Following on from previous special occasion bundles, Nintendo are now increasing their distribution of DS Lite consoles pre-packaged with software titles, and completely ceasing production of the white and silver models. A Nintendo spokesperson gave this statement:
We will be increasing the availability of DS Lite bundles with software in the UK, however solus will still continue to be listed. We have chosen to do this as we have found many consumers like the convenience of buying software and hardware together and also enjoy buying them as gifts.
Completely ignoring the fact that most games retailers already offer consumers the convenience of buying software and hardware together - what, have Nintendo representatives never been to a game retailer?! - it's hard to believe many consumers find being forced to buy certain games with certain colours particularly enjoyable.
Although the official Nintendo statement claims they will "continue to list" solus models, the reality is that they will be released in much smaller numbers than currently, offering customers less choice when deciding which game bundle to buy. Here are the official bundles to be available going forward:
With the pound consistently losing value against the Yen and profits on hardware units remaining slim, Nintendo are presumably looking to boost revenues by selling units to retailers with software already packaged, upping the unit price on each console without an official price rise in a similar move to their recent Wii increase.
Then again, with the DSi around the corner this could all be moot if the console is soon superseded by its upmarket cousin.
[source gamesindustry.biz]
Comments 9
It sounds like a bad idea to us gamers but job public will see a bundle package as 'better value' than hardware on its own EVERY time.
But most retailers already offer free game or "any game" bundles - although I understand the mentality of packaging first-party software it just seems to limit choice for the consumer.
I'd bet money that many customers will actually be deterred from buying a machine if they have to get a game they don't want just to own a red/green machine. Anyway, where's the bundles with Mario Kart DS, Professor Layton or New Super Mario Bros.? Sort it out Nintendo!
I don't have a problem with a bundle so long as a decent game comes with it. It's those horrible Wii bundles for £500 with 6 crappy games which annoy me. That's nothing to do with the big N though, just greedy GAME!
Well withe GAME with the bait & switch i recently encounter with them i decided not to bother with them .
Unfortunately no proof so i can't report them to the AAAC .
Not sure I understand what you're getting at there, Kawaiipikachu - could you elaborate a little?
As far as I understand the Wii situation, Nintendo tend to favour retailers who offer higher software attach rates with greater stock levels, so it's in their interests to sell as many cheap and cheerful games with each machine as it means they'll get more deliveries. Not sure if that's right but it's my understanding.
That's terrible - since I plan on purchasing a second DS lite in the future (I'm trading my current one in to get a half price DSi whilst I need the cash). If I only end up with a game that I already own / have owned, then that would be rubbish.
this is uk new nintendo fans in america no need to worry.
they will still have non bundled ds lite game systimes avilbal. but spechial edition dslits will be sold in bundles like they did with legend of zelda phantom hour glass but you can still buy the game seperate.
for people who are wondering if they will stop selling dslites the anser is no they will keep on makeing them alongside with the dsi its like the golden rule of marketing. think of how apple sells ipod nanos along with the ipod touch.
i ment to say news sorry:P
and i mest up marketing XD grr
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