Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nintendo reassures UK fans that 3DS won't sell out, but warns that prices will rise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/nintendo-reassures-uk-fans-that-3ds-wont-sell-out-but-warns-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/nintendo-reassures-uk-fans-that-3ds-wont-sell-out-but-warns-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/nintendo-reassures-uk-fans-that-3ds-wont-sell-out-but-warns-th/#comments If you didn't pre-order a 3DS for today's UK release -- and you want a 3DS -- Nintendo would like to inform you that you don't have to freak out and rip a display unit out of a store kiosk. Well, that's a bit of a paraphrase.

"We have well in excess of the pre-orders available," Nintendo UK's James Honeywell told Eurogamer. He said that there is "literally no reason" shoppers wouldn't be able to buy a 3DS this weekend.

You might not have to scramble to secure a console, but if you're interested in one, haste may still be in order -- at least, according to Nintendo, who kind of wants you to buy a 3DS right away regardless. The discounts that UK retailers have been offering for the system will dissipate after the launch period, Honeywell said. "I'm not sure a lot of those offers will be there for the long term. Those are great offers for the launch. There's huge amount of noise and hype around the launch. Those prices will start to revert a bit."

JoystiqNintendo reassures UK fans that 3DS won't sell out, but warns that prices will rise originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsjames-honeywellnintendoretailshortageukFri, 25 Mar 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony: PS3 retail shortages have been 'resolved']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/sony-ps3-retail-shortages-have-been-resolved/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/sony-ps3-retail-shortages-have-been-resolved/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/sony-ps3-retail-shortages-have-been-resolved/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to a statement issued by Sony yesterday alongside the publication of the NPD Group's June sales report, the PS3 shortages cited by GameStop in its Q1 earnings report have been "resolved." No explanation for the resolution was given in said statement, though we imagine it has something to do with making more consoles and delivering them to stores at a faster pace.

Perhaps this particular resolution had something to do with the PS3's 97 percent rise in sales during the month of June. Then again, every piece of gaming hardware saw pretty significant increases in sales last month. Was everyone experiencing a recently resolved shortage? We're super glad we stocked up early.

JoystiqSony: PS3 retail shortages have been 'resolved' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>npdplaystationps3ps3-slimretailshortageFri, 16 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar hopes to solve Red Dead Redemption UK shortage by this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/rockstar-hopes-to-solve-red-dead-redemption-uk-shortage-by-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/rockstar-hopes-to-solve-red-dead-redemption-uk-shortage-by-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/rockstar-hopes-to-solve-red-dead-redemption-uk-shortage-by-this/#comments Our poor, transatlantic pals living in the UK have been wracked with a pretty significant retail shortage of Rockstar's latest open-world opus, Red Dead Redemption. Fortunately, Rockstar Games UK boss Neil Stephen (the man so nice, they named him twice) has told VG247 that Take-Two has been working with UK retail outlets to remedy the supply issues, stating, "we believe the situation should be resolved by this weekend, so we'd like to thank everyone involved for their part in this."

We're guessing Rockstar's solution to the shortages was to locate the rumored sunken cargo ship which dragged a few crates of the game to the bottom of the briny deep. If that's the case, we hope UK gamers enjoy finally getting their hands on copies of the game, and all of the barnacles therein.

JoystiqRockstar hopes to solve Red Dead Redemption UK shortage by this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftred-dead-redemptionrockstarsell-outshortagetake-twoukXbox-360Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 and Wii shortages challenged GameStop's Q1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/ps3-and-wii-hardware-shortages-challegened-gamestop-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/ps3-and-wii-hardware-shortages-challegened-gamestop-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/ps3-and-wii-hardware-shortages-challegened-gamestop-q1/#comments Speaking during today's GameStop quarterly earnings call, COO Paul Raines addressed the issue of hardware shortages during the retailer's first quarter (February-April). "Supply on hardware was a continuing challenge this quarter," Raines explained, "as on an average daily basis, our U.S. stores were out of stock for the PS3 for 80 percent of the time and were out of stock for Wii 50 percent of the time."

We recently contacted SCEA Director of Hardware Marketing John Koller about the PS3's scarcity, and he responded, "Consumer demand remains incredibly high and PS3 supply will continue to be tight across our retail channels. Despite current shortages in the market, we expect to improve the situation shortly." We've yet to hear any word from Nintendo on the reported Wii shortages, but we assume it has something do with the fact that the console is crafted primarily out of crude oil and unobtainum alloys.

JoystiqPS3 and Wii shortages challenged GameStop's Q1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestophardwareretailsalesselloutshortageThu, 20 May 2010 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo: Replenishing Wii supply will be a 'challenge']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/nintendo-replenishing-wii-supply-will-be-a-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/nintendo-replenishing-wii-supply-will-be-a-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/nintendo-replenishing-wii-supply-will-be-a-challenge/#comments Nintendo has responded to Joystiq's inquiry into the current Wii supply issues, with Nintendo of America's Senior Director of Corporate Communications Charlie Scibetta telling us, "In the short term, replenishing Wii inventories will be a challenge." He continues, "But we are doing everything we can to satisfy consumers looking to purchase a Wii system."

Analysts have already pointed out that Nintendo's console sales, despite being record-breaking, could have been stronger had there been more Wii to go around. What makes this situation even stranger is the report from early December that Nintendo actually reduced Wii production going into the holiday. For the astounding amount of success the Wii has brought Nintendo, there appears to be some serious cognitive dissonance between how much the company thinks it should produce of the console and the actual demand.

