DazV

GAMECUBE IN EUROPE: THE TRUE COST?

£150 sounded like an amazing price for the UK, but there's every chance you'll be paying more: get in here right now

15:06 Nintendo confirmed last week that Gamecube would cost €249 across Europe, slapping huge grins on the faces of UK gamers as they slavered at the thought of next generation Nintendo hardware at a tasty £150. Unfortunately, as is so often the case with European pricing and the UK, the story isn't quite as simple as it initially seems. Great.
Firstly, the good news. If you've got the cash to pre-order a Gamecube for its May 3 release, you can do it right now. Amazon.co.uk is currently offering both indigo and black Gamecubes for £149.99. Hit this to take a look.

Secondly, the bad news. €249 translates as £152.45, meaning Amazon has actually rounded down the price of its Gamecubes compared to Europe. Starting to see the problem?

Current rumour has is it that major high street retailers will simply not be able to launch the console at £149.99. Talk reached us towards the end of last week that at least one of the big two – HMV and Virgin – is planning to stock the machines at £179.99, although a figure of £169.99 is also being bandied around. Neither HMV, Virgin or EB are accepting pre-orders for Gamecube at the moment. "It's still under consideration, so no price has actually been set yet," said a senior retail source under conditions of anonymity. "We'll be announcing it in the near future, but we can't give a precise date. We're still trying to work out what the pricing should be that meets our requirements."

Why the extra cost? As ever, UK taxes and overheads are being blamed. Major retailers are not making comment at the moment, but you can bet your maiden aunt this isn't going to be the end of this by a long stretch...

-DV

Courtest of C&VG

P1Fanatic

Jesus its far cheaper than PS2 was when it was released and is cheaper than XBox so whats the problem?

DazV

Listen if I have to pay 1p more than some sweaty French bloke - its NOT on.

Do you see ?


[Edited by DazV - 2/5/2002 12:45:18 AM]