GameBoy Micro to come in at $99

Just an update to confirm (as some of you noted in the comments) the price for the GameBoy Micro is slated to come in at $99 when it starts shipping on September 19. The pricepoint is interesting following today's earlier announcement on the Nintendo DS price cut — noting that it won't be much more expensive to buy a DS than a GameBoy.

P.S. -For our European friends, expect the Micro on November 4 with a €99 MSRP.

[Thanks, Josh]

[Eric @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Nintendo is aiming this at a niche market with a price like that. Makes you wonder how long they're going to be around with the number of mistakes they've been making.

[Jervous @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

You're kidding right? $99 for a Game Boy Micro?

[Doatec @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

I think $70 would have made alot more sense. Why buy a Micro instead of a DS, especially when a DS plays GBA games?

[Matt @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Make it $20 and i'll bite. Why not use a gameboy color or sp that I can get for cheap of ebay?

[Andre Diar @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

i was somewhat considering getting it if it were $50, but $100? no way, i hope they burn in hell.

[EdZio @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

This reeks of just Nintento slapping a larger markup on the inital batch just so the price drop around christmas seems all the more impressive, if these 'drop' down to even $75 it will sell like hotcakes. I'll stick to my DS.

[Google Nazi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

The Google Nazi was right again! Again, Nintendo said nothing that this would sell. They said it is meant to be the "ipod" of gameboys. Meant for good looks nothing more. DS would be more worth it though.

[Aaron @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Sounds like a ploy to sell more DS units.

[ivtec @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

What's amusing is that Nintendo keeps on re-releasing systems and games that has been out for years. Milking out profits? I would say so. I would also like to hear Nintendo fanboys that could justify the price of this $99 piece of garbage that is going to be scratched up and lost from my pocket. Bring it on!

[WTFNOA @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Nintendo has lost there minds. This company just loves to rehash everything.

[Vance @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

ivtec, it's not milking if customers willingly buy a system. Nobody is forcing you to do anything.

It's called capitalism.

[fischju @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

its me! i noted! weeeee!! (ok im sorry for that)

[narco @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

I had a feeling it was going to be $99. I would pay $69 tops for something like this. People are right when they compare this to the iPod mini because you're essentially paying for the small size rather than getting a better deal. You can buy a regular SP for $79, but people will still buy this because it's smaller and "cuter."

Then again, that 2" screen is very unflattering. I'll stick with my NES themed GBA SP, thank you very much.

Fishes,
narco.

[Jeff @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Nintendo's got a good thing in the DS, and it's priced about right. It's outselling the PSP and it should do even more business at $130.

The Game Boy Micro, though, for $99? Who the hell do they think they're kidding? It's not even all that good looking, if that's the crowd they're going for. (I *am* that crowd; I buy gadgets that look cool, and pay extra for them. This is not a gadget I would buy for that reason.)

[funkbass @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Nintendo should have taken a cue here from Nokia. Once of the reasons the NGage hasn't done so well is because of the limited screen size.
The portability factor is nice but is the current GBA so large that there's the need for something like this here? If you ask me this is probably a ploy to take away sales from Sony by having multiple new machines on the market, with now two relatively new Nintendo devices to choose from at the lower and mid pricepoint instead of the PSP at the high end.

From a buyer's perspective, I see no reason to get one of these if a DS is $30 more, but I'll not worry about it and continue using my PSP.

[Vance @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

It's called supply and demand, folks. If the price came in too low, people wouldn't be able to find them on shelves. By shooting a little high, Nintendo keeps stock available for those who really want to pay for one. Later, as sales slow, the price comes down. You only pay the high price if you're an early adopter.

[MK @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Who decided on using that wierd font for the headings? Is it intentional to make it harder to read the heading, instead, just skip to the content? Is there a way of disabling it for a simple font based headings?

[funkbass @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Well, proposed demand creates their pricepoint. They are selling it for $99 because they have reasoned that a lot of people will buy something like it at that pricepoint and once sales go down they will eventually decrease the supply and lower the price.

[Embrace @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

...Considering the technolagy being used in the gbm its not surprise to me that its expensive...smaller=more expensive.

PS2=200 on release
PSP=250 on release

GBA=150 on release
GBM=100

still its a good price for the size and if you dont have large pocket space... so quit complaining

[Jacob Terry @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

This isn't surprising to me. With the SP at $79 and the DS soon to be $129, there really is no other feasible price for the micro. Plus, Nintendo has generally knocked down the price of the GameBoy a few months before they release a new version, which is then sold at the previous price point. So it makes sense.