JoystiqNintendo: Replenishing Wii supply will be a 'challenge' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demandnintendoshortageShortagessupplywiiWed, 10 Feb 2010 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Retailers still receiving Wiis, demand outpacing slowed supply]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/retailers-still-receiving-wiis-demand-outpacing-slowed-supply/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/retailers-still-receiving-wiis-demand-outpacing-slowed-supply/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/retailers-still-receiving-wiis-demand-outpacing-slowed-supply/#comments There's no question: retail has a serious lack of Wiis, once again. Yes, this is 2010, but you wouldn't be wrong in thinking it feels more like 2008. Following up on several tips over the past month about online and retail Wii "shortages," the best we can discover is that supply is still coming in to retailers, but that demand is exceeding it -- it's that same old Wii song we've heard for years.

"We're still getting [Wii] in, but it's just slow. We've tried getting more from other stores in our district, but we're just selling out too fast," a Best Buy employee told Joystiq. One GameStop manager claimed this supply issue happens every year after Christmas and estimated things will get better in mid-February. Other retailers echoed: supply is still coming in, but selling out fast. Online stores, like Amazon and NewEgg, aren't faring any better.

We've requested comment from Nintendo a couple times on this issue, but the House of Mario is staying mum. We've also requested official comment from all the major retailers, but have not received a response. If you know someone looking for a Wii, the best we can do is repeat the same advice we've been giving for years: just keep calling your local retailer and ask when it'll receive more stock.

JoystiqRetailers still receiving Wiis, demand outpacing slowed supply originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessnintendoretailshortagewiiMon, 08 Feb 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands shortages reported, Gearbox responds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/borderlands-shortages-reported-gearbox-responds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/borderlands-shortages-reported-gearbox-responds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/borderlands-shortages-reported-gearbox-responds/#comments It looks like Borderlands, well-received by critics, is having trouble getting received at all by some potential purchasers, with retail shortages being reported in the US. Canada is also dealing with supply issues, possibly as the result of the game's $40 price tag in the region.

Gearbox's Steve Gibson has contacted Joystiq regarding the matter, noting that the shortage is mostly limited to the Xbox 360 version, particularly on the east coast. Gibson states that Gearbox is "working with production and distribution at ramping up to catch up with demand," adding that fresh copies should hit "as early as Thursday or Friday."

Meanwhile, the PS3 version has run into supply problems on the west coast, but Gibson says these "are mostly regional and can be addressed by reallocation." Gibson notes that this should happen "quickly."

So, how about it? Have you had trouble snagging a copy of Borderlands?

View Poll


[Thanks, Nick W.]

JoystiqBorderlands shortages reported, Gearbox responds originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlandsdistributiongearboxMicrosoftshortageTake-TwoXbox-360Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst suspects rising PS3 demand could incur shortages]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/analyst-suspects-rising-ps3-demand-could-incur-shortages/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/analyst-suspects-rising-ps3-demand-could-incur-shortages/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/analyst-suspects-rising-ps3-demand-could-incur-shortages/#comments With the revelation of the PS3 Slim and its accompanying price cut, it looks like things are really on the up and up for Sony. It seems that things are so up that many consumers may have difficulty finding a PS3 on the shelves. According to Stern Agee analyst Arvind Bhatia -- as reported on IndustryGamers -- strong "pent-up" demand may lead to PS3 shortages by the end of September. Furthermore, he expects that September sales of the console may climb as much as 75 percent over last year, possibly more if supplies hold up.

Finally, Bhatia noted that strong PS3 sales could affect sales of the 360 as well. The reason, according to Bhatia, is that the 360 Arcade SKU maintained its $199 price while the Elite price drop really amounted to no more than a replacement of the Pro tier. Joystiq would be remiss not to point out that the Elite bundle even received a few downgrades in the process.

Looks like Jack Tretton may have made that $1200 bet two and a half years too soon.

JoystiqAnalyst suspects rising PS3 demand could incur shortages originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analysisanalystbusinessps3ps3-slimshortageWed, 16 Sep 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii now widely available to UK retailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/wii-now-widely-available-to-uk-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/wii-now-widely-available-to-uk-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/wii-now-widely-available-to-uk-retailers/#commentsKoch Media, Nintendo's UK distribution partner, told Nindie.com ("A Community for the Independent Retailers of Nintendo!") that Wii consoles are freely available to retailers for the first time since the system's launch. Previously, Wiis were shipped to stores on an "allocation" basis -- the number of systems shipped depended on factors like store size and sale of other Nintendo products.

However, allocation still plays into Wii orders in a way. Koch's Craig McNicol told MCV, "We also urge customers to remember that Wii console purchases count towards the allocation of DSi, Wii Fit and forthcoming new releases."

If you haven't bought a Wii yet and you're planning to, it might be a good time. Though Nintendo has increased the cost of the system to retailers, it's currently still possible for stores to get them at the original cost. "We haven't put our prices up yet as we're still able to access stock sourced at the original value," Chips' Don McCabe said. "However, this supply is drying up, so we'll have to see what happens with the extra cost."

The biggest takeaway for us? There's a community for independent retailers of Nintendo.

JoystiqWii now widely available to UK retailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>koch-mediaNintendoretailshortageukWiiTue, 28 Apr 2009 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo increases order with MotionPlus component maker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/nintendo-increases-order-with-motionplus-component-maker/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/nintendo-increases-order-with-motionplus-component-maker/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/nintendo-increases-order-with-motionplus-component-maker/#commentsFiled under: ,


While the rest of the world is in the middle of a recession, Nintendo's got more money coming in than ever, and it appears that they don't see that changing any time soon. According to Digitimes, Nintendo has increased the quantity of an order with a company called Invensense, who makes the rate gyroscope used in the upcoming MotionPlus peripheral.

