Nintendo usually drops the prices of their systems after a period of time, which usually gives incentive for post-early adopters to finally get their hands on one.
But after only less than 6 months, Nintendo is slashing about $80 from the price. This may be due to the unexpected weak launch of the system and the announcement of the new Sony handheld, the Playstation Vita only being $249 (USD).
The original price of the 3Ds at launch was $249, and will be dropped down to $169 on August 12th for the US. Expect CDN prices to be the about the same.
Currently Futureshop and Bestbuy has it for $50 off at $199, but waiting until August 12, it may even get lower.
As an incentive for people to purchase before the price drop, or to slowly rip the band aid of people who purchased it for $249 at launch (like me), Nintendo is offering free games if you register your console before August 12.
If you register your 3DS before this date, you will get the following games on Virtual Console free on September 1st:
10 NES games (otherwise around $3 each I think?) including:
Super Mario Bros.
Donkey Kong Jr.
Balloon Fight
Ice Climbers
The Legend of Zelda
10 GBA games (exclusive to this promotion) including:
Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi’s Island
Mario Kart Advance
Metroid Fusion
WarioWare
Mario vs. Donkey Kong
Best Time to Buy a 3DS? Now:
- Purchase a 3DS over the next week or two.
- Register the 3DS on Club Nintendo and connect to the eShop at least once on your system before August 11th for the free games.
- Go back to the store with your receipt to get a price protection after the 12th and before return period is up (check store policy first).
Full press release here.
Image 3ds Originally uploaded by Dekuwa
