The $199.99 Wii is real, Nintendo plans brief Consumer Sampling Tour to promote it

All of the rumors and whispers were right, Nintendo is cutting the price on the Wii. Starting September 27, 2009, a Wii will cost you $199.99 as opposed to $249.99. That means it’s the same price as the Xbox 360 Arcade bundle. It took both Microsoft and Sony cutting prices on the Xbox 360 and PS3 to finally get Nintendo to take the plunge. It isn’t as dazzling as the recent $100 price cuts on the Xbox 360 and PS3, but $50 is still a lot of money. You could buy an additional game with the money you’re saving. (Two, if you buy the games used!)

The $199.99 bundle is identical to the $249.99 one available now, but let’s still quick review what you get. You get a Wii console, with all of the necessary wires and cords. You also get one Wii Remote and one Nunchuk. Finally, you get Wii Sports, a sports compilation with bowling, tennis, boxing, baseball and golf games. A good deal for $250, a great deal for $200.

In order to also help promote the new, cheaper console and build goodwill among buyers before the crucial winter holiday buying season, Nintendo is holding a brief Consumer Sampling Tour.