Reggie Says Nintendo’s Learned from 3DS Mistakes with Wii U Price

Over on Gamasutra today, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime explained that the handheld 3DS’s slow start and price-cut were harsh lessons for the company—lessons they’re taking to heart when it comes to how they’ll price the forthcoming Wii U console.

“What’s important is value. We need to make sure we nail the value equation and let people know you get what you pay for. It’s a matter of balance. … We didn’t get that value equation right on the Nintendo 3DS.”

It stands to reason that the system will hopefully cost around the projected $300 mark that’s been thrown around by analysts for the last few weeks and months. The 3DS’s sluggish sales chastened Nintendo, and while they don’t want the Wii U to be a money-loser, they also want to make it as attractive as possible. I have faith that Reggie’s being real when he talks about value, and that the Wii U will not only be attractive, but will also be affordable for what you get.

But what will you get? The Gamasutra post also explains that games that feature gameplay for two GamePad controllers won’t be around right at launch:

“Games need to be built that can take advantage of the two GamePad controllers. It’s going to be well after launch for those game experiences to come to life. […]Asymmetric gameplay is going to be the next major step forward, just like active play was when we launched the Wii. We think that’s where developers will focus first, then there will be multiple experiences that have two GamePads.”

Well! At least that means that we won’t have to buy a second GamePad right away. I’m sure a separate one of those will be…what…eighty bucks? I mean, hell, Xbox 360 controllers are still around fifty, right? And they don’t even have any stinkin’ screens.

Via Gamasutra