Pachter: Wii Fit could keep Wii shortage going
by Alexander Sliwinski 
{ Apr 16th 2008 at 6:00AM }
Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pacter states that after attending a recent Nintendo event that he now believes in the sales power of Wii Fit. He thinks Nintendo's fun for the fatties system could "cause a new boom in demand for the Wii." Adding that Nintendo's marketing campaign will aim directly at casual players and make the already scarce system even more difficult to find.
Pachter retains a "Buy" rating for Nintendo's stock and maintains the company's profit guidance is conservative. He believes Nintendo's momentum isn't stopping anytime soon. Wii Fit is available in North America beginning May 19 for $90.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Foetoid @ Apr 16th 2008 6:36AM
Well i could see this happening, the question is, what is Nintendo going to do about it. Perhaps they like being in short supply, keeps people interested and Nintendo dont have to drop the price to sell units. That'll change when the 360 gets closer to the Wii price and then what? Nintendo drop ths price to the magical $199.95 and the shortage is even worse? They should just ramp up production now and be done with it, then drop the price by US$50. Then they'd sell an extra half a million units a month.
Chase @ Apr 16th 2008 6:38AM
You know what else Wii Fit is going to keep consistent? Me not caring about Wii Fit.
I don't see it being fun or a good means of exercise. Real-life hula hopping isn't fun. I fail to see how virtual hula hooping would be more satisfying. The only way I'd even consider Wii Fit is if it allowed interaction with a new 1080 Snowboarding game.
Co @ Apr 16th 2008 9:47AM
WHAAAAAAAA!!!
You cry when you spill your milk too?
SoulBlade @ Apr 16th 2008 10:26AM
So uh don't buy it until you decide you're interested in it.
Raikage (LDF CRAB BATTLE!!!) @ Apr 16th 2008 2:37PM
Co, what's your problem? He doesn't like Wiifit, you shouldn't either, and I hate it with the intensity of a thousand suns.
Any "gamer" that buys this is a freaking sheep. We should not be supporting Nintendo's direction.
Think of it this way, if they were not working on this game, you could have a new Mario, Zelda, or Metroid soon. It would be a sequel but at least it's a game.
Even better is they could have been working on a new IP (GASP) one that didn't revolve around minigames, training your brain or you body, and any combination of those.
Just because it's a casual game DOES NOT give it a free pass for being a pile of crap. Open your eyes, we don't want this from Nintendo. We want Nintendo games from Nintendo, heck they could have brought back Kid Icarus... but no, they spend all their time backstabbing you and me (gamers) for money.
In conclusion, do not buy this, you know better. And if you do, I'll disown you.
Cesaria (SSBB: 3136-6466-5083) @ Apr 16th 2008 4:42PM
What, pray tell, is the definition of 'gamer,' Raikage? Does one need to hate 'casual' games? I'm a die-hard 'gamer' and I have a great time with Nintendo's innovative titles as well as more deep titles. You act as if Nintendo's success is the harbinger of the death of deep games.
Raikage (LDF CRAB BATTLE!!!) @ Apr 16th 2008 5:21PM
Don't you even try to defend Nintendo in doing this, this is NOT a game, it's a cheap cash in. Sure Brain Age was alright, but I sure don't need one every 6 months.
Believe me, I like Nintendo as much as you, and that's why I care enough to not want to see them go this path.
Like I said before, just because it's a casual game does not give it a free pass to suck, this is going to suck after the initial hours, just like Wii Sports, just like Mario Party, just like Brain Age, just like Carnival Games.
Of course you don't have to hate casual games, I love out-of-the-box casual games, and simple puzzle games. But yes, I do hate this game, as you should too. This is nothing but a cash-in to spawn more cash-ins just as Brain Age was and Wii Sports is. If you can't see what is happening your blind, I haven't got Fernando's opinion on Wiifit but I'm sure even he doesn't like the idea of Nintendo cashing in on a bunch of mini and brain games. I want Nintendo to make games again, not this Wii ____ crap.
I love me some innovation, but I want Nintendo to DO something with it, not just sell some tech demo for $50-$90. Do you understand yet?
Bob @ Apr 16th 2008 5:48PM
You know, when a new TV station comes around that doesn't fit one's interests, we usually accept that it simply has a different target audience. We generally acknowledge that different people like different kinds of music, or movies, or magazines, and have no problem with such a possibility. Is there any medium other than videogames which harbors this assumption that everything should fit one universal interest and that the target audience must cohere as one generic collective? Is there any other fan community which could possibly say, in all seriousness, "I have no interest in this title, and therefore no one else should either."
Well, I for one am thrilled by our closed-mindedness. And to celebrate, I think I'll go play yet another shooter. Hardcore!
