By Patrick Avenell

MELBOURNE, VIC: Forty-four days after Current.com.au first asked Nintendo Australia to explain the price differences on the 3DS compared to the US version, we have received a response.

 Here in full is a Nintendo spokesperson’s response when asked if the organisation was price gouging Australian consumers:

“Apologies for the delay in answering your question: it's been quite busy in the lead up to the launch of Nintendo 3DS.

“In regards to your question regarding price differences between regions, there is a price difference between regions across many forms of consumer electronics and other retail categories. We believe that AU$349.95 is great value for the world's first 3D handheld gaming console that can also take 3D photos and display 3D movies, without the need for special glasses.”

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Although this response doesn’t actually answer the price gouging question, it is a response nonetheless. We have refrained from publishing any Nintendo PR in the period between sending these questions and receiving a response, so in exchange for at least some co-operation from Nintendo Australia, here is the most recent news they have released:

“The Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo’s new device which offers portable entertainment in 3D without the need for special glasses, launches tomorrow in Australia and New Zealand on 31 March,” said a spokesperson, though not necessarily the same one.

“Play games in 3D, take 3D photographs and enjoy engaging new social applications that will offer a new surprise every day. Nintendo 3DS will launch in Cosmos Black and Aqua Blue alongside 13 3D games including nintendogs + cats, Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Shadow Wars, PES 2011 3D, Rabbids 3D, Combat of Giants Dinosaurs 3D and The Sims 3.”