This suggests that Nintendo is increasing their estimate of MotionPlus demand -- and probably increasing their expectations for the sales of Wii Sports Resort. Either that or they are ramping up production of MotionPlus according to an existing plan. Something (let's call it "history") tells us that even their augmented production won't keep up with demand for 2009's big-big-big Nintendo product.


[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqNintendo increases order with MotionPlus component maker originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>componentsinvensensemotionplusshortagewii-sports-resortFri, 26 Dec 2008 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Starting now: Walmart.com selling 'tens of thousands' of Wiis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/starting-now-walmart-com-selling-tens-of-thousands-of-wiis/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/starting-now-walmart-com-selling-tens-of-thousands-of-wiis/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/starting-now-walmart-com-selling-tens-of-thousands-of-wiis/#commentsFiled under: ,

Thankfully we're not in the habit of making perceivably safe bets, otherwise we would've lost everything we had wagering that, two years after launch, retailers wouldn't still have a shortage of Nintendo Wiis. If you're still hunting for the console, starting now Walmart is selling "tens of thousands" of bundles priced from $250 (Wii only) to $460 (with Wii Fit). This time, we're willing to bet they'll be sold out by tonight.

[Via Reuters]

JoystiqStarting now: Walmart.com selling 'tens of thousands' of Wiis originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendoshortagewalmartWiiwii-shortageMon, 08 Dec 2008 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop: Wii supply should last until early December]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/gamestop-wii-supply-should-last-until-early-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/gamestop-wii-supply-should-last-until-early-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/gamestop-wii-supply-should-last-until-early-december/#commentsFiled under:

Chris Kohler attended the launch event of some Warcraft game at a San Francisco branch of GameStop last night, and ended up discussing the state of Wii availability this holiday season with a company executive.

To the relief of parents up and down the land, the suit echoed GameStop's assurances from September, revealing that there should be enough Nin-Tend-O Magic Motion Boxes to go round until the first week of December. As Kohler points out, that date means GameStop has enough consoles to last beyond Black Friday, a small miracle. That's still not perfect, but it's a heck of a lot better than the last two years. Alas, the executive called Wii Fit a "different story"; maybe it's time to check out some alternatives.

JoystiqGameStop: Wii supply should last until early December originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance-boardchristmasfitnessgamestopholidaysshortagesportswii-fitThu, 13 Nov 2008 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Reggie: Wii production up; holiday supply might not meet demand ... again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/reggie-wii-production-up-holiday-supply-might-not-meet-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/reggie-wii-production-up-holiday-supply-might-not-meet-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/reggie-wii-production-up-holiday-supply-might-not-meet-demand/#commentsFiled under: ,

So sayeth the immortal Pete Burns, "You spin me right round baby, right now, like a record baby, round, round, round, round." In an interview with Los Angeles Times, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime has hinted that, yet again, the supply for the Nintendo Wii might not meet the demand this holiday. The Regginator (a nickname noted in the article) said that production is up 33% over last year, from 1.6 million consoles per month to 2.4 million.

We've talked about Wii shortages once or twice before. "One of our competitors' projects," he said (we're thinking he meant Sony), "they will sell 10 million consoles worldwide this year. For us, that's three months of production." By his numbers, it would actually be closer to four months, but when you're dealing with multiples of infinity all day long, math tends to get a little fuzzy.

We still find it hard to believe that there's still potential shortages after 708 days, but the sales numbers seem to suggest scholars will need to create a new number system for sales calculations.

JoystiqReggie: Wii production up; holiday supply might not meet demand ... again originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demandeconomicsnintendoreggiereggie-fils-aimeshortagesupplywiiwii-shortageMon, 27 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Counting on Wii supplies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/wii-warm-up-counting-on-wii-supplies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/wii-warm-up-counting-on-wii-supplies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/wii-warm-up-counting-on-wii-supplies/#commentsFiled under:

This holiday season will be the third for the Wii. GameStop (or, at least, one executive) has assured us that supplies will be much better this time. We've even seen Wii systems sitting in stores occasionally. Despite all this evidence, we've got a gut feeling that it's going to be as frustrating as ever to go buy a Wii.

What's your guess? Will it be easy to find a Wii this winter, or will buyers be out of luck -- or worse(?), subjected to the dreaded bundle? Will the raincheck make a return appearance?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Counting on Wii supplies originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>shortageMon, 22 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamestop VP: Wii supplies looking 'much, much better' for holidays]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/gamestop-vp-wii-supplies-looking-much-much-better-for-holida/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/gamestop-vp-wii-supplies-looking-much-much-better-for-holida/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/gamestop-vp-wii-supplies-looking-much-much-better-for-holida/#commentsFiled under: ,

Remember way, way back (two weeks ago!) when GameStop CEO Dan DeMatteo said there was no "near-term end in sight for Wii shortages"? Well, one of his employees, VP of Merchandising Bob McKenzie, seem to have a decidedly different take on the problem, telling MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo that the Wii supply situation this holiday season will be "much, much better than it has been the last two years."

While not directly contradicting his boss, McKenzie seemed much more hopeful about the supply of systems for the crucial months ahead. "I can't say we will be in stock every day throughout the holiday season," he said, "but I can tell you that the current flow we've seen coming from Nintendo on Wii hardware makes us very confident that we will meet the business model that we've got."

What's a potential Wii owner to do with these conflicting messages? We recommend playing it safe by taking a large tub of beef jerky and a few gallons of bottled water to your nearest GameStop and refusing to leave until you get the thin, white system you crave. It's a foolproof plan -- but when the police ask, tell them you came up with it yourself, OK?

