Another analyst says Wii Fit will push Wii shortages

by Kyle Orland { Apr 17th 2008 at 2:00AM }

While it's hard to get game industry analysts to agree on something as simple as whether the PS3 will be the best-selling or worst-selling console of this generation, it seems they are largely in agreement about one thing: Wii Fit is gonna be absolutely ha-yuuuge for Nintendo and the Wii. Lazard Capital Markets Analyst Colin Sebastian told GameDaily today that Wii Fit "could also exacerbate the supply constraints of the Wii console itself," echoing similar comments made yesterday by Wedbush Morgan's Michael Pachter.

In addition to foreseeing supply problems for the Wii Fit game-and-balance-board combo pack itself, Sebastian predicted Nintendo would soon start producing over 2 million Wii units per month (up from 1.8 million currently) in a desperate attempt to meet demand for the system. A great idea, and one we'll recommend to Nintendo one-and-a-half years ago, as soon as our time machine is finished.

Tags: analyst, colin-sebastian, shortage, wii-fit

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Ninjakamster @ Apr 17th 2008 2:04AM

I just can't believe I've never seen a Wii in stores since its launched, never ever ever. I'm in Houston, but that doesn't matter........or does it?

WiiSports Machine...Fernandos in disguise PSN: Killjebus @ Apr 17th 2008 2:19AM

I have. In the last month or so, Chicago has em. I even saw a sign that said We have Wii at Meyer. I have also seen them at Best Buy and Target.

Anticrawl @ Apr 17th 2008 2:55AM

Funny how the only one who doesn't want a Wii is the only one who can find a Wii.

Worst Review Ever @ Apr 17th 2008 3:42AM

Anticrawl,
Come on, it's Killjebus. The guy hasn't seen Wiis anywhere, empty boxes maybe. He's just mad because where I live the stores have so many surplus PS3s that they give them out as change instead of pennies. I'm just some guy on the internet, but what I'm telling you is a fact. If Best Buy owes you $20.36 in change they'll give you a twenty, a quarter, a dime and a PS3. Most people are pissed that they're out of pennies...

xFenixKnightx @ Apr 17th 2008 8:49AM

Ninjakmaster

Yeah I live in H-Town too and Ive NEVER seen one in stores. NEVEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRR! Thats some crazy shizz if you ask me.

FrankTheCrank @ Apr 17th 2008 9:04AM

I saw two the other day, Tuesday to be exact, at my local Target. I was somewhat shocked.

I almost scooped them both, but really, how much can I make? $50 a piece? Why bother? I already gots mine.

freecajunlove @ Apr 17th 2008 12:33PM

You can always find a lot of preowned ones at Gamestop.

Geist @ Apr 17th 2008 2:47PM

I swear, it's some universal law: the greater your want for a Wii, the less the chance that any store you visit is going to own one.

Slayer @ Apr 17th 2008 2:12AM

Wait, I thought there was already a Wii shortage. Am I missing something here?

Ninjakamster @ Apr 17th 2008 2:29AM

Seriously, when has there NOT been a Wii shortage?

tlozwarlock @ Apr 17th 2008 2:39AM

...$250+$90 = $340...

Why would the average consumer pay that much for a balance board and waggle controls?

Because the average consumer is retarded.

Hardcore gamers will TRY the WiiFit. Susie Homemaker, her Joe Schmo hubby, and their preteen little darlings will BUY the WiiFit because Time, CNN, and Ladies Home Journal will tell them to.

I also see an incoming boom in the fad diet/exercise market. I can see the books now. "Get Slim with your WiiFit" or "Wiiout your workout!"

*epic sigh*

At least there's a new International Track and Field...?

Chase @ Apr 17th 2008 2:50AM

"Why would the average consumer pay that much for a balance board and waggle controls?

Because the average consumer is retarded."

Pretty much. Also, they love fads/gimmicks (see: motion controls).

Joeshie @ Apr 17th 2008 3:05AM

"Because the average consumer is retarded."

As much as your post sounds like a troll, I've always felt this way.

The average consumer is too often preoccupied with whatever is "hip and trendy" or brand name recognition, rather than considering if the product is of high quality or not.

Then again, I've generally come to learn that a large majority of the human race is pretty retarded, so it's no stretch for me.

tlozwarlock @ Apr 17th 2008 3:20AM

I've always felt the Wii suffers from a split-personality.

The Wii I like, the Wii that currently has Kart coming, Brawl rocking, and Galaxy/Zelda/Metroid in its near past, is the Wii I feel should get the spotlight and sell a quadrillion units.

The Wii the public likes, the Wii that only plays WiiSports/Play at parties, is the Wii I despise. Call me isolationist but I don't like the average consumer keeping the gaming public from obtaining a console.

I guess I just hate it when my own father-in-law asks me if there are any more casual Wii titles out that don't suck.

whosmav @ Apr 17th 2008 6:09AM

You know the average consumer likes things that are fun and make them feel like they are getting their money's worth.

