Nintendo Co. said Thursday it will launch a cheaper version of its 3DS portable game console Oct. 12 in the United States and Europe to shore up sales in the company's major markets.
The new device, called the Nintendo 2DS, will only be capable of displaying two-dimensional images and will be about 20 percent cheaper than the 3DS console, which can handle 3-D.
Nintendo will also slash the price of its Wii U console by more than 10 percent in the United States and Europe.
The 2DS will be offered at a suggested retail price of $129.99 in the United States, $40 cheaper than the 3DS, the company said. While the device is subject to open pricing in Europe, it is expected to be sold at around the same price as in the U.S.
The 2DS can't be folded like the 3DS but can be used to play games developed for the 3DS.
The price of the Wii U Deluxe Set, consisting of the console and one game, will sell for a suggested retail price of $299.99 starting Sept. 20 in the United States, a $50 discount from the current price. The price reduction will take place in Europe on Oct. 4.