JoystiqGamestop VP: Wii supplies looking 'much, much better' for holidays originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DeMatteogamestopMcKenzieretailshortagesupplysystemwiiThu, 18 Sep 2008 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop CEO: No 'end in sight' for Wii shortages]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/gamestop-ceo-no-end-in-sight-for-wii-shortages/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/gamestop-ceo-no-end-in-sight-for-wii-shortages/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/gamestop-ceo-no-end-in-sight-for-wii-shortages/#commentsFiled under: ,

Speaking with GameDaily, newly-appointed GameStop CEO Dan DeMatteo (who was previously COO for 12 years) gave a rather disheartening prediction about the never-ending shortage of Nintendo Wii's. Said DeMatteo, "I don't see a near-term end in sight for Wii shortages, not unless they really ramp up supply. I think they've ramped it up 20 percent or so, but Nintendo is fairly cautious by nature. They ramped it up 20 and it's still evaporating."

Much of the interview is refurbished from late August when he (then as COO) spoke with Gamastura about digital distrubition. Speaking of the used games business, DeMatteo offered a rather interesting argument by noting that gamers have been "conditioned that their video games have residual value, just like a car," later adding, "I think the argument that it competes with the new games is false. Imagine what new car sales would be like if you couldn't trade in your old car."

JoystiqGameStop CEO: No 'end in sight' for Wii shortages originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dan-dematteodematteogamestopnintendoshortageshortagesWiiMon, 08 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop not concerned about digital distribution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gamestop-not-concerned-about-digital-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gamestop-not-concerned-about-digital-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gamestop-not-concerned-about-digital-distribution/#commentsFiled under: ,


Following another (inter)stellar quarter of sales, GameStop's COO Dan DeMatteo says the company is unconcerned about digital distribution, which caused us to instantly "Journeyman" back to 2007 to relive the Penny Arcade strip above. Gamasutra reports that during a post-results analyst call the executive said the revenue stream for digital distribution is "pretty insignificant."

DeMatteo explains that the company doesn't expect digital distribution to be a threat due to current disc-based game sizes and the barrier of long download times. He also believes that the Wii shortage we've seen the last two holiday seasons will shift to Wii Fit this holiday. The planet Earth concurs with that possibility.

JoystiqGameStop not concerned about digital distribution originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiongamestopshortagewii-fitFri, 22 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[No Nintendo for GAME -- sales are up, but shortages suck]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/no-nintendo-for-game-sales-are-up-but-shortages-suck/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/no-nintendo-for-game-sales-are-up-but-shortages-suck/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/no-nintendo-for-game-sales-are-up-but-shortages-suck/#commentsFiled under:

Those purple folk at the GAME Group (a prominent games retailer) have released European sales details for the first half of 2008, and it's looking pretty good. Group sales are up 54 percent, with like-for-like sales up 28.4 percent. Like-for-like is such a dumb term. Reminds us of these things.

Anyway, despite the strong performance of the group as a whole, the constant shortage of Nintendo products has left a gap in the big fat bricks of cash they're raking in. Well, the UK and Ireland are doing okay, but international performance isn't as high -- "particularly in Spain." Those wacky Spaniards and their neverending lust for technology! Total international sales were up 43.9 percent, with like-for-like (arrgh!) sales on the low end of the scale at 16.9 percent.

GAME will be opening 60 new stores before the end of the year, so if you aren't familiar with that big, neon purple logo, you soon will be.

JoystiqNo Nintendo for GAME -- sales are up, but shortages suck originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europegamegame-groupretailretail-salessalesshortagespainThu, 03 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Unbalanced Wii Fit shipments due to weak dollar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/pachter-unbalanced-wii-fit-shipments-due-to-weak-dollar/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/pachter-unbalanced-wii-fit-shipments-due-to-weak-dollar/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/pachter-unbalanced-wii-fit-shipments-due-to-weak-dollar/#commentsFiled under:


Superstar game industry analyst Michael Pachter told the LA Times that Nintendo's smaller North American supply of Wii Fit units can be blamed, just like everything else that has anything to do with business, on the value of the dollar. "The shortage demonstrates one consequence of the weak dollar. We're seeing companies ignore their largest market simply because they can make a greater profit elsewhere." Then -- seemingly to make sure blogs quoted him -- Pachter added, "They know that Americans will be just as fat a few months from now." The article states that about 500,000 Wii Fits were shipped to the U.S., versus "as many as 2 million" to Europe.

We think that if the disparity is indeed strategic, it has less to do with the decreasing value of the dollar, and more to do with two other trends: Nintendo of Europe's increased friendliness toward nontraditional "expanded audience" games, and European gamers' acceptance of exorbitant game prices. It's not so much that $90 is low for Wii Fit -- it's that they can get away with selling it for $140 in Europe.

JoystiqPachter: Unbalanced Wii Fit shipments due to weak dollar originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeexerciseexergamingpachtershortagewii-fitSun, 01 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo pledges more Wii Fit stock to UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/nintendo-pledges-more-wii-fit-stock-to-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/nintendo-pledges-more-wii-fit-stock-to-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/nintendo-pledges-more-wii-fit-stock-to-uk/#commentsFiled under:



Last month's reassurances over UK shortages of Wii Fit did nothing! Far from "coming in all the time on a weekly basis," stock of the fitness title seems to have dwindled down to an all-time low, leaving an entire nation starved of Wii Fitness and the streets awash with angry stay-at-home mums and overturned cars. This week's UK charts tell the whole story -- Wii Fit sank from third spot to outside the Top 40, and to fifteenth in the Wii's own chart. That's below Game Party.

