The Nintendo Wii is certainly the best selling console of this generation. Almost seven months after it launched, demand is still so great that Nintendo cannot meet the demand for the console because it is so popular. One of the Wii’s attractions is the unique motion sensing controller.
Nintendo’s New York store is mobbed almost each and every day with people hoping to get their hands on the console. Some people were getting in line at 6 a.m. or earlier and getting permission to miss work to get their hands on the Wii.
If you’re hoping to pick up a Wii, you had better be prepared to call around to all the stores in your area and if one has them or is expecting a shipment, be there as soon as you can or arrive before the shipment gets there and get in the queue.
Nintendo Wiis are sold on a first come, first serve basis, it’s really a shame they don’t offer some kind of waiting list, hold list or some kind of preemptive ordering program.
None of the other competing consoles have seen this kind of demand, walk into any electronics retailer and you will be able to pick up an Xbox 360 or PS3 without any wait. Xbox 360 and PS3 sales continue to lag behind the Wii.
Nintendo has admitted that there is still a Wii shortage but is moving to increase production as soon as possible. Their contract manufacturers have been unable to ramp production up the way Nintendo would like.
An analyst from Lazard Capital Markets, Colin Sebastian, said, “Unfortunately you can’t ask a contract manufacturer to make a million a month, then 5 million.”
The Wii has sold almost 3 million units since November, demand is still unusually high and there doesn’t seem to be any end in sight.
Chris Bryne, an independent analyst said “The PlayStation 1 was certainly a big introduction, but I don’t recall any game system more than six months after its launch still having this kind of demand.”
The Bradenton Herald caught up with some Wii customers waiting in line at the New York Nintendo Store, many were hoping the store didn’t run out before they were able to purchase their way. One person wound up spending $350 on the Wii and various accessories.
The Wii is a success and it does not appear it will be going away or that demand will be met any time soon. Perhaps Sony and Microsoft should take a lesson from Nintendo.