[Devin @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

I too hope that those responsible for this piece of $99 poo burn in the flames of everlasting damnation! BURN BURN BURN!

[Zack @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Nintendo did say it's the best screen they've every used...
But I'm waiting for it to be $60 at the most before I get one, if then. I hardly play my DS, and rarely bring it anywhere because of its size, which is why the Micro is appealing.

[booboo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Hell fu*king no. I'm not buying it at that price. Fu*kyou nintendo, and Sony for playing with our minds and income. I'm fed up with their promises.

[akp @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

This is sadly dissapointing. I had hoped that because of its tiny screen and lack of other features, it would have a smaller price tag than the SP. If it were $20, there would be no excuse for not getting one. Even at $49 they would sell like proverbial hot cakes.

At $99, the Micro finds itself in the strange niche between two superior products.

[mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Nintendo is aiming this at a niche market with a price like that. Makes you wonder how long they're going to be around with the number of mistakes they've been making.

----

Dumbest thing I've read in a long time..

Uh, yeah.. that's what they get for making shitloads of profit huh.. they've sewn up the portable market and are making incredible returns on, let's face it.. old games and old hardware.

[booboo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

I'm not buying this micro device at this insane price to only go "backwards". The release of the micro is suppose to makeup for the anticipation of Zelda which is pushed back to 2006. Oh..Please

[Mike Ish @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

That's just terrible. $99? LMAO, only spoiled kids are going to get that. I'd say $60 for something that has an old screen and realitively low-fi parts in it.

[Zadillo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

I don't totally get the surprise here............. it's not like it's uncommon for a smaller version of something to cost more. Small and thin cellphones, PDA's, laptops, SFF PC's, etc. etc. etc. Is there some sort of precedent that makes people think the Gameboy Micro would have cost less than the GBA SP?

Either way, aside from that, why such a huge negative reaction? Clearly this is more of a niche device, or specialized device, presumably to expand the market (Nintendo isn't necessarily looking to sell this thing to people who already own GBA's, SP's, DS's, etc.). But people are acting like Nintendo has committed some crime against humanity by pricing this thing at this level, which seems ridiculous.

It's not like this is anything new. Nintendo had released a "pocket" version of the GameBoy, and then various niche items like the Gameboy Pocket Light.

All I see Nintendo doing here is adding another offering....... and if they can get some people to buy a GB Micro who didn't previously want a GBA or SP or whatever, I don't see the harm. And I doubt it would have some major effect on them one way or the other.

[nick sturtz @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

For $30 more you can get a DS which plays all the GBA games (plus the DS games, plus is wireless) OR for $20 LESS you can get a GBA SP which PLAYS ALL THE SAME BLOODY GAMES THE MICRO PLAYS! Um, Nintendo, you've been around for a while and I think you're going senile in your old age.

[jnasato @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

AHAHAHA!!!

$99..... That's ridiculous!

However, I think I might buy this if I see it in person, along with a snack and a Pepsi or something.

[seaotter @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

what i think they are doing is to , well, sell it the same price as SP in japan ( at least officially) they are letting SP go, on nintendo's website, for 9800 yen, which roughly translates to about 100 bucks.

http://nintendo.co.jp/n08/hardware/gbasp/index.html

maybe they are following this, i dont know. they did say this is a companion to SP, not to replace it

[yongfook @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Nintendo knows what they are doing. This thing will sell millions, you watch.

That said, I too am of the mind that $99 is, frankly, insane.

[CurtSchilling @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

For a company so hellbent on innovation and revolutionizing...

we keep getting a lot of the same old stuff.

[Matt @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

I would rather Nintendo price the Micro the same as the SP, since this really isn't considered an upgrade.

You get screen size with the SP.
You get more portability with the Micro.

There's still the problem of the Micro labled "cooler" than the older model, which might cause sales for the SP to drop, but I think after a period of time, they wiould even out.

Bad Nintendo. Bad.

[Kakairo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Has Nintendo said yet whether or not they will be bundling the Play-Yan (the SD-card based MP3/MP4 player) in with the GBM? They were rumored to be investigating the possiblity. $99 is still pricey, but it would look better if they threw in the PSP-like capability the Play-Yan gets you.

