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[UK Kinect shortages not 'managed,' says Microsoft exec (but totally welcome, we presume)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/uk-kinect-shortages-not-managed-says-microsoft-exec-but-tota/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/uk-kinect-shortages-not-managed-says-microsoft-exec-but-tota/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/uk-kinect-shortages-not-managed-says-microsoft-exec-but-tota/#comments In the fall of 2006, global shortages of the Wii were met with accusations of "managed scarcity" - the polite way of saying that Nintendo was keeping inventory low to help weave a tale of unprecedented demand. Four years of steady sales (well ... let's agree on three-and-a-half) has helped clear Nintendo's good name; however, similar accusations are evidently being levied against Microsoft, which has been accused of managing shortages of the Kinect in the UK and Ireland to "stimulate demand," according to GamesIndustry.biz.

"Anyone who actually works in the business of producing new technology, especially hardware technology, will know that these things are never managed," general manager for Xbox in the UK and Ireland Neil Thompson told GI. "Everyone else loves to think that they're managed, but they will know it's not. It's a function of coming to market with a brand new innovation and you have to scale up."

With a goal of 5 million units in consumers' hands worldwide by the end of 2010, and a post-Black Friday milestone of 2.5 million already sold, Microsoft doesn't seem to be in the business of withholding inventory. Thompson said that the decision to launch in November was a "balance," and Kinect could have waited "until February, March when we could hit some bigger launch numbers but then we miss Christmas." Also to blame for any shortages at retailers: that worldwide release. Xbox UK marketing manager Stephen McGill told GI, "With Kinect we launched around the world in three weeks. That was a huge task. No region is being penalised."

As much as we want to trust a Microsoft marketing manager, we thought we'd instead conduct an entirely scientific poll to determine if there's any global concern with Kinect shortages.

View Poll

JoystiqUK Kinect shortages not 'managed,' says Microsoft exec (but totally welcome, we presume) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>KinectmicrosoftNeil-ThompsonshortagesxboxMon, 06 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop: Console shortages likely not fixed until summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/gamestop-console-shortages-likely-not-fixed-until-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/gamestop-console-shortages-likely-not-fixed-until-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/gamestop-console-shortages-likely-not-fixed-until-summer/#comments On the same conference call earlier this week in which it talked about its new rewards program, GameStop Executive VP of Merchandising, Tony Bartel, said that stores currently experiencing Wii and PlayStation 3 shortages probably won't find relief very soon. While the retailer is always bugging Sony and Nintendo for more units, Bartel said that GameStop "could sell a lot more hardware than what we have on both the PS3 and Wii platform," and that situation probably won't change until early summer of this year.

He did say that the Wii is due for a re-supply first, but he believes that both Nintendo and Sony are "still scrambling to catch up from the surge" of the last holiday season. But a shortage like this isn't unprecedented -- as we get closer to summer, we'll probably see new inventory appearing on shelves, ready to go home to a caring gamer.

JoystiqGameStop: Console shortages likely not fixed until summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>executive-vpgamestophardwarenintendosalesshortagessonytony-bartelWiiFri, 19 Mar 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony: PS3 supply to be 'tight' over coming months]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/sony-ps3-supply-to-be-tight-over-coming-months/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/sony-ps3-supply-to-be-tight-over-coming-months/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/sony-ps3-supply-to-be-tight-over-coming-months/#comments Sony's senior director of corporate communications Patrick Seybold issued a statement after last night's NPD numbers for January, explaining that the company's flagship console may be a bit difficult to find at retail over the next few months. "We're working very hard with our retail partners to meet consumer interest, but the demand is tremendously high for the PS3 and we expect tight inventory in the coming months," Seybold notes in the statement.

As this is the first we've heard about any sort of PlayStation 3 hardware shortages, we followed up with Seybold to make sure he wasn't only warning about future supply issues, but also explaining January's sales of the console. He told us: "Yes. The strong demand carrying through the holidays was evident and early in the month we [knew] there was going to be limited supply of the PS3 at retail in January. We're working closely with the retail channel to meet this demand, but expect tight supply for the coming months."

The upcoming supply issues may also be a result of Sony's "upcoming line up of the industry's most anticipated games" -- games like Heavy Rain, God of War 3, and ModNation Racers. Seybold additionally points out that "this momentum is fueled by a stellar holiday" and the recent releases of games like MAG and BioShock 2. We here at Joystiq have yet to see the shortages at our local brick-and-mortars, but feel free to let us know if you do!

