This would be a smart move for Nintendo. If they had multiple SKUs at launch starting at $250 (the rumored price), they would be at a good price range but still have other options for those willing to pay a little extra when they buy their system. It’s safe to assume at least one of them will include NintendoLand as well, which seems destined to be a pack-in game of some kind.

I think it would be a great idea for Nintendo to do this. They just need to not fall into the pit Sony did, where it was impossible for each SKU to ever be equal. Different size hard drives in the Wii U? Good! Wi-Fi in one and not another? Bad! Also, we know they won’t be selling the GamePad controllers separately at launch, so perhaps a more expensive SKU that comes with two of them would be a possibility. What I’m saying, Nintendo, is that this would be an opportunity to grab both the cheaper sales and the hardcore-pay-any-price sales, and thus maximize revenue.

For the Wii U, we probably won’t be dealing with the standard hardware variations. The issue Nintendo’s tackling here is the issue that most games need Wii remotes. Most people have them, but there will need to be a bundle for those who don’t for marketing reasons. Also a possibility: a premium bundle with a Wii U Pro Controller or something.

I don’t think Valve wants to get into the console business. We’ve heard they are interested in working on new tech for PCs, so it seems more likely we’ll see something interesting and maybe innovative from them on that front. I think Valve could hold its own against Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo, but I’m not sure there is much value in them going down that route when they’re doing just fine with Steam and PC gaming in general.

I think it’s entirely likely that Valve is working on a so-called ‘Steam Box.’ Is it a console though? I doubt it. The business model they have is working splendidly for them. Why bother attempting to horn in on the console business when they can simply keep printing money on PC?

Valve’s current business model is working particularly well for them. There’s no reason to change, but I could see them working on a mouse or something, as the rumor-starting job listing indicates.

I’m going to have to go with the Wii U on this one, with the Xbox 360 in close second. I think Nintendo launching a new console around the holiday season at a good price (assuming the price rumors are true) will be enough to propel them to the top. On top of that, if they are launching with New Super Mario Bros. U, then I think it’s a no brainer.

I think the Wii U will have enough popularity, and stock, at launch to supplant the Xbox 360 during the holidays. Nintendo’s consoles always sell very well at launch, and if New Super Mario Bros. U is available, then there is no question that the Wii U will reign supreme. I would worry about pricing, but I think Nintendo learned their lesson there from the 3DS launch.

This is a super-dumb question, Shawn. A major console launch will sell higher than the residuals of other systems. That said, if you’re looking for a second-place finisher, I’d imagine the 3DS will stay strong through the holidays and take silver globally, even if the 360 tops it in North America.