Anyway, this dramatic fall from grace has led to Nintendo having to make further reassurances about the situation, with the company promising that supplies will be replenished as quickly as possible. "There are pockets of stock shortages in areas of the UK", a Ninty spokesman remarked to GamesIndustry.biz. By "areas of the UK," we trust he means "the whole damn country."

Gallery: Unwrapping Wii Fit

The box arrives!Batteries

JoystiqNintendo pledges more Wii Fit stock to UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exergamingfitnessshortageukwii-fitWed, 28 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK runs out of Wii Fit, Nintendo will replenish ASAP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/uk-runs-out-of-wii-fit-nintendo-will-replenish-asap/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/uk-runs-out-of-wii-fit-nintendo-will-replenish-asap/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/uk-runs-out-of-wii-fit-nintendo-will-replenish-asap/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Nintendo tells GI.biz that it will replenish the UK's stock of Wii Fit "as soon as possible." A Wii Fit shortage in the UK became quite obvious this past week as the fat-reduction simulator practically disappeared from the UK sales charts. Meaning, either citizens of the UK made a collective Borg decision to stop purchasing the game life-altering product or stock sold out.

A Nintendo representative put semi-adequate spin on the situation stating that there are "pockets of stock shortages" around the UK. When a game goes from the #2 spot on the sales chart to dropping off the Top 40, that appears to be more than just "pockets" of shortages. Nintendo claims that fat little girls around the UK will be able to pick up a Wii Fit soon enough as the company continues to replenish stock on a weekly basis.

JoystiqUK runs out of Wii Fit, Nintendo will replenish ASAP originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 May 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendoshortageukWiiwii-fitWed, 28 May 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fit distributors getting weekly exercise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/wii-fit-distributors-getting-weekly-exercise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/wii-fit-distributors-getting-weekly-exercise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/wii-fit-distributors-getting-weekly-exercise/#commentsFiled under: ,


Wii Fit must be easier to produce than Wii consoles. Nintendo hasn't been able to rectify the console shortage that has stretched since the Wii launch, but they have gotten their act together in terms of Wii Fit production.

Nintendo U.K. told GamesIndustry.biz that "stock is coming in all the time on a weekly basis." We're surprised that Nintendo is even pretending to be able to keep up with demand, with Wii Fit as enormously popular as it is there. The true test of their production capacity will be the U.S. launch oh May 19th.

JoystiqWii Fit distributors getting weekly exercise originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exerciseshortageshortageswii-fitWed, 30 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another analyst says Wii Fit will push Wii shortages]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/another-analyst-says-wii-fit-will-push-wii-shortages/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/another-analyst-says-wii-fit-will-push-wii-shortages/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/another-analyst-says-wii-fit-will-push-wii-shortages/#commentsFiled under: ,

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.

JoystiqAnother analyst says Wii Fit will push Wii shortages originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystcolin-sebastianshortageWiiwii-fitThu, 17 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Wii Fit to raise Wii demand, keep shortages going]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/pachter-wii-fit-to-raise-wii-demand-keep-shortages-going/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/pachter-wii-fit-to-raise-wii-demand-keep-shortages-going/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/pachter-wii-fit-to-raise-wii-demand-keep-shortages-going/#commentsFiled under:


Aside from his prediction that he thinks Wii Fit will sell 3-4 million this year, Michael Pachter has grabbed another estimation out from within his bag of tricks: Wii Fit will keep Wii shortages going as it will increase demand for the console. Pachter cited Nintendo's plan to market the crap out of Wii Fit, stating "the increased buzz will drive increased demand for the already difficult to find Wii hardware." Well, we know the UK is crazy over Wii Fit, but Nintendo shouldn't have as hard a time filling demand over there as they have had here in the states.

On Pachter's part, this is a pretty safe play to make. The preorders at Amazon are going through the roof and with Wii Fit being on Good Morning, America recently, we're sure the public is very receptive to the product. We're still not sure about that price tag, though.

JoystiqPachter: Wii Fit to raise Wii demand, keep shortages going originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessmichael-pachterpachtershortageshortageswii-fitwiifitWed, 16 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamestop: Wii shortages aren't going away]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/gamestop-wii-shortages-arent-going-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/gamestop-wii-shortages-arent-going-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/gamestop-wii-shortages-arent-going-away/#commentsFiled under:

Seeing as how the console released in November of 2006, you can probably understand why we're frustrated in having to report on the inability to freely and easily locate our desire out in the world beyond tubes. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the console, so why can't Nintendo churn out enough? Why has it taken them this long to satisfy demand and why has demand been at record highs throughout the console's short lifespan?

Gamestop might know, as they recently stated in a report that they expect console shortages to last for another 6 months. We're betting that the retailer's forecast is fairly conservative, as it's easy to imagine another 6 months of early mornings trying to hunt one down. The console has been hard to find since its launch, so another 6 months doesn't seem like much of a stretch to us, at all.

This is just the expectations of Gamestop, though, so should Nintendo emerge from the dark mist like some knight in shining armor, we would most definitely take our own foot and place it within our own mouth. But seeing as how Nintendo hasn't figured out how to satisfy demand issues yet, we're going to have to assume it'll take a while to get healthy Wii stock on shelves.

