Nintendo promises Wii stock boost, says they'll still sell out

Reggie Fils-Aime over at Nintendo has promised an "unprecedented" Wii supply boost for North America over the holiday season -- unfortunately, it's only "unprecedented" because Nintendo has never been able to keep up with demand. Doubly unfortunate for potential Wii purchasers, this extra supply will probably not meet demand over the holiday season period. Sounds like business as usual then: people wanting Wiis, but with Nintendo shipping just enough to be perpetually sold out. Marketing points 1 2, customer satisfaction 0.

[The ZeroCorpse @ Sep 16th 2007 2:24PM]

Yeah. I don't get it. I wanted to buy one LAST YEAR, and they were out of stock for about a year after that. Around the 7 month mark I decided that it wasn't worth the effort, and now I don't think I'll bother getting one. If Nintendo had supplied a decent amount to stores so that they would be in stock, I would have grabbed one. This artificial rarity, however, has completely turned me off, and now I don't want one on principle alone.

If you all want to be suckers and buy one because they're so "rare", then be my guest, but I do not like being manipulated by Nintendo. All this false scarcity has made me resent Nintendo for marketing and supplying the Wii the way they did. Now, almost a year after I first started looking for one, they can take the Wii and shove it.

[Goldilocks @ Sep 16th 2007 2:39PM]

They certainly know how to sell not only their machines but the idea of ever having one. I have a certain Wii-circumstance, my boyfriend and I are saving for a place of our own and can not afford one yet because we have to move... and so my hopes of ever getting one now are high but I feel that I might be disappointed when I finally have the money... there may not be a Wii for Mii's to Play, at least not for a while. And that sucks a wii-wii.

[linkman2004 @ Sep 16th 2007 2:50PM]

I wish people would should up with the artificial supply problem crap. They wouldn't be selling twice as many Wiis as 360s every month if they were holding the supply back, nor would they have hit 10 million systems worldwide either.

Now if they were only selling around 100k every month but still be out of stock, then it would be a conspiracy. But, as it is, I think you can chalk it up to good old fashioned demand. Shocking, I know.

[RyanTV @ Sep 16th 2007 3:18PM]

I dont know what you people are talking about, they can't be all that rare - I've gotten like 5 of them for family members and have seen them is most of the stores I've been in lately. I saw a few of them sitting on a shelf at best buy just a few minutes ago actually.

[bcamp92979 @ Sep 17th 2007 9:49AM]

It's kind of funny. I walked into a Wal-Mart about 2 months after release, and there were a bunch there. I got mine no problem, and I wasn't even actively looking for one. I think you people just don't look hard enough... I actually have seen a whole bunch of them available, understaning that alot of stores don't have them. A number of stores have a healthy supply, considering the shortage. Quit whining.

[Alan Partridge @ Sep 16th 2007 2:24PM]

They're not actually manufacturing more, they're just diverting more from Japan to the USA. Take a look at the fallin sales in the Japanese sales charts on Joystiq. Demand is still sky high but they're just aren't any Wii's to buy in Japan.

I guess they figure since they've sold 467million Wii's in Japan they can afford to start concentrating on USA/Europe.

[crazytree @ Sep 16th 2007 11:23PM]

467,000,000?

You don't know what numbers mean, do you? ;p

That would mean that every single man, woman, child and homeless person in Japan owns 4 Wiis... and they're still clammoring for more!

[SOCOMRAIDER @ Sep 16th 2007 4:52PM]

Don't know what the hell you are talking about, 467 million Wii's.....?????

[Alan Partridge @ Sep 16th 2007 7:18PM]

I was just exaggerating to make a point (which i thought was obvious to be honest) They have sold a sh*tload of Wii's now though and have overtaken the Xbox 360 as the best selling 'next gen' console. All before it's first birthday too.

[bruckwine @ Sep 16th 2007 2:30PM]

Now that's confidence lol !!

