It is the name behind such enduring gaming characters as Super Mario, but now Japanese gaming giant Nintendo – which once saw off the challenge of its nearest rival Sega – is now facing some troubles of its own.
The company has reported disappointing results after posting its first annual loss on the back of a downturn in sales of the Wii console.
Level playing field
During the year, the company suffered a net loss of £329million – compared to nearly double that in net income during the previous financial period. Part of its losses can be attributed to a strong yen, which has made exports dearer – it is hoping to turn a profit in 2012 when the yen weakens.
Much attention will now turn to the E3 trade show with Nintendo confirming that it will unveil the final version of the Wii U at the event. It will be more than a level playing field for the new console – because both Microsoft and Sony have declared they will not unveil a new Xbox or Playstation at the showcase: giving Nintendo a chance to steal a march on its rivals in terms of next-generation console sales.
Demonstrations of the Nintendo Wii U suggest it will offer 1,080hp graphics; as well as a relatively low price point. Rumours suggest it could sell for as little as $300 in the USA – this is a trick that helped the original Wii on its launch, when it had a price point of just $250 and quickly became a bestseller. Nintendo is also pinning its hopes on the 3DS handheld console – with a cut price Super Mario 3D Land game helping to boost the device. It will also be hoping that new games can boost sales – including Luigi’s Mansion II; while rumours are also rife that a redesign of the 3DS could follow.
Where to get gaming bargains
Nintendo once led the gaming world with titles such as Pokemon and Super Mario, but has been hit by increased competition and casual gamers getting their fix from smart phones. However, if you’re still a keen gamer and believe in traditional consoles then you still have plenty of options: particularly with the gaming voucher codes available at Moneysaver.ie offering significant savings on big titles.
In addition, ensure you make use of price comparison websites to secure bargains. You can compare prices on games such as Diablo and The Witcher across a range of consoles including the Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360; from big name retailers including: GAME, Amazon.com and Play.com, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.