As Nintendo looks to slug its way out of the huge deficit it suffered in Q2, it has announced a new flame red version of the Nintendo 3DS which is slated to release on September 9. The big price cut we reported about earlier will come into effect tomorrow in the U.S. and the device will retail for 169.99 USD (approx. Rs. 7,693). Two Mario titles, namely Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 are also en route to the handheld later this year.
Nintendo had announced the 80 USD price cut towards the end of last month. The flame red 3DS will cost the same as the cosmo black and aqua blue versions, giving users three color options for the handheld. The Japanese giant has also pronounced that various third-party developers have games lined up for the 3DS. One such developer is Ubisoft which will be releasing eight titles for the handheld before the end of 2011.
Nintendo of America President, Reggie Fils-Aime, quoted, “Nintendo 3DS is poised to be on fire for the holidays, with its new suggested retail price, great games and our new Flame Red color. With major upcoming releases in the Star Fox, Pokemon and Mario series, in addition to downloadable offerings from Nintendo eShop, Nintendo Video and Netflix, the system offers new and fun experiences to owners on a daily basis.”
One of Nintendo’s parent titles heading for the 3DS in November is Super Mario 3D Land. This game will mark the return of the fan-favorite Tanooki Suit that gives the character abilities like hitting enemies with his tail and descending slowly to the ground. The Italian-American plumber will return again in December with Mario Kart 7 which includes Kart customizations along with multiplayer modes.
A Nintendo Ambassador program too was announced last month by the company wherein those owners of the 3DS who log on to the eShop before 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on August 11 would be eligible to get 20 free downloadable games in coming months. Ten games each from past NES and Game Boy titles will be doled out for free. The NES games will start arriving on September 9, while the Game Boy titles will be available by the end of 2011.
The company might be hoping to recover what looks like lost enthusiasm for their console with the launch of the flame red Nintendo 3DS. But what remains to be seen is how the device fares in markets during the holiday season.