Raikage (LDF CRAB BATTLE!!!) @ Apr 16th 2008 6:22PM
I'm one of the most open-minded people I know, This is not what you call quality software, that is FACT, just as Meet The Spartans was not a quality movie, that is FACT, if your stupid enough to like it, go right ahead.
I have always liked Nintendo's quality software, I can't see much of that anymore.
You guys are fighting for nothing, you know what Nintendo is doing, just you don't want to see it. You can try to pick holes in my arguments and make apologies all you want, I'm still right, and the majority will agree.
I wouldn't even call myself a "hardcore gamer" anymore, I don't have the time I used to, but when I want to play a game, It needs to be something worth my time and money, and Wiifit etc are not.
Cheezeman3000 @ Apr 16th 2008 8:04PM
Raikage, you haven't even played the game and yet you still managed to fill three posts ranting about it.
Cesaria (SSBB: 3136-6466-5083) @ Apr 17th 2008 12:02AM
You know Raikage, I respect the hell out of you for putting up an argument and not thrashing out on me for our differing opinions. That's something I can't say about some of the posters on here. I see where you're coming from, but judgement should be reserved until the game is played. The balance board can be a great platform for other developers to use for new and innovative properties. Nintendo has merely supplied us with the tool, along with a fun way to shed some pounds.
Raikage (LDF CRAB BATTLE!!!) @ Apr 17th 2008 1:09AM
I agree 1000%, I just don't think Nintendo will run with it... that makes me a sad panda. They could have run with the Wii controls, did they... I'm not so sure.
But as you say, we'll see what happens. Hopefully they'll do something beyond our wildest imaginations:D
ThornedVenom (Harley Quinn Defense Force) @ Apr 16th 2008 6:48AM
I send my DUH to Pachter.
But shortage is shortage: even if it were fake, if there was still Wii shortage due to its already existing impact, we wouldn't really be able to measure the shortage's extension anyhow. All would be theoretical, assuming that we'd somehow know how long the Wii shortage would have lasted without the launch of WiiFit.
Am I making sense to anyone or am I just babbling shit in my imaginary beard?
KasHydTF2 @ Apr 16th 2008 6:50AM
Is it Pachter or Pacter, as they're both used...?
Benny @ Apr 16th 2008 7:12AM
I think this guy is paid too much.
Chase @ Apr 16th 2008 7:26AM
Also this. +1
DrXym @ Apr 16th 2008 7:19AM
I wonder how long before the class actions start. After all, this plastic lump of crap is not going to get anyone fit.
JRM @ Apr 16th 2008 4:54PM
the class action suits won't be because it won't get people fit (most infomercial exercise products don't either). The class action suits will come from all those superfat americans breaking the balance board.
A plastic toy can only hold so much weight.
whosmav @ Apr 16th 2008 7:57AM
So Pachter is just stating the obvious now?
How is this a prediction?
Carl Abrams @ Apr 16th 2008 8:19AM
He's a big anal cyst - he gets PAID to state the obvious. If you or I say it, we're being fanboys. If he says it, then it's an economic trend.
If I had a Wii - which I have no desire to own, thank you very much, I'm perfectly happy with my PC and 360 - the only way I'd play this would be if I could sit down on my couch. I play video games to RELAX after a long day on my feet - those Covenant and terrorists I kill are relaxing therapy after dealing with customers that I'm really not allowed to kill all day.
Phranctoast @ Apr 16th 2008 8:30AM
See kids..... it's good to go to college!!!!
xFenixKnightx @ Apr 16th 2008 8:22AM
You mean,
NINTENDO...could keep Wii shortage going.
Co @ Apr 16th 2008 9:55AM
lol hey maybe they could shoot Microsoft some of those consoles they're holding back to help boost some sales over there!
ScottG13 @ Apr 16th 2008 8:43AM
This thing is not for me, but I can really see it selling well. The mainstream press loves the Wii story and this is another fun one for them to run with. Its not the kind of game that I game, but it'll push hardware.
SillyShiggy WSN (if it had one): lovsatan @ Apr 16th 2008 9:38AM
The marketing plan we have for Wii Fit is the largest in our company's history. We expect our product to achieve fantastic heights. Don't worry too much about shortages, though, as we plan on ramping up production yet again. Wait for the official announcement around E3.
WiiSports Machine...Fernandos in disguise PSN: Killjebus @ Apr 16th 2008 9:53AM
Hey Shiggy,
as your friend I have a suggestion. I think it is time for your "supply" issue to resolve itself. Japan and the EU has caught on to your little ploy, the United States sheep are bound to catch on inevitably, no don't laugh....they will.
Just ramp up supply to meet demand and use the time, energy and man hours on manufacturing you Wii and not another hunk of white plastic.
