Thursday 7-Dec-2006 10:51 AM UK retailers tell CVG there's a major shortage of Nintendo Wiis until "after the new year". Update: Nintendo says otherwise
Ahead of the European launch tomorrow, several UK retailers have reported to CVG that gamers without Wii pre-orders are unlikely to get a console before 2007.
The demand for Nintendo's console is so high that even the huge Oxford Street branch of HMV doesn't expect to fulfil it's pre-orders: "95% of pre-orders we'll probably fill before Christmas," a HMV spokesperson told CVG. "We haven't got any dates as yet but it'll probably be the New Year [before we fill all pre-orders]"
Around the corner Virgin Megastore reports similar demand for the Wii: "We might get some in on Saturday but we're not going to get many," said one staffer. "We're very, very limited - we've already reached our pre-order limit."
But anyone would expect a hot new console to sell out on Britain's busiest high street - especially when Jodie Kidd's in the queue - what about the small retailers?
Unfortunately - for readers in Essex at least - it looks like the unprecedented demand for Wii isn't limited to just our fair capital; GAME in Romford told CVG that it will "probably be January" before they have any Wii consoles up for sale on their shelves. "We've pre-sold all of our batches and it will probably be a few weeks before we fill all our pre-orders," a spokesperson said.
The Wii launches in the UK and Europe tomorrow, with launch events being held at several retail chains this evening including GAME and Gamestation stores.
Look for our full aftermath report on the UK Wii launch tomorrow morning - and if you haven't pre-ordered yet get on eBay!
UPDATE: An official Nintendo spokesperson gave CVG the following statement:
"In Europe Nintendo is maximising all its resources to ensure that there is a good quantity of stock available in Europe for launch and a regular supply of Wii consoles steadily coming into the market from launch through 2007."
There's only a few hours to wait to see if Nintendo delivers the goods...
I got "the call" from GAME @ Lakeside on sunday confirming I had one for tomorrow. Phew. I preordered back on the 20th September.
My friend was 6th on the preorder list at Thatz Entertainment at Lakeside too, but dispite that they called on tuesday to say no joy until 2007. Death of the Indenpent retailer, or they have just given them to all their mates and crapped all over their customers? They wind me up in there like a boys own club,thats why I got from GAME.
I think if you have pre-ordered get on ebay would be more appropriate CVG staff! Another Xmas, another console launch, and another "Milking" on the worlds most popular auction site.
I'm so glad HMV called me yesterday to confirm that I will be getting one. It goes to show pre-ordering early in-store gurantees you a Wii, unlike the Play.com fiasco which could not fulfil all pre-orders, even on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Or alternatively, go to Blockbuster and buy one tomorrow. They've got fairly sizable shipments and refused to take any pre-orders..
Blockbuster don't do game sales these days, as the game sections are rebranded to "Gamestation" as they bought them a while ago. You'll have to ask Gamestation reps whether or not it's available.
If I hadn't pre-ordered mine already, my bet would have to go to either Woolworths, Comet or your local videogame store (if you have one).
Blockbuster don't do game sales these days, as the game sections are rebranded to "Gamestation" as they bought them a while ago. You'll have to ask Gamestation reps whether or not it's available.
That's certainly true in London - all my local branches store games, but you'll have to go to a Blockbuster superstore to get hardware. I just called my local store and they said they aren't taking any pre-orders and are expecting stock tomorrow to be sold on a first come basis.
There is a catch. They will only sell you a console with 2 full price games.
I'm sure I heard a rumour that ASDA were not taking pre-orders and were going to be selling on a first-come first-served basis...
I was planning on waiting till the New Year anyway, got other stuff going on between now and Christmas to keep me busy, and one of the main games I want is Trauma Centre.
Hopefully i will get mine, i pre-ordered mine from woolies and haven't been contacted yet to say they can't fulfil my pre-order.
The gamestation here says they're opening at midnight for people who pre-ordered and let them have first dibs at the games.