[EzChile @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

I had a DS, but once I'd seen the PSP I had to own one.. I traded the other. That pretty much is what everyone i showed my PSP to did also.

My personal view was that I didn't care to own the same hardware so many times..

OK, the DS has a unique feature, but IMHO it's a weak one.. It holds a whole-load of promise, but till now appears to be a poor excuse for the rest of the hardwares lack of power and promise.

Now give me a PSP like handheld with just the one similarly sized touch screen, and I'd jump on board without a second thought.

Honestly, I can only hear so much 'it's about originality rather than pretty gfx' before switching off.. yeah, that's true to an extent... but if you can honestly disregard the beauty and audio-visual completeness of most PSP titles over the N62.5 like conversions for NDS and can also ignore that you're also playing the same games you did 10 years ago.. good luck to you.

[William K @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Recently, people have moaned about the "kiddy" appearance of the DS. Mostly PSP fans, but not just them. This is made to get the people who think the DS or SP look like pieces of crap into gaming. If it doesn't sell well initially, the price will drop. It always happens. When the Xbox came out in England, it was �300 ($542, today's rates). Within the space of about two weeks, it was �150. This was probably because of:
a) The high price putting people off
and/or
b) The GameCube's approach, which was a mere �120 (if memory serves)

Anyway, you just know that in about 2 years, Nintendo will make "DS Mini" or something a little more stylish to appeal to other gamers.
Heck they've still got to get the next generation handheld out (the next Game Boy that is. The DS is the "Third Pillar" of Nintendo)

[DUde @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

F**K YOU NINTENDO!!!!! F**K YOU!!!

[Imp @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

I don't really understand the angst and hatred towards a hardware manufacturing company for selling their product.
You don't have to buy it. It's existance does not affect you. Just because you don't want it doesn't mean it's stupid. Chill. Relax. Breathe.
But I think most of you just think yelling online is cool. You really don't mean it. You're just shallow little bitches, thats all.

[amiga_tone @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Wasn't it also suppose to come with the media player as well?

[lazr_po1nt3r @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

If this thing has an INCREDIBLE screen... I may buy it... because i accidently demolished my SP's Screen...no comment... But 99USD!?! Sony is making a killing because Nintendo is completely going overboard!

[thhh @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

This has got to be one of the dumbest ideas i've ever seen....

[Del @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

I understand that smaller products often command a higher price. But that usually applies only when both devices use the same and/or current technology. Buying a GBA micro when the DS (with two screens (each larger than the micro's), wi-fi, touch screen and more) is only $30 more is unrealistic.

Also, after a system is released, companies work hard to reduce manufacturing costs by simplifying and shrinking their design. This makes for smaller future versions of the system while increasing profit margins on hardware (just look at the Gameboy Pocket, PSOne, slim PS2, etc.) The fact that the micro's internals are based on years old technology and its screen is smaller shows that Nintendo is way overpricing it.

Want more proof, look at digital cameras and cell phones. Those with larger LCDs often cost more. Paying $20 bucks more than an SP for a smaller screen and the same technology is absurb!

Don't get me wrong, I love the GBA and recently sold my DS in anticipation of the Micro. But, at this price, my collection of GBA carts may sit idle a bit longer.

[bacon_skoda @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

at E3, they said micro will be priced like the SP. now i'm dissapointed. but there still may be time for a price cut before xmas. looks like they aren't gutting the SP. if they were, the micro would be $70. but at $99, it becomes a fashion device and the SP will sell to regular gamers. two tiers. no crying because you can still get an SP for $69.

[Google Nazi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Alright people enough bashing the gameboy micro please!

I want to know what new benefits are for buying one of these (I may get one in a few months when the price lowers down to 69 or 59).

1- How long does the battery life last?

2- Is the battery AA or AAA? Or does it have an internal battery? Is it interchangable?

3- Does the GBM support SP features like in FFT?

4- Can it make cappuchino?

[Jeremy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

"Don't get me wrong, I love the GBA and recently sold my DS in anticipation of the Micro."

Umm, you do realize that the DS plays gba carts? Don't you?

[Mike Corley @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Anyone know what they are playing in the pic??

[ECM @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

A lot of misplaced rage on this thread...

[Kaskelotti @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

I wonder if it will fit inside a Nes controller...

[Woolly Mittens @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

For that money, they'd better bundle that play-yan (mp3/movie) player with it.