Although it is still the top selling console in North America, Wii sales have taken a hit as of late and Nintendo is responding by cutting the price down to $199 from $249, the company announced today. While not as significant as the recent price reductions on Xbox 360 and PS3 hardware, it brings Wii down to the extremely competitive sub $200 mark. This will no doubt make the prospect of purchasing one much more affordable in the eyes of many, especially those on a tight budget.

With high-profile software like Wii Plus and New Super Mario Bros. Wii right around the corner, it’s safe to say sales of the hardware will surge as a result. October should prove to be an interesting month.

Full PR after the break.

WII AT $199.99 BEGINNING SEPT. 27

World of Nintendo Events, Key Software Releases Further Demonstrate System’s Incomparable Value

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 23, 2009 – Beginning Sunday, Sept. 27, the world’s most popular home video game system gets even more appealing. On that day, Nintendo’s suggested retail price for its record-setting Wii™ drops by $50 to $199.99. The new $199.99 Wii price point delivers the full iconic Wii gaming experience, including the motion-sensing Wii Remote™ controller, Nunchuk™ controller and Wii Sports™ software, and furthers Nintendo’s mission to expand the gaming universe by making video games accessible to more and more consumers.

Wii ownership also opens an avenue for players to the industry’s most diverse and unique collection of home console games. Key upcoming releases include Wii Fit™ Plus, launching on Oct. 4, and the first truly multiplayer Mario™ title ever, New Super Mario Bros.™ Wii.

Both new and veteran players in America can jump into this new Mario action when it arrives on Nov. 15.

And beginning Oct. 2, consumers in select cities will have a new, convenient way to decide which Nintendo adventure to tackle next. On that day, a novel series of sampling events called “World of Nintendo” kicks off in Long Beach, Calif.

“Wii has reached more video game players than any game system before because it attracts everyone—both men and women, and people of all ages,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “Our research shows there are 50 million Americans thinking about becoming gamers, and this more affordable price point and our vast array of new software mean many of them can now make the leap and find experiences that appeal to them, whatever their tastes or level of gaming experience.”

The inherent social nature of Wii is fully demonstrated in a groundbreaking way with New Super Mario Bros. Wii, the first Mario game ever to allow four players to take part in the action at the same time. That same dynamic is propelling the enthusiastic response for Wii Sports Resort™, while the release of Wii Fit Plus includes everything you love about Wii Fit™, along with new multiplayer elements and the ability to customize workouts to fit individual needs.

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