Living on the Isle of Wight is good because on console release days you can pick on up without a pre-order... me, i pre-order cause i am too lazy to pick it up
Zelda has already been dispatched by Royal Mail Special Delivery and the Wii wont be far behind. Good luck to those who still havent secured one. If your willing and quick enough you will find one.
I'm lucky, my amazon.co.uk Wii pre-order is going ahead for delivery tomorrow.
My biggest problem is that my play.com pre-order for Zelda has just been delayed due to a product shortage. Sound like I might have the console without the killer app!
I'll just have to try and get one tomorrow from a local GAME store...
I pre-orderd from Play on the 19 September and in November they said not to expect one until the end of January/ begining of Feburary. This really got me p**sed, as I pre-orderd it so early. But thankfully my girl friend went out to my local GameStation yesterday and got it garrenteed before Xmass. I'll believe it when I see it, but still better than Play and better customer service as the shop assistant let her know about it when she was looking at the Wii games, she didn't think there would be a chance of one. Go GameStation for upselling. (Now I have to live with - 'If you want something done, get a woman to do it,' ect.- But if I get the Nintendo Wii before Xmass, I'll sign up for that any time)
Seems to be, just like the States, with the launch of PS3 and Wii, Xbox 360 will clean up with quite a fair few people not being able to get a Wii, plumping for a 360 instead (not the people who have pre-ordered it, but the people just expecting walk into the shops tomorrow and get one.
Alot of people i know have got or are getting a 360 for xmas, this never happened with xbox, i was the only one in the work with one, but now, their is about 30 with a 360, its a nice change to chat to people about games and consoles.
My female manager has her Wii pre-ordered, along with zelda, ive offered to work extra shifts, so she can loan me it, but she isnt having any of it......damn, now where did i leave my mask????
Me and my sister have pre-ordered one each and wii are defanatly gettin one tommorow but wii wont be able to play ours till Xmas as my mums footin the bill as a crimbo pressy Im commin Zelda just a few more weeks Wii day is almost upon us.
i don't have one pre-ordered but i'm pretty confident i'll be able to go into a shop and buy one tomorrow.
Good luck with that!
My girlfriend and me are going 50/50 on it as a Christmas present for each other. She isn’t letting me have it until the 25th though! I knew I should have just bought it! I will hopefully be getting a DS lite on the 25th as well! Lots of Nintendo goodness for me come Christmas morning!
Seems to be, just like the States, with the launch of PS3 and Wii, Xbox 360 will clean up with quite a fair few people not being able to get a Wii, plumping for a 360 instead (not the people who have pre-ordered it, but the people just expecting walk into the shops tomorrow and get one.
Alot of people i know have got or are getting a 360 for xmas, this never happened with xbox, i was the only one in the work with one, but now, their is about 30 with a 360, its a nice change to chat to people about games and consoles.
My female manager has her Wii pre-ordered, along with zelda, ive offered to work extra shifts, so she can loan me it, but she isnt having any of it......damn, now where did i leave my mask????
Yes it is good to see Microsoft doing well with there system. Gamers are very fickle, the thought of the original Xbox provided countless fan boys of Sony to dish it at every turn. I'm not sure what happend between Xbox and 360, but Microsofts ratings have gone up considerably since.
I am so glad Nintendo are getting an early success with the Wii. Whilst its early days yet, its certainly going in the right direction for them.
I'd hate to lose them as a developer of software and hardware, like Sega. Sega just havnt been the same since they dropped out of the console market. From a leading developer of AAA titles getting 90%+ reviews, to nothing more than average 70-80% at best now.
The markets big enough for 3 or even 4 console manufacturers. Its just down to software support. The cube lacked it, despite being a rock solid machine. (Never had one go wrong, or know anyone with any issues). Sweet graphics and playability on the Cube. I still wont forget having imported my USA Xbox, seeing Rogue Squadron running on it for the first time and think "Effin Hell! That looks like the bleedin Film!" and Resi Evil remake, come on, that game looked so good, I had to buy one for that alone.
