News
Wii shortage hits UK High Street
Ben Parfitt Nov 26 2007, 10:07am
Comments (9)
Amazon sells 1,400 units in ten minutes as demand for Nintendo’s console reaches fever pitch this Christmas
After struggling to meet the high demand for its machine shortly after it launched last year, Nintendo has once again found itself in the middle of a global hardware shortage as demand for its machine reaches a new high in the UK in the build up to Christmas.
CVG reports that online retailer Amazon claims to have sold 1,400 Wii consoles in just ten minutes when its stock was released online last week.
It is also becoming increasingly difficult to track units down on the High Street, with many retailers now telling customers that they are unlikely to secure machines this side of Christmas.
There have also been reports of second hand units selling for as much as £300 on eBay, and claims that many retailers are forcing customers to buy the machine as part of an expensive bundle.
Comments
“No excuse.”
Posted by: RT - Nov 26, 12:29pm
Nintendo really don't have any excuses this time, its not like they were 'unaware' that last years shortages might be repeated if they didn't prepare for this Christmas.
Poor show on Nintendo's part. Either that or its blatent attempt to generate demand for a console that they know, in reality, is nothing but a fad.
“Fad?”
Posted by: Reythor - Nov 26, 12:40pm
"nothing but a fad"
A second sell out Christmas following a mostly sell out year? That's not bad going for a 'fad'.
I'm no retail expert, but I reckon a product that sells out as quickly as they're ordered in is much better than a product that sits idle in your warehouse, awaiting a price cut to actually shift a few.
“Fad?”
Posted by: tomoko - Nov 26, 1:45pm
I think Nintendo are buying them themselves and reselling.they really only have 1500 machines in the UK
Tomo
“No excuse.”
Posted: Nov 26, 3:42pm
They did warn people months ago that they will have problem keeping up with demands this Christmas - which might have inadvertenly caused the problem in the first place. However, they are producing more console*****onth than both XBox 260 and the PS3. So it's not like they aren't trying.
“Re: No excuse.”
Posted by: Reythor - Nov 26, 3:57pm
Some incredible word filter action going on in that last post!
Identifying the word 'spe®m' out of 'consoles pe® month'
As if 'spe®m' were actually an offensive word, unlikely that it would be used in a debate about high street Wii shortages though…
“Re: No excuse.”
Posted: Nov 28, 4:57pm
Wii shrtage hits UK high street?
It never left.........
It may not be a fad but it will be interesting to see if all these new casual gamers are planning to buy any games....
“Re: No excuse.”
Posted by: Garry - Nov 29, 11:23am
Yes, i think you're right, the Wii is just a fad, unlike the amazing console that is the PS3, and it's constantly incredible sales figures for the past year.
“Re: No excuse.”
Posted by: Vin - Dec 6, 3:48pm
It's a blatant shortfall!!! Someone needs to pull the plug on the advertising of Wii games which is a crying shame because there are no consoles are available in the High Street!!!
It's the yongsters, like my twelve year old who are suffering from this loss... any responsible game maker would have had some sense. The consoles that are available - come from sinister sources and at double the cost! How is that a good buy?
Sad, been a Nintendo fan for years, like many others, we're all going elsewhere - Some sad idiot, somewhere is sitting on their backside and not doing anything about it!!!
Vin
“Re: No excuse.”
Posted by: Jeff - Dec 30, 12:04am
i dunno why the Nintendo CEO(or whatever they call him/her) is still occupying his desk...
i got myself a psp n dont think will go for an item that is being held by the manufacturer - just to keep the market value