JoystiqGamestop: Wii shortages aren't going away originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessgamestopshortageshortagesstockTue, 18 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hardware shortage hinders Super Mario Galaxy sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/hardware-shortage-hinders-super-mario-galaxy-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/hardware-shortage-hinders-super-mario-galaxy-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/hardware-shortage-hinders-super-mario-galaxy-sales/#commentsFiled under:

If you've been keeping a keen eye on monthly NPD data, you might have realized that Super Mario Galaxy sales have been dipping in the U.S. And by dipping, we mean plunging.

Before you have a stroke, or perhaps get your fighting gloves on, just look at the numbers. While January's Galaxy sales were by no means modest (172,000 for the month), they were a huge drop from December's (1.4 million) and November's before that (1.12 million). The game also fell from it's comfy position at second place, ending up in the sixth spot for January.

So, what gives? Is it just a matter of holiday madness (not to mention, other games stepping up), or is there more to it than that?

Fortunately, there are analysts around to figure out this kind of thing, so that we don't have to. Jesse Divnich from the simExchange logically reckons that the low sales for Galaxy correlate to the low sales of Wii hardware. Because Wiis have been in such short supply, people haven't been buying them, and thus haven't been buying Galaxy either.

Damn that hardware, always keeping Mario down. Hopefully once Nintendo stops diverting Wiis to Japan, we'll see Galaxy rise again. Yet, by then, there will be only one thing on the minds of Wii owners -- you guessed it, Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Although Galaxy won't be able to compete with the new game, we hope there's enough room for both to succeed in the charts.

JoystiqHardware shortage hinders Super Mario Galaxy sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>npdsalesshortagesmgsuper-mario-galaxyThu, 21 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft issues response to 360 shortages]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/microsoft-issues-reponse-to-360-shortages/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/microsoft-issues-reponse-to-360-shortages/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/microsoft-issues-reponse-to-360-shortages/#commentsFiled under:

We all know that the Xbox 360 suffers from a fairly high failure rate, as we've all known someone (or been someone) who has experienced first hand the devastating effect of the dreaded Red Ring. However, many of us haven't seen the widespread effect this failure rate is having on the gaming market -- in a recent convo with Reuters, Microsoft's Jeff "Jeff Bell" Bell reported that retailers are having a hard time keeping the system in stock, and that MS is "running short of product here in the United States."

Microsoft issued their own official announcement on the matter in their response to the January NPD report (the same response that those GameDaily gumshoes discovered was chock full o' statistical gerrymandering), saying that "due to this high demand, Xbox 360 is experiencing temporary shortages." We can't help but wonder how much of the shortage is caused by actual post-holiday demand for the system, and how much is caused by the high numbers of Red Ring replacements being shipped out.

Then again, we haven't bought any 360s in a while; the shortage might not be as bad as MS is making it out to be. Has anyone had a hard time getting their hands on Microsoft's console/radiator lately?

JoystiqMicrosoft issues response to 360 shortages originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360demandjeffbellmicrosoftnpdrrodshortagexboxXbox-360xbox360Sat, 16 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[US 360 shortage acknowledged by Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/us-360-shortage-acknowledged-by-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/us-360-shortage-acknowledged-by-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/us-360-shortage-acknowledged-by-microsoft/#commentsFiled under: ,


After weeks of reports that Xbox 360s were nowhere to be found in the United States -- we've been discussing it on the Fancast for about a month now -- Microsoft has finally owned up to it. Speaking to Reuters, Microsoft's head of global marketing and comedian extraordinaire Jeff Bell cleared the air saying, "you could say we misjudged demand." Bell noted that many retailers have no stock at all, and in fact are dismayed by the state of affairs. Bell even says that 360 sales are likely to see a dip for January and possibly February, but he expects that Microsoft will be able to meet demand as spring approaches. We won't have to wait too long to find out just how much the shortage affected Microsoft's sales either, as NPD numbers are expected to drop later today. You can bet we'll be here to report them when they do.

For the moment, at least, it seems that any rumors of a new 360 model (or a new SKU entirely) have been put to rest.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqUS 360 shortage acknowledged by Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360-shortagebusinessjeff-bellshortageThu, 14 Feb 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Smash shortage threatens Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/smash-shortage-threatens-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/smash-shortage-threatens-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/smash-shortage-threatens-japan/#commentsFiled under:


In what must be the biggest threat to Japan since Godzilla, reports are coming in that retailers might not be able to meet demand for Super Smash Bros. Brawl come January 31st. According to Canned Dogs, Lepton (a games retailer in Japan) bemoans that the store is only getting 154 copies of the game from Nintendo. That's not even close to meeting the 800 preorders that the retailer has received, let alone walk-ins. Lepton is even paying over retail price to get Brawl from other sources (meaning they'll lose money by selling the game), so that the store can honor more of its preorders. Because the entire country seems to be facing shortages, though, Lepton has only been able to come by 100 extra units, even at inflated prices.

The initial Brawl shipment for Japan is reputed to be only 300,000-400,000 copies, which is not much for a popular title in a country with 5 million Wii gamers. Import retailer NCSX is also reporting a small supply, and has stopped taking preorders as a result.

Does this mean we'll see riots in Japan on the eve of February, incited by frustrated gamers longing to get their hands on the Wii's most anticipated game to date? And, is it possible that North American gamers will face similar shortages when Brawl releases here in March? We can only hope the answer to both of these questions is, "no."

[Via Japanator]

JoystiqSmash shortage threatens Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawljapanleptonncsxshortagesmash-bros-brawlssbbThu, 24 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: No More Copies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/wii-warm-up-no-more-copies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/wii-warm-up-no-more-copies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/wii-warm-up-no-more-copies/#commentsFiled under:

Like many game nerds, this blogger did the unthinkable and left the house today, in search of the newly-released No More Heroes. And after warnings from friends and fellow bloggers that supplies were slim, I lamented my decision to work at my job before trying to secure a copy of the game. After three stores, I was finally rewarded with an opportunity to wait in line and pay fifty bucks. It looks like GameStops got only enough copies to cover preorders, which makes us think that Ubisoft lacked confidence in the game's sales potential.