Seriously, go start a hardcore club. Elitists.

snorkel @ Apr 19th 2008 7:41PM

You know what I find retarded? The term "hardcore gamer". Really, Oooh.. Look at me.. I play video games! I'm so hardcore!!! Get over yourselves, already. If you define your life based on your gaming skill, then you are the retarded one here.. Not the soccer mom who thinks bowling on the Wii is fun.

I like video games.. I have lots of consoles and games. I spend more time than I probably should playing them. I don't consider myself a "casual gamer". Do I look down on casual gamers who get a kick out quickee games like Wii Sports? Absolutely not.. And you know why? Because I'm not some lame "hardcore gamer" elitist dick weed who somehow feels they are superior than others because they play Halo 3 all damn day.

Shmil @ Apr 17th 2008 11:59AM

the average consumer is, i would say ignorant, rather than retarded. Example: I was in gamestop a couple of weeks ago (killing time between classes and playing demos I swear) and this big fat guy comes in to look at used ps2 games. He looks over at the Ratchet and Clank demo. "Man look at those graphics! I gotta save up and get me one of them pee-es-threes." Turns to me "hey buddy whats that jungle game that just came out?" "i dunno... Uncharted: Drake's fortune? is that what you're looking for?"
"Yeah that's the one, man look at those graphics, man o man, do you work here?"
"no"

People have different ideas of what makes what great, The wii just happens to market to people who don't usually play video games. They vastly enlarged their market now and they're taking full advantage of it.

moo @ Apr 17th 2008 12:09PM

I just dont understand why "everyday gamers" (i refuse to acknowledge the term "hardcore gamer" unless you are doing bench presses with your 360/ps3) hate casual gamers so much. who cares is people by a wii or a 360 or a ps3 as log as they are having fun?

That being said, i have a wii and a 360. i play wii bowling, super smash bros brawl, mario galaxy, zelda, rockband(360), cod4(360), halo3(360) and gears of war.

and get this... i have _FUN_ playing all of them. so f-ing sue me.

and while we are at it, if a stupid video game will help the fattest country on the planet loose a couple pounds... show me the damn harm in that!!

tlozwarlock @ Apr 17th 2008 12:39PM

I find it surprising that so many of you are so willing to accept the fact that the Wii, and perhaps gaming in general, is being thought of as a fad.

Believe if or not, I'm not a hardcore gamer. I have a life that doesn't revolve around a console. Yes, I do play games about an hour or two a day when I can but work, bills, family come first. The point is, hardcore gamers (the same big fat guys you all referred to) are likely to NOT buy the WiiFit. Hence why I said "TRY" instead of "BUY."

My entire point is not that the Wii SUCKS OMG ITS SO POPULAR!!11!. My point is that John and Jane Q Public have a tendency to ruin and deface products that become mega hits. I don't mind if the average consumer buys and plays a Wii, but I do mind it when the average consumer turns the Wii into the next Elmo, Furby, Beanie Baby, or Cabbage Patch Doll. This inflates the price, limits the quantity, and keeps the Wii from getting into the hands of someone who legitimately wants to game and doesn't want the Wii because it's the next big thing or it'll be a hit at the next party.

Call me old fashioned, or just call me old. I just miss the time when gaming wasn't something that led to controversy, huge shortages, and wacky soccer moms fighting over the last console in the store ala Tickle Me Elmo. To me gaming is a hobby, not a fad.

Geist @ Apr 17th 2008 2:48PM

Curse this capitalism that we're burdened with! CURSE IT TO HELLLLLLL!

el serpiente @ Apr 17th 2008 2:45AM

Man, so many prickwads selling this thing for $100 over retail on places like craigslist. I'm sure many smaller stores are just putting them directly there instead of charging MSRP. Nintendo has created quite a cottage industry.

Lynk @ Apr 17th 2008 3:11AM

I wonder why you guys think Wii Fit is so bad... I mean... If you guys are so against the existence of Wii Fit, does that mean you're against the existence of exercise videos in general or other kinds of media on DVD (and in the future, Bluray) because it's not the usual kind of blockbuster movies you're interested in?

Dio @ Apr 17th 2008 12:55PM

They're upset because the board won't support their weight.

Curtis the Claw:XBL - supapaypamawio @ Apr 17th 2008 12:56PM

Do exercise videos cost $90?

Lynk @ Apr 17th 2008 1:14PM

@ Curtis the Claw:

The ones that come with exercise equipment probably do ;) In fact, they'd probably cost more.

Geist @ Apr 17th 2008 2:51PM

I'm personally looking forward to one. I'm not large by any means (about 180 lbs, 6'2''), but I would appreciate something that would motivate me to move more than I do now.

darthviper107 @ Apr 17th 2008 3:21AM

I've actually been seeing a lot of Wiis at stores. Wal-Mart has been getting them, and my local Gamestop has several. And they aren't selling out instantly. I think the Wii shortage is starting to slow.

