Due to the adverse affect of currency depreciation on Nintento's financial performance in the UK, Wii hardware is going to suffer a price hike aimed directly at retailers. Trade price increases are expected to be in the region of £18 to £20, which will shorten retail margins by an amount that is probably too much for retailers to bear. Even though the Wii will maintain its present £179.99 MSRP, increases will more than likely be passed on to customers.
Nintendo stated that: "We are only - reluctantly - raising our trade price now to retailers due to unprecedented and sustained depreciation of the pound. This is a problem brought about by extreme currency fluctuations that are a symptom of the global economic situation."
However reluctant Nintendo are to implement these changes it is gamers who will no doubt bare the brunt of the hikes in already troubling times. So staying home and keeping the family entertained indoors is going to cost a bit more.
