Survey: 80% of Japanese consumers think 3DS is expensive

By Stephany Nunneley

Recent surveys conducted in Japan regarding 3DS have shown quite a few consumers in the country are unaware of the new handheld, and those which are aware of it find it’s a bit on the expensive side.

The first survey, which was conducted by online research firm Macromill, showed that out of 1,000 people polled, 55.9 percent “didn’t know” about 3DS despite the recent press conference held in Japan.

The same amount of folks said they had “no interest” in the system, with 7.2 percent claiming to be aware of the product and 36.9 percent knowing “a little about it.”

According to the survey, 57.8 percent of those asked also knew nothing about 3D software offerings on PS3.

Another survey, conducted by GetNews.jp, found that out of 1,003 people polled, over 79 percent found the device to be in the “expensive” range, with 16.4 percent believing it was a “reasonable price” for 25,000 yen ($300 USD).

Here’s the full results from the GetNews poll:

• Somewhat expensive – 32.2 percent
• Expensive – 28.3 percent
• Too expensive – 19.2 percent
• Reasonable price – 16.4 percent
• Somewhat cheap – 2 percent
• Too cheap – 1 percent
• Cheap – 0.9 percent

3DS will launch on February 26 in Japan and March in America and Europe.

Thanks, 1UP.