Nintendo is withdrawing its basic 8GB Wii U model from GameStop retail outlets, according to a report.

According to a Kotaku source, GameStop has issued a memo to its retail outlets requesting Wii U Basic consoles be returned to the retailer's distribution center by June 18.
"All stores will need to return all/new unopened Wii U Basic," the memo reads. "Stores that have 10 or more in stock will receive shipping cartons from the DC [distribution center]... All other stores will need to save shipping cartons for this recall."

Both Nintendo and GameStop have declined to comment on the matter, though the move points to a potential phasing out of the 8GB model - at least in the North American market.

Nintendo fell short of its annual net profit target for 2012 by 50 per cent, following poorer than expected Wii U and 3DS sales.

The recall roughly coincides with Nintendo's next Direct broadcast, which coincides with E3 2013. Nintendo is expected to detail Smash Bros, a 3D Mario game and Mario Kart for Wii U.

According to CVG sources, Nintendo is planning a huge push for the Wii U in the second half of 2013 in order to make good on the console's rocky launch.

Since the Wii U's launch in late 2012, the 32GB Wii U Deluxe model has performed consistently better at retail compared with its Basic counterpart.

Posted: Jun 05, 2013 10:22 am
Related Forum: Gaming Discussion

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/410714/wii-u-basic-model-withdrawn-from-gamestop-outlets-report/