Trust me Shiggster, they will turn on you if you ride 'em too long. Look what happened to me, do YOU want to end up under cover at a Wine shop doing research on American drinking and smoking habits? OK, maybe you do if you plan on "stealing" my new mass market gamimg idea.
The American public is naive but fickle my friend. Do not continue to bite the hand that feeds you, unless you are prepared for the American media backlash.
Just some friendly advice for you and your company Shiggypoo.
Co @ Apr 16th 2008 9:59AM
Where do you ppl keep getting this notion of a fake supply issue? I could see if the Wii had only sold thru 10 or 12 million worldwide at this point and was having problems keeping them in stock, but on pace to be the fastest selling hoem console in history? That just may bring along some warrented supply/demand issues.
SillyShiggy WSN (if it had one): lovsatan @ Apr 16th 2008 11:51AM
You have too little faith in me, Ken. Don't you think we have contingency plans? We're like Batman over here.
SoulBlade @ Apr 16th 2008 10:24AM
Shame on Nintendo for appealing to an audience that doesn't read Joystiq. Those bastards!
Co @ Apr 16th 2008 10:25AM
Amen to that. +1 for you, good sir.
Joeshie @ Apr 16th 2008 11:02AM
Irrelevant argument is irrelevant.
Keep makin' those strawmen.
SoulBlade @ Apr 16th 2008 12:07PM
Because a "comments" section means everything has to be an argument. Especially like those guys that say shit like
"In before fans claim "
Mine was at least an observation that Nintendo's Wii Fit probably isn't geared toward the Joystiq audience.
SoulBlade @ Apr 16th 2008 12:10PM
Forgot about XML escaping.
Anni @ Apr 16th 2008 11:34AM
If Pachter were a Joystiq commenter, his prediction would be SO white right now!
Tone @ Apr 16th 2008 11:51AM
The console wars end may 19th
Max Headroom @ Apr 16th 2008 12:00PM
Wii Fit will cause "a new boom in demand"? I didn't know the old boom had ended yet.
mike @ Apr 16th 2008 12:48PM
as some1 who works out for around an hour and a half every day to keep in really good shape, im disgusted by the wii fit. Theres no way this thing will get anybody in shape or "fit". And to think of the millions of older and out of shape people who will buy into it falslely. If you guys want to get in shape, start excersicing. Going for a run is a good way to start. When your ready, do some weightlifting and more advanced stuff. I recommend p90x.
dont buy this peice of plastic and think you will be in shape after playing with it for a while.
Co @ Apr 16th 2008 1:43PM
Is it just me or are you jibber jabberin on like a jabber box?
arrakisman @ Apr 16th 2008 2:56PM
I have a hard time peforming repetive acts for too long. I need mental stimulation as well. The way that motivates me to exercise is a karate class which has many interactive, mental aspect. But classes like that can very expensive(so can gym memberships). Wii Fit fits a nitch for those who need more than a cheerleader on TV telling the just one more. Some people need a score, pretty graphics or some other thing to keep them engaged. The idea is sound. Maybe more people would go to the gym if the workouts where more interactive. (Gym rats also tend to intimidate people want to start.)
mike @ Apr 16th 2008 4:49PM
u dont need a gym to get in shape. Ive never been to one in my whole life. Like I said, simple running and staying active will get you into shape. The problem is wiifit is not a method of getting in shape, and they are promoting it as one, by the name alone.
Cesaria (SSBB: 3136-6466-5083) @ Apr 16th 2008 4:49PM
Are you as in shape as A.C. Slater? Yeah, I didn't think so.
Mr Khan @ Apr 16th 2008 5:35PM
arrakisman is mostly right here. Some people need stimulation to exercise, that's why i stopped riding the stationary bike, it was too loud for me to hear the TV and I lost motivation really quick, so now i run, outside in the good weather and inside (with the TV on) in the foul
Wii Fit isn't for me simply because i'm not on with a $90 investment that might be for a single-use peripheral. I'll totally go for it if the Balance Board gets some neat apps, but not until then
Justice @ Apr 17th 2008 2:01PM
I agree with Mike. What a name Wii fit, like it will really make you fit, they should really watch the titles they give thes things. I say we boycott guitar hero 'cause some of my friends and I got that and thought afterwrds we could form a band and get some gigs. Well to our embarrassment we sucked! Then I did that dance, dance revolution thing and tried out for one of those dancing competitions...guess what, I didn't make it....should have gone to some real salsa lessons. Next I am going to try that trauma center thing to see if I can become a surgeon...I and while I am at it, I may as well see if i can become a soldiier of fortune or something.....sheesh the things some people make an issue over is just crazy, people will enjoy what they enjoy and if you don't enjoy then just...don't