[Jamesology @ Sep 16th 2007 2:31PM]

I see them everywhere now, cuz everyone I meet and already know has one. Can't wait for SMB:Brawl to come out. Also, cannot wait for PS3 80gb to lower it's price at the end of the year. So I can make use of the Remote Play.

[Neebs @ Sep 16th 2007 2:33PM]

http://www.simplyuncool.com/uploaded_images/reggie_i_dunno-735186.jpg

[5lectro @ Sep 16th 2007 2:37PM]

If you want one, how hard is it to place an order?

[Tavis Veighey @ Sep 17th 2007 3:02AM]

That would depend on if you wanted just the console, or one of the many bundles out there!

Wallmart.com for example has a bundle for almost $600.00!! It includes an extra set of controllers, your choice of another accessory, Big Brain Academy, your choice of 3 other games... And to top it off, the bundle costs $10.00 MORE than if you purchased it all seperatly!!!

CircuitCity.com has a better priced bundle. It incudes a second set of controllers, and Big Brain Academy. All for the same price as they are seperatly.

HOWEVER both websites are out of stock for just the console.

So I do not just blame Nintendo, but the places selling them as well! They are forcing people to purchase accessories JUST to help compensate for the lack of proffit on the console.

[Ang @ Sep 16th 2007 2:38PM]

Maybe they should ship them from Australia to the U.S as well because there's bucket loads here.

If the power supple was switchable I would sell mine to the U.S, I only played my wii for the 1st month (bought it on release day 7/12/2006 in Australia) it's ok, same graphics a my gamecube, I just got bored with it.

[SOCOMRAIDER @ Sep 16th 2007 4:52PM]

Same here. Once I beat Zelda, all my Wii has done is just collect dust blown from my PS3's fan next to it.

[Slvrgun @ Sep 16th 2007 2:47PM]

I have a Wii but I'm not sure what games to get for me and my girlfriend. Other than 1st party games there doesn't seem to be much else. I have Wii sports (of course) and RE4. Any other good titles 1st party included?

[Ron Smith @ Sep 16th 2007 2:55PM]

Metroid Prime 3 and Zelda. They ARE Wii, the only reasons to own it right now.

[N30 G30 @ Sep 16th 2007 3:56PM]

"Metroid Prime 3 and Zelda. They ARE Wii, the only reasons to own it right now."

You seem very lonely.

[Bloobie @ Sep 16th 2007 6:07PM]

Carnival Games, Metroid Prime 3, and Big Brain Academy.

[Josef F @ Sep 16th 2007 7:23PM]

Honestly, while the Wii isn't my 'go-to' console for hardcore gaming, it's absolutely perfect for a party type setting. And that goes for any 4 player game they have. I had a cook-out earlier this year that got cut short by rain. We came inside and ended up having a great time playing frikken Elebits.

[v @ Nov 29th 2007 7:35AM]

Hi. Just for your UK readers, struggling to buy a Wii for Christmas - we're pleased to announce that we currently have plenty of Wii stock at Carphone Warehouse, and are giving them away for free with contract mobile phones.

Please see http://shop.carphonewarehouse.com/?CODE=FREEWII&PORTAL=CONSUMER&URL=pay-monthly/all/?SEARCH=wii&TAG=1 to buy online.

To guarantee delivery before Christmas, you will need to order on or before the 6th of December.

Thanks, The Carphone Warehouse Online Team

[Gnaget @ Sep 16th 2007 3:09PM]

I don't buy the artificial shortage talk here. Nintendo has had to make 1 million units a month. Thats, what, one every 3 seconds (just estimating here). It really isn't hard to get one. You can get them on EBay for only $15 over retail. If it weren't for the EBay scalpers, I'd be willing to bet supplies would be plentiful.

