Update:

We've heard back from many readers that they've had success at their local Wal-Mart, but it seems other retailers are joining in on the fun. We've had several reports of Target cutting the price of the 3DS, and others have had luck price matching a 3DS at other outlets like Best Buy. Amazon.com is currently offering the system at the $169.99 price, though it appears product won't arrive until Friday.

Still, all of this begs the question as to whether these outlets are permitted to break Nintendo's announced date of August 12 (this Friday), particularly given that the "ambassador program" is specifically designed to reward those who purchased the system prior to the price drop. During a conversation with Nintendo of America executive Reggie Fils-Aime, the topic briefly came up.Fils-Aime noted that Wal-Mart's reduction was done "at their own cost," noting that the retail giant was attempting to drive consumers to its stores. Because hardware pricing is always suggested, not mandated, retailers are technically free to set their price at whatever level they choose.When asked if Nintendo had been pressured to change the price of the 3DS by retailers, Fils-Aime said no. According to the executive, the move was done entirely by the publisher, and the severity and timing of the cut surprised retailers. Fils-Aime did not that their partners were "tremendously supportive" of the announcement.Wal-Mart isn't waiting around for August 12. Despite Nintendo's official date for the Nintendo 3DS price drop being this Friday, one of America's largest retailers is jumping the gun, slashing in-store prices of the portable to $169.99 now.Curiously, Wal-Mart has yet to do this for its online store, and has apparently made no official announcement to this effect. Still, we've heard from several IGN readers that they've been able to pick up a system from their local shop. Apparently not all stores have implemented the new price.This has a number of implications, the most obvious being that consumers buying the system today are still technically eligible for Nintendo's "ambassador program". By signing online before August 12, these fans, who already bought a 3DS at discount, will be able to receive the 20 free NES and GBA titles that are being distributed throughout the rest of the year.There are potential implications for Nintendo as well. Hardware agreements can require the publisher to compensate retailers for price cuts to maintain sales margins. (Nintendo president Satoru Iwata just acknowledged this point in his latest investor Q&A.) Will Nintendo have to pay Wal-Mart for the discount in addition to giving away free games?We've reached out to Nintendo for comment on the situation, particularly to find out if it sanctioned Wal-Mart's premature price drop. Technically retailers In the meantime, let us know if you have any luck getting a cheap 3DS!