JoystiqSony: PS3 supply to be 'tight' over coming months originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-2god-of-war-3hardware-shortageheavy-rainmagmodnation-racersnpdpatrick-seyboldshortagessonyFri, 12 Feb 2010 14:45:00 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[Hardware shortages blamed for Wii's underwhelming December]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/18/hardware-shortages-blamed-for-wiis-underwhelming-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/18/hardware-shortages-blamed-for-wiis-underwhelming-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/18/hardware-shortages-blamed-for-wiis-underwhelming-december/#commentsFiled under:

Let's make this clear: Wii sold a helluva lot of units in North America during December. 2.15 million consoles in a single month is a number Sony and Microsoft can only dream about right now, but there's no doubt that the figures weren't as grand as expected. He who is Pachter predicted the console would clear the 3 million mark, only for the platform to fall short by 850,000 units.

Why the lower-than-expected sales? As usual, analysts reckon they have the answer: more of those accursed hardware shortages. EEDAR's Jesse Divnich and Deutsche Bank analyst Jeetil Patel both believe demand outweighed supply for the third December running, with Divnich stating the Wii would have sold "north of 4 million units" if more consoles had been produced in time.

Phew, panic over! Wii's not the next N-Gage or anything!

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqHardware shortages blamed for Wii's underwhelming December originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystbusinessholidaze-2008jeetil-pateljesse-divnichnpdshortagesSun, 18 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Best Buy holding back Wiis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/rumor-best-buy-holding-back-wiis/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/rumor-best-buy-holding-back-wiis/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/rumor-best-buy-holding-back-wiis/#commentsFiled under:

Still stuck for a Wii this holiday season? Worried that little Jonny and Jenny will regard you as the WORST PARENT OF ALL TIME come Xmas morning?

Then know that there is still hope. A Go Nintendo tipster claims that his local Best Buy is clinging onto its Wiis until December 14. Come Sunday, the store will allegedly offer them out to customers with games bundled on top -- including Mario Kart Wii, which you should buy anyway, because it's a riot.

Sure, it's only a rumor, but a perfectly plausible one: Best Buy did something similarly sneaky last year. If you're still in the hunt for a Wii, we'd recommend a Best Buy visit this weekend.

JoystiqRumor: Best Buy holding back Wiis originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buychristmasholidaysmario-kart-wiiretailshortagesstockWed, 10 Dec 2008 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Looking for a Wii? Try Walmart.com]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/looking-for-a-wii-try-walmart-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/looking-for-a-wii-try-walmart-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/looking-for-a-wii-try-walmart-com/#commentsFiled under:


If you're on the hunt for a Wii this holiday season, then Walmart.com just might have you covered. The retail giant will supposedly be selling "tens of thousands" of Wiis starting now. If you're looking for just the console, or a bundle package, Walmart will have several different options available to consumers, starting with the console alone ($250) on up to a bundle package featuring Wii Fit ($460). Of course, now that the word is out, there might not be much time for you to nab one of your own. So we suggest you get to it.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqLooking for a Wii? Try Walmart.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessshortagesstock-supplywalmartwii-fitwii-saleswii-stockMon, 08 Dec 2008 15:42:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop repeats itself: Wii shortages likely]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/gamestop-repeats-itself-wii-shortages-likely/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/gamestop-repeats-itself-wii-shortages-likely/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/gamestop-repeats-itself-wii-shortages-likely/#commentsFiled under:


Yes, we posted about this before, but as the giant boulder that is the holiday season ominously thunders towards us, we may as well say it again: GameStop will probably have some major Wii shortages in the near future.

Chief financial officer David Carlson admitted in a conference call that the hardware "may be well out of stock by the holiday season," echoing another executive's recent claim that the 'Stop's inventory would be empty by the first week of December. He added that both Wii Fit and Guitar Hero: World Tour were "in very, very short supply" and "out of stock in many cases" respectively.

Obviously, plenty of other places sell Wiis, but if a major name like GameStop is running out of the things, you can bet they won't be alone. Unless you want to end up like Johnny and Orlando up there, get your skates on.

