Nintendo kicks European gamers in the balls again

[OB1]

From Nintendojo:

It would seem that Nintendo has asked for the discontinuation of importing at European retailers, as well as a list of any suppliers who'd continue to do so.

"Nintendo has issued a cease and desist letter to a number of independent retailers," European PR boss Shelly Friend told UK trade magazine MCV. "It rigorously protects its worldwide trademarks and in doing so ensures fair play in the market for all retailers."

This is a somewhat surprising story, and one which is sure to upset the substantial fanbase Nintendo has garnered across the European continent.

In another European related announcment, Nintendo's Andy Williams has apparently decided to resign from the comapny this fall to pursue a role as general manager UK of MGM Home Entertainment. (wj)

Source: Gamerfeed

Ah yes, Nintendo's genius at work again. Screw European gamers over and over until their asses are bleeding (sorry for the crude analogy, but it's the only fitting one I could think of). Nintendo is doing so poorly in Europe because of their poor release dates, high prices (1 quid = $1 USD to them, it seems), and bad marketing. The only reason why they still have some fans over there is because of importing (if I hadn't imported games from the U.S. while living in Croatia I would have had to pay over $100 per game). Sure some fans wait for the UK releases, but even those patient ones import games every so often. Who here would have been willing to wait almost half a year for Metroid Prime? I certainly wouldn't have.

I'm sure Nintendo thinks they're smart for doing this since it will force gamers to buy domestic releases, but unless they lower the prices of their games and release them sooner this is only going to kill them in Europe.

[A Black Falcon]

Yeah, Nintendo sure seems determined to lose... BADLY... in PAL-region countries... what in the world is wrong with them? Are they sane?

[Dark Jaguar]

I have NEVER understood what companies have against importing! They are selling MORE that way! What's the problem? I mean, in the cases where the law is concerned, like countries where importing foreign goods like software and hardware isn't allowed, yes I see the reasoning, but this is legal stuff here! It's not costing the company a thing, and is in fact making them MORE money! I mean, sheesh Nintendo, Sony, MS, all the rest, LET them have imports!

[Private Hudson]

Who here would have been willing to wait almost half a year for Metroid Prime? I certainly wouldn't have.

I did it.

Was still worth it. Amazing game.

I'm fucked off about Animal Crossing, though. :(

I'd import if it weren't for the fact that I have already got far too many games to play as it is at the moment. :):)

[Private Hudson]

Originally posted by Dark Jaguar
I have NEVER understood what companies have against importing! They are selling MORE that way! What's the problem? I mean, in the cases where the law is concerned, like countries where importing foreign goods like software and hardware isn't allowed, yes I see the reasoning, but this is legal stuff here! It's not costing the company a thing, and is in fact making them MORE money! I mean, sheesh Nintendo, Sony, MS, all the rest, LET them have imports!

Of course Nintendo are against gamers importing games.

They charge almost twice as much money in Europe for a game, thus they are making far more money with each videogame sold in European territories than if they are selling them in USA.

[OB1]

Yeah but if it weren't for importers Nintendo wouldn't have half the fanbase that they have in Europe right now.

[A Black Falcon]

Nintendo doesn't care about fanbase! They just want sales...

Oh wait! Doing this will hurt their sales quite a bit! I have no clue what they are thinking...

[Dark Jaguar]

Hmm, yes that's right I forgot about the price issue! That DOES explain why they are actually making such an effort against European importing specifically and nothing against American or Japanese importing.

I'll bet the retailers don't stop though. I think it'll be hilarious to see how on Earth Nintendo actually manages to find a legal excuse to sue the guys. Then again, Sony had no actual legal grounds against Bleem but still sued them repeatedly to bring them under due to legal fees alone. Perhaps that will be Nintendo's strategy, but I think all the bad press plus Nintendo's own expenses would cost them more than what the sales of their very overpriced games would get them.

[Darunia]

I almost wonder if Nintendo wants to go out of business.

[OB1]

In Europe it sure seems like it.

[A Black Falcon]

Yeah, that's for sure...

[alien space marine]

my theory is that Nintendo has Brain cancer.

[Fittisize]

:stupid:

Lol! :D