No Wii units until 2007 without a pre-order, warns retail (UK)

[Darksaviour69]

Console 'as rare as hen's teeth,' predicts leading High Street group

Ahead of the European launch of Nintendo's Wii, retailers have told GamesIndustry.biz that consumers without pre-orders are unlikely to secure a unit until the new year.

The level of demand for Nintendo's home console has been so feverish that DSG Group – the parent company of High Street retailer Currys and PC World, as well as dixons.co.uk – expects that even with four separate delivery's between now and Christmas, it does not believe it can satisfy pre-orders until 2007

"We're expecting to fulfil all pre-orders on the day," said Hamish Thompson of DSG. "We're continuing to take pre-orders but informing consumers that they probably won't be able to be fulfilled until after Christmas."

"We're expecting four deliveries between now and Christmas and we expect them all to go to pre-orders. If customers haven't already pre-ordered then they've probably missed the boat."

It's not just DSG's retail outlets that will have to cope with a shortage, with the firm predicting a similar story across both High Street and online stores, as Nintendo takes advantage of a gap left by rival manufacturer Sony

"Wii units at any retail outlets are going to be as rare as hens teeth before Christmas," said Thompson.

"With the delay of the PlayStation 3 in Europe, Nintendo has got a clear run this season," he added.

The Wii launches officially tomorrow, December 8th, across Europe. Many retailers are holding launch events, with specialist stores such as GAME and Gamestation holding midnight openings this evening.

Nintendo has chosen HMV as its official UK launch partner, with its flagship Oxford Street store opening at 11pm for a celebrity attended event.

GamesIndustry.biz will feature full coverage of the Wii launch throughout the day tomorrow, with retailer and consumer reaction to the new console.

gamesindustry.biz

[benn]

hey, i think this comment should also be news...

i already have a Wii (all about the US connection!) but i found this site where you can win a Wii and all you need to do is upload a photo of your thumb(?!?!).
normally i wouldn't be bothered but the terms and conditions say that the competition closes in like 2 wks and so far there are only 4 photos!!!! that means there must be a good chance of winnign. I am going to enter this weekend. i want to do a funky cool photo so hopefully have more chance of winning - and payiing for my first one.

http://thumb-vertising.com/audition.php

[kaffie]

My cashflow problem until the new year does not seem quite so infuriating...

[Keds]

I was at TRU today and they have 10 left over for general sale. The only catch is you have to buy it in a pack but it is still worth it.

[benn]

dude i am telling you. regardless of cashflow - you should enter the competition!

[jangosolo]

I preordered at GAME 4 weeks ago, I am 113th in the list and was told today that I can come in tomorrow and pick it up.

Doesn't seem to be much of a shortage!!

[werpu]

By the announced game prices. A few months ago Nintendo said, that the games will be around 50 Dollars, even with the fake 1:1 Dollar Euro calculation this would be around 50 Euros, but the latest ads show an average game price of 55-60 Euros here in Europe.
Oh well....