BTW--I did buy a Wii

Dio @ Apr 17th 2008 12:56PM

Same here! I was actually pretty surprised to see one in the evening at all a few days ago.

Evan @ Apr 17th 2008 4:51AM

that looks like the inside of target to me...

whosmav @ Apr 17th 2008 6:13AM

I have seen the Wii in stock maybe a handful of times(Ric, VA).

One time I was in BestBuy and they made a frickin' announcement that "The Wii is in the store!"...crazy.

SillyShiggy WSN (if it had one): lovsatan @ Apr 17th 2008 9:10AM

We always have Wiis in stock at the Nintendo World Store in New York, but suppose that doesn't do much good for most people here. You could always ask ME really nicely and I could hook you up!

mr nimblewick @ Apr 17th 2008 10:40AM

I recommend changing avatars. This one isn't as funny as you think.

Benny @ Apr 17th 2008 11:01AM

Neither is it funny pretending to be Miyamoto.

joeyg @ Apr 17th 2008 10:19AM

I want to know what the analysts have to say about how many fat ass' will actually get fit with this

Benny @ Apr 17th 2008 10:24AM

I think we have a shortage of analysts. We really don't get to hear their insightful predictions often enough.

Geist @ Apr 17th 2008 2:54PM

But they're always correct! Remember when they talked about how crappy and gimmicky the DS was? I mean, look how badly it failed in the market!

jynxycat @ Apr 17th 2008 11:03AM

With the lack of anything exciting coming out in the near future, it's amazing how far the general consumers buying this as a toy are carrying the system.

Nintendo has blown their load with their major franchise rehashes, now they have to pray 3rd parties can continue to vomit out enough shovelware to ride out the wave.

Alexander @ Apr 17th 2008 11:17AM

funny cause my gamestop now got wiis in and no one is buying them lol like 20 of them for the past week luckly i own a WiiS360

PojoMofo @ Apr 17th 2008 11:33AM

there have been at least 5 different time the past 6 months I have walked into Best buy or walmart or target, with $250 cash in my pocket and said to myself "If there is a Wii in stock, im buying it!!"

All 5 times I walked out with the cash. I too have NEVER seen a Wii in stores.

PojoMofo @ Apr 17th 2008 11:34AM

You did what on your 360?????

PojoMofo @ Apr 17th 2008 11:35AM

^ That was supposed to be in reply to Alexander

Martez @ Apr 17th 2008 11:58AM

This massive shortage is BS. Average Joe thinks he can just walk into Gamestop and walk out with a Wii is disappointed, bitches about it on the internet. Vocal minority, I say- when the "shortage" was way worse I got a Wii the day I decided to buy one. You just need to call around, at worst you need to wait a week for a store in your area to get a few in stock.

It's not impossible to find one.

neobanzia @ Apr 17th 2008 12:14PM

Well this one is a no brainer. Yesterday I walked into an EB games with my cousin right as they were putting up a sign for Wii's being in stock.

No less than 5 minutes in the store, frenzied mothers were streaming into the store excited to be "finally" getting their hands on a console for nothing more complicated than Wii Sports/Wii Play.

The hype is no joke, even more than a year later. Ridiculous.

This madness for what is essentially a repacked improved gamecube? Kudos to Nintendo, they must be rolling in money. And I'm totally going to be reselling my console once Wii Fit launches. I forsee being able to get away with a huge markup.

Geist @ Apr 17th 2008 2:56PM

Damn those mothers for purchasing something they want to play. Obviously they don't deserve a console like us, the super gamers.

mccomber @ Apr 17th 2008 12:59PM

Nintendo is made of pure genius, riding the Wii high right into a market that loves the latest "lose weight fast" product, which the Wii Fit surely fits into. Add to that the apparent $30-40 million they are spending on advertising it in the states and it's going to be a juggernaut this spring.
I may have to start keeping my eyes open for Wii to resell; I've seen them about 3 times when I happened to be at Target or BestBuy at the right time, but just didn't believe the hassle of reselling on ebay would be worth it. With the launch of Wii Fit, I may have to rethink that.

Quix @ Apr 17th 2008 1:32PM

2 million Wiis a month? Wow. That's as many RROD 360s Microsoft is having to replace every month!

My brother's 2nd 360 just suffered a RROD. Just like the first one. Me? Don't own one, don't want one.

Keep hating, haters. While the Wii keeps selling (and not dying).

steve @ Apr 17th 2008 2:02PM

I don't think that there will be empty shelves for Wii. Because over the past 1.5 yrs, retailers have found that they usually sell out before they can be put on shelves. So, they usually don't bother keeping a shelf for the Wii. They usually just keep it behind the register and if they have any left, they put it in a temporary display area and it would get snatched up.