[BrettB @ Sep 16th 2007 3:34PM]

This comment doesn't really make sense. Obviously, the eBay "scalpers" are purchasing a lot of these, but they're getting them into the hands of people that don't have time/energy to continually shop around. I only got one after "shopping" for a week, continually checking stock online, and calling around to lots of stores. By the time I found one for sale at a Wal-Mart 30 minutes away, I felt completely justified in buying a second one and selling it on eBay. I was compensated for my work/time. The eBay sellers provide a service to those that don't want to pay through the roof for a "package" from specialty games stores when they only want the console, and those who don't have the time to search for them.
Honestly, I think eBay is the solution, not the problem. If the time you would spend searching for a Wii is worth more than $15 bucks to you, why not just get it on eBay.

[Adam @ Sep 16th 2007 9:41PM]

Pay threw the roof from a specialty store? I bought mine off GameStop for 350 came with Wii Play, nunchuck and a 2 gig card which is exactly what I would buy in the store for the same price once you figured in shipping...People can bitch about the packages as much as you want but in reality you'll need all that crap anyway, in fact I ended up adding a component cable to the order. In the end I got my Wii in 4 days. No complaints here; easy as pie. Life is good.

[salzar @ Sep 16th 2007 3:10PM]

I finally saw 3 wiis at a walmart mid-day, just last week. First time I ever seen a wii in a store. They had been sold by the next day though.

[Broken Haiku @ Sep 16th 2007 3:14PM]

I want one, I really do. I thought it could pass time until there's actually some new playable games on the PS3.

[Keffel Goier @ Sep 16th 2007 3:18PM]

PS3s Rock!








Yay I can finally get a Wii!!! Weeeeeeeeeee!!

[sovietmagician @ Sep 16th 2007 5:44PM]

wat?

[zdavidz @ Sep 16th 2007 3:30PM]

weeeeeyuulike2play!

[Slvrgun @ Sep 16th 2007 3:37PM]

"Metroid Prime 3 and Zelda. They ARE Wii, the only reasons to own it right now."


That's it?

[Jmore @ Sep 16th 2007 5:31PM]

Well, those two are considered the "system-sellers". There are a ton of mini-game collections (Warioware, Mario Party, Rayman) and the upcoming "Mario Galaxy" and "Smash Bros. Brawl" that'll keep the Wiis moving off the shelves.

[rzr2352 @ Sep 16th 2007 4:17PM]

I don't get it. Europe has loads of Wiis, all the stores in England have Wii in stock, Japan has wii stock but why is America still in shortage??

Even Canada has lots of wii consoles:
http://www.nintendo-wii-console.ca

I'm starting to believe those who say Nintendo is deliberately managing supply to the USA make sure they keep selling out.

Some new games would be nice too. I've played Wii Sports and one cross platform title. Haven't on my wii system in weeks.

[Kei @ Sep 16th 2007 4:20PM]

it's odd people say this because I see Wii's in stock in every store I go to.

[John @ Sep 16th 2007 4:20PM]

I bought a Wii last week at Toys-R-Us. They have a deal going on with Nintendo where Nintendo will constantly ship more systems as long as the customer agrees to a "package deal," where you have to buy one game and a $30 extended warranty. Personally, I would've bought an extra game anyway, so i bought wiiplay and got an extra controller out of the situation (even though wiiplay turned out to be a waste of a game).

An extra $30 is dubious at the least, and I wonder if, had I complained, I could've gotten the system without the warranty, but $280 still isn't bad.

Anyway, the point is, if you're looking for a Wii and want one now, go to Toys-R-Us and pay an extra $30, or go on ebay and get one of those Wii with 20 games "deals" for $1000 bucks.

[Andrew @ Sep 16th 2007 9:58PM]

I got bored with Wii Play too, but now I'm obsessed with Tanks again.

[Van @ Sep 16th 2007 4:31PM]

Man... i have had no problems getting my hands on Nintendo Wiis they have them in stock everywhere where i am. i have 6 of them myself...

[frank @ Sep 16th 2007 5:44PM]

Er.....why 6?

