Wii U Basic Set Reportedly Being Phased Out

Last week we mentioned that Japan was getting a 32GB version of the Wii U in white. Up till this point, if one wanted a system in that color, they had to settle for one with a 8GB hard drive, aka the Basic Set. And those needing more space would have to go with the Deluxe Set, which only comes in black.

There is no word yet on whether territories outside of Japan will have the same option. More than likely, that question will be answered once E3 rolls around. Though Kotaku reports a rather curious, and seemingly related bit of news: the Basic Set is being phased out, at least according to a reliable source of theirs who is connected to GameStop.

Apparently, word has been given that on the June 18th, a little less than two weeks from now, the nation's largest retail chain when it comes to video games, will stop selling the cheaper of the two available Wii U models. All remaining stock shall be sent back to Nintendo.

This come mean a number of things. There's a good chance that a 32GB white model is indeed coming soon, and that stock is being cleared, to avoid confusion. Or maybe not, and Nintendo is simply eager to streamline the Wii U line.

After all, the Basic Model has always been a poor seller, when compared to its beefier bigger brother. Which itself has not turned the world upside down, but during the holidays, when demand was indeed high, you couldn't find a Deluxe Set anywhere. Not true for the Basic Set.

There's also rumors of a price cut coming to the 32GB model, which is another reason to get ride of the cheaper, 8GB SKU. Guess we’ll find out what’s what next week in LA.