Forget The Box is reporting publisher's upcoming console carries manufacturing costs of around $180; Wii U's retail price "will be no less" than $300 at launch.

A new report claims Nintendo's upcoming Wii U console could retail for around $300 at launch.

Wii U to cost around $300?

Citing "sources closely involved with manufacturing and distributing Nintendo products", Forget The Box reports the total cost of materials required to manufacture the Wii U console, including the Wii U controller, is estimated to be around $180, with materials and components costing Nintendo an additional $50.

Based on these estimates, the report claims Nintendo is likely to finalize the cost of the Wii U to be no less than $300 at retail when it launches before the end of the year.

"Cutting production costs to maximize profits is Nintendo's main concern with the Wii U," the source told Forget The Box."

"They are cutting costs in the Wii U's hardware to build back confidence in investors. Nintendo wants investors to view Wii U as a less risky proposition."

At the time of the Wii U's unveiling at last year's Electronic Entertainment Expo, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata indicated the new console will probably cost more than ¥20,000 ($250.47).

By comparison, the Wii began its life cycle selling for $250.

Earlier this month, it was reported the Wii U could be set for a November 18 global release date.

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