[Josh L @ Sep 16th 2007 5:54PM]

He obviously needed extra ones to test whether the Wii will blend and play Doom.

[Van @ Sep 16th 2007 7:44PM]

Haha just for fun... i take them apart an manipulate them and do a bit of modding an programming wit them. :-D.. ehh theres not really much for a 17 year old tech wiz to do around here in ohio but buy a ton of game systems and computers

[imacjenn @ Sep 16th 2007 4:38PM]

I'n in Oregon and Wii's are in relatively short supply here. I got one several months ago because I kept calling the gamestop close to where I work and after the third try, I got one. I have been in there tons of time since then and have heard people calling for one and the employees always report they are sold out - so I think I got lucky (I was the store 5 minutes after they told me thay had 3, and by the time I got there, there was just the one left).

I haven't seen any Wii's on the shelf at Wal-Mart... have not checked the Best Buys. I would guess it's not too hard to get one if you are a little diligent and pick one store and call it most every day. I would do it now though, because I think they will be hard to find over the upcoming holidays - no matter how much they increase supply.

Also have seen some great marketing for the Wii in my area recently - like Wii kiosks in the malls, with 5-8 Wii's set up with employees there monitoring people playing. It is always full of people with more waiting and lots of people asking questions.

[Eldiablo @ Sep 16th 2007 4:43PM]

All your wii are belong to us (in Europe) :P

[klew @ Sep 16th 2007 4:46PM]

At Toys R Us, you can go back the nest day and return whatever you don't want from the bundles (extra games, accessories, warranty, etc.), since they are itemized separately.

[sovietmagician @ Sep 16th 2007 5:42PM]

hey nintendo people dont Have to buy your products and making not enough wont encourage them to wait in line for something that might not be in stock. I mean u arent making the Wii out of platinum you can speed up production.

[frank @ Sep 16th 2007 5:43PM]

On one hand, I fianlly got weak & bought one today. On the other hand, there isn't a Target, Walmart, Gamestop, etc. (except just one, which I hit) from Holyoke, Mass to Keene, NH that has any in stock.
I'm disgusted by 2 things in this debate:
1) Online retailers (EB Games, Amazon, etc) inflating the price of the units. Maybe I don't understand capitalism, but why spend 300-600 bucks for a stock Wii with the simple included stuff when I could get one, tax free in New Hampshire, for $250?
2) Why say that Zelda (a kids game, f'chrissakes!) and Metrois are the only games on the system? Sure, in a narrow, D&D fanboy sense, there may be only 2 "worthy" games for the hardcore gamer. If you're like that, go spend $600 (or whatever) on a PS3.

[Alex @ Sep 16th 2007 5:49PM]

let's come back in a year and see if any decent games have been released since the initial few. The wii is cool, but I don't have faith in Nintendo to keep good games arriving on a consistent schedule.

[Christian @ Sep 16th 2007 5:50PM]

I was at best buy in a local store and they had stacks of wii. I thought they already are catching up on their volume?

saw saturday at pleasant hill, CA about 12 units...

[JanJan @ Sep 16th 2007 6:18PM]

The only reason I'm getting a Wii in the future is for SMASH!!!
You know you want it

[NG @ Sep 16th 2007 6:25PM]

??? We still have Wiis in HMVs here.. just the Nunchuck is quite difficult to get.

Wii's quality is not as good as i thought tho.. my SD card slot isn't even working.. too lazy to take it back.

[Tommy Morris @ Sep 16th 2007 8:16PM]

I'm guessing the "new" supplier they brought online earlier in the year has been diverting production and storing it in warehouses waiting for a Christmas rush. That's how they can promise an unprecedented surge in supply. It makes since, there are a lot of Christmas buyers (ie. parents and grandparents) who may buy Jimmy or Timmy a 360 or PS3 if they can't find a Wii. Losing Christmas sales is more costly than losing sales in the middle of the year.