For me, I'm most looking forward to Mario Galaxy, it looks so colourful, fluid and engaging. Without a doubt my most anticipated title. Shame I found Mario Sunshine a bit dull and confusing at times (was the jap version mind). As Ive pined for a Mario since the SNES (still an absolute classic title). I think Mario Galaxy will be just superb, it looks so easy to pick up and play, and I just love the effects of zooming onto another planet. (sorry folks rambling again here).
Nope I have to say, Wii all the way, cannot wait to get my mits on the little thing. Certainly the best looking console I've ever seen. The PSP was eye candy, but the Wii, just looks sleek, sophisticated and compact.
I think with the Wii and My 360, Im going to be one happy gamer.
Looking forward to the PS3 as well, but as Ive said many times before, Im not spending on that until theres at least 10 quality AAA titles available for it. The launch titles are pretty crap to be honest, and all the Multi Format titles, the 360 is doing them far better, which has disgusted many a Sony Boy! Still seeing comments such as "you wait 12 months, then you will feel the power of Playstation" Ive been waiting 6 years for the ball room scene out FF8 to appear real time on PS2.
As far as CELL is concerned, for computational tasks, yes, it is stunning. I just dont think it makes a brilliant CPU for game coders to program for.
The Saturn springs to mind to be honest. Two and three cores are one thing, but adding potentially 7 cores would be a coders bleedin nightmare.
I just phoned my local Blockbuster and they've said they should have some (not sure how many) but haven't recieved any yet (3.26pm) and they'll be forcing purchase of 2 games priced at Ł39.99 making a blockbuster purchase Ł259.98.
i work in woolworths and we arnt getting any in stock we dotn even have any ds's left ----------all we are doing is taking names in which if we do have any we will ring ppl up and charge them over the phone
i know for a fact at least one shop will have them available tomorrow (i have a friend who works there). i don't want to say where though in case some evil person goes there and gets them before me.
A few UK retailers noting they sold out on pre-orders doesn't make it that the whole Europe won't get a Wii... That's a bit far fetched. Besides my store doesn't take pre-orders.
I still wont forget having imported my USA Xbox, seeing Rogue Squadron running on it for the first time and think "Effin Hell! That looks like the bleedin Film!" and Resi Evil remake, come on, that game looked so good, I had to buy one for that alone.
Wow, I didn't know the US Xbox could play GC games.
My girlfriend and me are going 50/50 on it as a Christmas present for each other. She isn’t letting me have it until the 25th though! I knew I should have just bought it! I will hopefully be getting a DS lite on the 25th as well! Lots of Nintendo goodness for me come Christmas morning!
I’ve just had my phone call from Toys R Us to say I have a Wii and it will be held until closing on Saturday. Something I wasn’t told when I pre-ordered was I had to buy a bundle! So I’m not just getting the Wii, I’m having to get a memory card (1gb) and a game (I picked, Zelda – no brainer really) for Ł229.99. I’m not really happy about that, it might have been different had I known in advance but I think it’s a bit cheeky to tell me the day before its out! There was one other, cheaper option they offered me - The Wii with Disny/Pixar’s Cars…
I still wont forget having imported my USA Xbox, seeing Rogue Squadron running on it for the first time and think "Effin Hell! That looks like the bleedin Film!" and Resi Evil remake, come on, that game looked so good, I had to buy one for that alone.
Wow, I didn't know the US Xbox could play GC games.
