The Nintendo 3DS Price Slash

Nintendo have announced that Europe can soon expect to see a huge price drop in the 3DS, as the RRP is expected to be reduced by approximately a third. Sales have really hit a brick wall recently for Nintendo, especially in comparison with the trend set from the debut of the Wii and DS. Sales for the console are down 3 million to 1.5 million, and handheld sales are down from 3.1 million this time last year to 1.4 million. Sadly for the 3DS, it doesn't seem to be trending at all with just a total of 710,000, that's worldwide. The price cuts are set to come into effect, August 12th. Europe's price cut is as yet unconfirmed but around the world we can see just how huge these cuts are, the console will drop from $249 to $170 in America and ¥25,000 to 15,000 in Japan.

"For anyone who was on the fence about buying a Nintendo 3DS, this is a huge motivation to buy now," - Nintendo America President, Reggie Fils-Aime

Bit of a blow for those that have already bought the console you may think, but customers will be told that they will be able to download 20 free games from the 3DS shop. This includes ten NES Virtual Console titles which will be available fro the start of September and ten Game Boy Advance Virtual Console titles which will be available soon after. Nintendo aren't giving shoppers an excuse for not picking up the latest handheld but will it's attempts work? Stay posted for updates on the price releases to hit Europe.