If you went out for No More Heroes yesterday without a preorder (or even with one!), did you succeed in acquiring the game? Were there other purchasers in line ahead of you? Which stores did you try, and how many did it take? I want to look at my own little adventure in a positive light, as an indication that the game's selling.

JoystiqWii Warm Up: No More Copies originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>no-more-heroesshortageubisoftThu, 24 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter states the obvious: strong sales in early '08]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/pachter-states-the-obvious-strong-sales-in-early-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/pachter-states-the-obvious-strong-sales-in-early-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/pachter-states-the-obvious-strong-sales-in-early-08/#commentsFiled under: ,

Oh, that Michael Pachter. Even when he's running off at the mouth, he manages to at least keep us entertained. Now he's back with some terribly obvious predictions on industry sales for the early months of 2008. Pachter's latest revelation? Due to the strong upcoming release schedule, gaming sales will continue to stretch for the heights. Now, we understand that Pachter is an expert and we are but peons here, but, really -- wasn't that a little ... predictable? In keeping with the spirit of prediction here, we have one of our own: we anticipate that the Wii and DS will continue to be snapped up whenever and wherever they appear on shelves for a few months, due to all the people who couldn't get their hands on one during the holidays.

JoystiqPachter states the obvious: strong sales in early '08 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008demandpredictionsshortageWed, 02 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo, Wii GHIII make list of blunders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/27/nintendo-wii-ghiii-make-list-of-blunders/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/27/nintendo-wii-ghiii-make-list-of-blunders/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/27/nintendo-wii-ghiii-make-list-of-blunders/#commentsFiled under:

Next-Gen has compiled a fairly accurate list of some of the worst -- or at least, dumbest -- events to befall the industry this year. From Gerstmanngate to Jack Tretton offering to buy any PS3s hanging around on shelves (boy, that one was embarrassing), the year's greatest flubs are tied up here in one neat package. And success aside, even Nintendo is not immune.

Despite their banner year, Nintendo made a few miscalculations of their own -- namely, in their lack of Wii supply. While it seems that every effort was made to ramp up production, the shortages cost Iwata and co. a fair share of that giant pile o' cash they're lounging upon. But the real head-shaker came with the Wii's Guitar Hero III and the Case of the Missing Audio Necessities, which popped in at number three on the list. Thanks to a tipster, we first noticed the sound problems in late October, and while a fix has been promised, owners are still waiting on replacement discs, which will be available in "early 2008." Now that's a blunder.

JoystiqNintendo, Wii GHIII make list of blunders originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blunderdemanddolbyghiiiguitar-hero-iiishortageThu, 27 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii unavailability costing Nintendo a billion in sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/wii-unavailability-costing-nintendo-a-billion-in-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/wii-unavailability-costing-nintendo-a-billion-in-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/wii-unavailability-costing-nintendo-a-billion-in-sales/#commentsFiled under: ,

Those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. Or in this case, the consumers are doomed to repeat it. The New York Times reports that when it comes to getting a Wii in 2007, its looking remarkably similar to 2006. Analysts say Nintendo is leaving $1 billion in sales "on the table" by not having enough consoles to satiate demand this holiday.

Nintendo of America's George "One foot out the door" Harrison tells the NYT that the company hasn't made any mistakes, though it does worry about consumers purchasing another system. Lazard Capital Market's Colin Sebastian is quoted in the piece as saying 86,000 Wiis have hit eBay since Dec. 4, with the average end price for the system being $320, a 28% increase over retail. If you're still looking for a Wii this holiday, just keep calling stores every day -- obtaining one at this point is not for the weak.

JoystiqWii unavailability costing Nintendo a billion in sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendoshortagewiiwii-shortagewiishortageFri, 14 Dec 2007 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft struggling with UK Xbox 360 demand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/microsoft-struggling-with-uk-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/microsoft-struggling-with-uk-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/microsoft-struggling-with-uk-demand/#commentsFiled under: ,


According to Microsoft's Xbox UK head, Stephen McGill, the company is currently struggling to keep up with demand. Speaking with Gamespot UK, McGill says the warehouse is receiving stock and then getting it out to retailers as quickly as possible. He even says the company is having difficulty in finding enough vans to get systems out.

We're all quite aware of the Wii shortages, but Xbox 360 shortages? Anything is possible as this generation of game consoles really begins to gear up. We know that the PS3 has been rallying in Europe according to Sony, so why not the Xbox 360? In the absence of Wii, others will win.

JoystiqMicrosoft struggling with UK Xbox 360 demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftshortageXbox-360xbox360Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii ads in UK pulled to curtail demand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/wii-ads-in-uk-pulled-to-curtail-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/wii-ads-in-uk-pulled-to-curtail-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/wii-ads-in-uk-pulled-to-curtail-demand/#commentsFiled under:

Unable to meet current demand for the Wii this holiday season, Nintendo UK has decided to step back its advertising, replacing its promotional spots for the console with ads for the Nintendo DS instead. Despite ramping up its production and manufacturing a reported 1.8 million Wiis a month, Nintendo still has yet to overcome its stock shortage troubles in Britain.

A spokesman for the company remarked, "We have been running the campaign all year round, but we want to take a responsible stance this Christmas and not fuel demand." Essentially, it'd be cruel to wag the system in front of consumers who have no hope of buying a Wii anytime soon. Nintendo plans to reinstate its marketing push "when the Christmas rush is over."