What I ment to say was, when I imported my US Xbox and was quite happy with it, then I saw RS on the cube....
i didn't preorder and i'm feeling pretty stupid. i'd be devastated if i didn't get one before the new year! hopefully there will be somewhere i can pick it up (can't afford the blockbuster offer) if not i will kick myself repeatedly
I’ve just had my phone call from Toys R Us to say I have a Wii and it will be held until closing on Saturday. Something I wasn’t told when I pre-ordered was I had to buy a bundle! So I’m not just getting the Wii, I’m having to get a memory card (1gb) and a game (I picked, Zelda – no brainer really) for Ł229.99. I’m not really happy about that, it might have been different had I known in advance but I think it’s a bit cheeky to tell me the day before its out! There was one other, cheaper option they offered me - The Wii with Disny/Pixar’s Cars…
They're not allowed to do that, it's bait and switch. Just make a big scene when you go and pick it up, speak to the manager then ask to speak to head office.
I still wont forget having imported my USA Xbox, seeing Rogue Squadron running on it for the first time and think "Effin Hell! That looks like the bleedin Film!" and Resi Evil remake, come on, that game looked so good, I had to buy one for that alone.
Wow, I didn't know the US Xbox could play GC games.
What I ment to say was, when I imported my US Xbox and was quite happy with it, then I saw RS on the cube....
I was all set to go to currys tomorrow morining to get mine but when i got home from work there was a letter saying they are 'working closely with nintendo to ensure to fullfill my preorder by 16th december'. i ordered mine on 7th november with Ł20 deposit due to play.com fiasco.
thats exactly what happened to me. i got not 1 but 3 currys letters just to rub it in
im 4th on the list at my local currys so they must have only got 3 or less. The manager told me that one of her staff had preordered one he was first on the list so that got to me a bit to be honest. It does say they will try to get one before Christmas so i think ill be alright.
im going to buy zelda tomorrow anyway. Im getting lol doa xtreme 2 for christmas it might be crap to 99% of the world but ill enjoy it like the last one.
i can see this christmas being a bit like the one 10 years ago to be honest or should i say the build up. i was getting a saturn for christmas(still got the wonderful machine)but in october i decided to buy a game for the thing even though i didnt have one for two months. I got daytona CCE and i must have read the manual and the back of the box about 100 times i even played the thing in portable cd player and listened to the soundtrack i was wanted to play the thing that much. i see zelda being the same me staring at a box and manual for 3 weeks. my friend is getting the gamecube version so he could bring it around to play on my cube but he cant as its for christmas. even at 23 we have to wait until dec 25 lol
I’ve just had my phone call from Toys R Us to say I have a Wii and it will be held until closing on Saturday. Something I wasn’t told when I pre-ordered was I had to buy a bundle! So I’m not just getting the Wii, I’m having to get a memory card (1gb) and a game (I picked, Zelda – no brainer really) for Ł229.99. I’m not really happy about that, it might have been different had I known in advance but I think it’s a bit cheeky to tell me the day before its out! There was one other, cheaper option they offered me - The Wii with Disny/Pixar’s Cars…
They're not allowed to do that, it's bait and switch. Just make a big scene when you go and pick it up, speak to the manager then ask to speak to head office.
I’m not really a big scene kinda’ guy. Do you think a snotty letter will do the trick? To be honest I do want Zelda and a memory card but I know I could have got them both cheaper on line so just some vouchers for Toys R Us would suit me, that way I’ve sort of paid less. Although I would have to buy a game from Toys R Us and it’s not exactly near!
I'm peed off because I recently decided that I would trade my Xbox 360 premium with extra controller, dvd controller and Dead Rising in. However I called up GameStation to ask if they were expecting any to be available to people who haven't preordered and, sure enough, the guy pretty much laughed at me.
He did suggest that Toys R Us have a limited amount that weren't available to pre-order, but as I need to trade-in, it's doesn't matter either way.
My own fault for not pre-ordering, of course, but I guess I will have to wait til Jan/Feb time...
that featured comment is b******s. i went to my nearest blockbuster soon after it opened today. they said they won't have any wiis until this afternoon... and they're all reserved.
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Im commin Zelda just a few more weeks 
Wii day is almost upon us.
