3DS Price Cut and Nintendo Ambassadors

Nintendo hasn't had the expected long-term sales on their 3DS system as they expected and many consumers will point out that this may be due to lack of quality launch titles and the expensive $250 price tag. Now that Playstation is set to have their PSVita be released with a similar $250 price tag Nintendo is looking to correct some of their mistakes and get sales back in their favor. They are however taking an interesting approach to do this. Many fans will be excited to hear that the Nintendo 3DS will go from $249.99 to $169.99 on August 12 in the U.S. (Price cuts will also happen around the world.) Apparently, this price cut will mean that Nintendo will be selling the 3DS at a loss per console. However, they feel that the line of new games coming out will make up for this small loss per console.

"For anyone who was on the fence about buying a Nintendo 3DS, this is a huge motivation to buy now," said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "We are giving shoppers every incentive to pick up a Nintendo 3DS, from an amazing new price to a rapid-fire succession of great games."

Fans who have already bought the Nintendo 3DS should not get upset for spending the extra $80 however. Nintendo has decided to reward their loyalty by naming this group of gamers "Nintendo Ambassadors". "Anyone who owns a Nintendo 3DS system and uses a wireless broadband Internet signal to connect to the Nintendo eShop at least once before 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Aug. 11. These users will automatically be registered in the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador program." These ambassadors will receive 20 free downloadable games before the end of the year.

On September 1 the Nintendo Ambassadors will receive 10 free NES games via the Nintendo eShop which will include games like; Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong Jr., Balloon Fight, Ice Climber and The Legend of Zelda. These games will be made available for purchase on the eShop later for all other 3DS owners.

The ambassadors will also be given a chance to download 10 Gameboy Advance games before the end of 2011. These games will include; Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Metroid Fusion, WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames and Mario vs. Donkey Kong. These games however are only for ambassadors as Nintendo has no set plans to release them to the general public yet.

Given that most of these free games would have a $5 or $8 price tag in the Nintendo eShop it seems like being a part of the Nintendo Ambassador program is well worth the $80 to buy a 3DS before the price drop. That is of course if you like the games that Nintendo is offering for free. Either way, this is great news for everyone and a great sign that Nintendo appreciates their fans and are willing to show that appreciation.

Source: Nintnendo Pressroom
Source: New Nintendo