[Via MaxConsole]

JoystiqWii ads in UK pulled to curtail demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingchristmascommercialkarmaramashortageukFri, 07 Dec 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Final reminder to get Wii before Black Friday (and holiday season)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/final-reminder-to-get-wii-before-black-friday-and-holiday-seaso/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/final-reminder-to-get-wii-before-black-friday-and-holiday-seaso/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/final-reminder-to-get-wii-before-black-friday-and-holiday-seaso/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Associated Press has a a fantastically long-winded article that boils down to a very simple premise: If you are buying a Wii for the holidays, get one right now! The article has lovely quotes and fantastic figures, but all it's really trying to do is give a "red alert" to a mainstream audience that Wii will be scarce this holiday -- the BBC already did a similar story last week.

One man on the street interviewed by the AP was John Lawrence of Texas who said, "People have not gotten into the Christmas shopping mode. Once people get into that mindset, this is going to be an impossibility as it was last year." That's what we say too, but maybe people will listen if John Lawrence of Texas says it. So, if you're a parent reading this, or a nice sibling picking up a Wii for your kid brother/sister, try go picking one up today. You've got today to shop in relative peace while everyone is at the supermarket picking up supplies. All bets are off on Friday.

JoystiqFinal reminder to get Wii before Black Friday (and holiday season) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessshortagesupplywiiwii-shortagewiishortageWed, 21 Nov 2007 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Want a Zapper? Go to a store!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/want-a-zapper-go-to-a-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/want-a-zapper-go-to-a-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/want-a-zapper-go-to-a-store/#commentsFiled under:

One year ago, pretty much everyone failed to predict the success of the Wii. It looks like that may be happening on a smaller scale this week, as online retailers appear to already be out of Zapper/Link's Crossbow Training packs. The ones that aren't out of stock have yet to receive their stock, showing a release date of tomorrow.

As of right now, EB/GameStop, Amazon, CompUSA, Sears, and Wal-Mart are "backordered" or "out of stock." Buy.com, Target, and Circuit City list it as coming out tomorrow. Toys R Us, Outpost.com/Fry's, Best Buy, Micro Center and KMart refuse to acknowledge the peripheral's existence.

Basically, it looks like if you want one of these things, you're going to have to go outside. Try (the physical locations of) Wal-Mart, CompUSA or Sears where, if the in-store prices match the online prices, you'll be charged the MSRP rather than the premium $25 price some retailers are sticking on there. Of course, shark guns remain cheap and plentiful.

JoystiqWant a Zapper? Go to a store! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>shortageshortageszapperTue, 20 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest IV poised to cause riots, hair-pulling]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/dragon-quest-iv-poised-to-cause-riots-hair-pulling/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/dragon-quest-iv-poised-to-cause-riots-hair-pulling/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/dragon-quest-iv-poised-to-cause-riots-hair-pulling/#commentsFiled under: ,

Uh oh -- a Japanese retailer posted this sign, warning Dragon Quest devotees that supplies of Dragon Quest IV for the DS may be limited. The game, which goes on sale November 22, is likely to be somewhat popular in Japan, and retailer Tsutaya is encouraging people to pre-order as soon as possible, because there's not likely to be enough copies to go around.

This could become serious business; after all, no one wants to see cosplayers fighting it out in the streets. In the meantime, maybe we should start a betting pool on sales predictions ....

JoystiqDragon Quest IV poised to cause riots, hair-pulling originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-quest-ivpre-orderrpgshortagesquare-enixThu, 15 Nov 2007 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Shortages]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/wii-warm-up-shortages/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/wii-warm-up-shortages/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/wii-warm-up-shortages/#commentsFiled under:

Nearly a year into the release of the Wii, the shortages continue. Some areas enjoyed a little short-lived respite, but with the holidays around the corner, it seems that once again -- for a variety of possible reasons -- getting your hands on a Wii is about as common as spying a leprechaun in the wild.

As a Nintendo fan, does the continued demand for the console surprise you? Certainly, during the holidays, it makes sense; during November and December, it can be difficult to find a toothpick, much less a hot commodity, but it's not like this is new. Did you expect things might taper off a little? Nintendo seemed to expect it, even if you didn't, at least now that we've all gotten over the initial shock that came with everyone demanding a Wii.

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Shortages originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demandholidayshortagesupplyThu, 15 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC reminds that Wii supply is still an issue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/bbcs-friendly-reminder-that-wii-supply-is-still-an-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/bbcs-friendly-reminder-that-wii-supply-is-still-an-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/bbcs-friendly-reminder-that-wii-supply-is-still-an-issue/#commentsFiled under: ,


The BBC is letting the mainstream know that getting a Wii this holiday is going to be tough. They report retailers in London are having a hard time keeping up with demand and that they've been informed 3.5 million "extra" consoles are being shipped globally; however, they don't know how many of those will make it to the UK. Quick answer: Not many.

Essentially what this all boils down to is we're having holiday season '06 all over again with the Wii. Although the BBC is letting the general public know about this now, it's not like Nintendo hasn't been giving fair warning since April. They even reiterated the message of supply issues in September. No matter where you are on our little rock floating in space, if you want a Wii (or know somebody that does), just keep calling your local retailer to find out about their next shipment, because the difficulty in getting a Wii is going to ramp up exponentially starting next week.

JoystiqBBC reminds that Wii supply is still an issue originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>shortagewiiwii shortagewiishortageWed, 14 Nov 2007 12:55:00 EST