary for such a contract.


Wow a part in the Wii might get cheaper to make? News at eleven.


This is a games site. It deals with games, games consoles and the games industry. A price reduction, or the indication that one may occur is news. News that a very significant part may get a new manufacturer is important much like the differences in the quality of alternate Rock Band drums was significant.

If your going to be an ass then choose your target wisely. This is quite clearly legitimate news.

[Kamalot]

On top of that, they are expecting to sell 27.5 million Wii's by their March year end.

Unless sales really start to drop off, I don't think they have any need or desire to drop the price.

Oh, come now. You know the Wii bubble is gonna burst, don't you? Listen. Maybe we'll here the pop.

[Trazzlo the Magnificant]

Oh, come now. You know the Wii bubble is gonna burst, don't you? Listen. Maybe we'll here the pop.I figure that when that bubble finally pops, it will cover the Earth with a bubblegum like substance. Hopefully the rotation won't change much. "What's this?!? Why that's whale meat. Or petunias. Or Wii Goo."