Nintendo Earnings Hammered As Wii Sales Fall By Half

Media

Published: July 30, 2009 5:28 am

Last Updated: April 28, 2020 2:45 am

wii Nintendo had its worst quarter in a long time. Sales of its aging Wii video console fell by over half to 2.23 million units for the last period. Profits also dropped by more than half to $447 million.

Ninetendo only has a few options to turn its fortunes around.

The company could cut the price of the Wii, but it is already the least expensive product in a market that includes the Sony (SNE) PS3 and Microsoft (MSFT) Xbox 360. The Japanese company is also reluctant to harm its margins.

Nintendo could work with game developers to create more attractive games for the platform, but developing games can take several quarters.

That leaves Nintendo to rely on its new Wii Resort Sports products, which is out in Japan but was not the US or Europe in Q2. Resort Sports has the looks of a blockbuster. It allows the users to physically move with the action on the screen. The product is described as a “day at the beach” allowing players to doing most of the physical activities that they would do on a sunny day of vacation.

The Wii is getting old, so it has to rely on new features to keep its lead in the console. If Wii Resort Sports is not a huge hit, Nintendo will have let its two competitors back into the game.

Douglas A. McIntyre

Are You Still Paying With a Debit Card?

The average American spends $17,274 on debit cards a year, and it’s a HUGE mistake. First, debit cards don’t have the same fraud protections as credit cards. Once your money is gone, it’s gone. But more importantly you can actually get something back from this spending every time you swipe.

Issuers are handing out wild bonuses right now. With some you can earn up to 5% back on every purchase. That’s like getting a 5% discount on everything you buy!

Our top pick is kind of hard to imagine. Not only does it pay up to 5% back, it also includes a $200 cash back reward in the first six months, a 0% intro APR, and…. $0 annual fee. It’s quite literally free money for any one that uses a card regularly. Click here to learn more!

Flywheel Publishing has partnered with CardRatings to provide coverage of credit card products. Flywheel Publishing and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.