JoystiqGameStop repeats itself: Wii shortages likely originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbalance-boardchristmasexergaminggamestopguitar-heroguitar-hero-world-tourmusicshortagessportswii-fitFri, 21 Nov 2008 13:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamestop: Good luck getting a Wii this Christmas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/gamestop-good-luck-getting-a-wii-this-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/gamestop-good-luck-getting-a-wii-this-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/gamestop-good-luck-getting-a-wii-this-christmas/#commentsFiled under:


With Nintendo's supply of Wiis having remaining spectacularly insufficient for over two years now, we've considerably streamlined our process of blogging about the supremely successful system's shortages. Oh yes, it's all done by the computer now. We just plug in the names, the quote and some other snippets of relevant information.

[NAME: Carlson, David], who is the [Position: CFO] of [Company: Gamestop] has predicted another Christmas marked by shelf scouring and anguished cries, noting that Nintendo's sought-after sellout and [ADDITION: its Balance Board peripheral] would likely be out of stock by then. [QUOTE:"Wii Fit is in very, very short supply. It sells through as quickly as it hits the stores,"] he said. [And although the Wii hardware is in very good supply right now we believe it may as well be out of stock by the holiday season."]

Don't worry, all good things come to those who wait. And if you wait long enough, there might be something other than [EASY TARGET: Wii Music] to entertain you on your new toy.

JoystiqGamestop: Good luck getting a Wii this Christmas originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChristmasGamestopShortagesWiiWii-supplyFri, 21 Nov 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamestop VP says Wii supply will be 'much, much better' this holiday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/gamestop-vp-says-wii-supply-will-be-much-much-better-this-hol/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/gamestop-vp-says-wii-supply-will-be-much-much-better-this-hol/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/gamestop-vp-says-wii-supply-will-be-much-much-better-this-hol/#commentsFiled under:


We're getting some conflicting viewpoints on the Wii supply this holiday season from Gamestop's upper management. While CEO Dan DeMatteo is of the mind that there is no end in sight for Wii shortages, one of the company's vice presidents is telling us a different story. It's VP of Merchandising Bob McKenzie, to be exact, and he thinks that things this holiday will be ""much, much better than it has been the last two years."

McKenzie elaborated further, saying that he can't guarantee they "will be in stock every day throughout the holiday season," but feels confident that the "current flow we've seen coming from Nintendo on Wii hardware" will help them meet their business model. Some of our readers point out that they see Wii consoles sitting on shelves collecting dust all of the time, but what about areas with dense population such as major cities? Will they be seeing some relief finally? We guess we'll just have to wait and see how things go in the next couple of months.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqGamestop VP says Wii supply will be 'much, much better' this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessgamestopshortagessupplyvpFri, 19 Sep 2008 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamestop CEO: Wii shortages have no 'end in sight']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/gamestop-ceo-wii-shortages-have-no-end-in-sight/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/gamestop-ceo-wii-shortages-have-no-end-in-sight/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/gamestop-ceo-wii-shortages-have-no-end-in-sight/#commentsFiled under:


GameDaily recently sat down with GameStop CEO Dan DeMatteo to discuss, well, things that a CEO of a huge company would discuss. What is of note to us Wii enthusiasts, however, is his grim outlook for the future. He doesn't see store shelves stocked full of Wii consoles anytime soon, unfortunately. "I don't see a near-term end in sight for Wii shortages, not unless they really ramp up supply," DeMatteo said. "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."

This is only one man's opinion, but based on how much money he probably makes each year, we're sure his estimate is better than ours. So, for you holiday shoppers that have someone on your list asking for Wii, better get to hunting one down now. In little over a month, we're sure they're going to be a lot harder to track down.

JoystiqGamestop CEO: Wii shortages have no 'end in sight' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessholidaysalessalesfiguresshortagesstocksuppliessupplyTue, 09 Sep 2008 09:56:00 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[Wii Warm Up: Are you still looking?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/wii-warm-up-are-you-still-looking/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/wii-warm-up-are-you-still-looking/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/wii-warm-up-are-you-still-looking/#commentsFiled under:

We're coming up on the second anniversary of our favorite console this November, and with the supply of Wii consoles still not catching up with the demand, we were wondering how many of you out there are still hunting for a system still? Are you hunting one down for yourself or for somebody else? Already have one, had your folks try it, now they want you to find them one?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Are you still looking? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demandshortagesstocksupplyWed, 18 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reggie: Wii stock balance soon, Nintendo manufacturing more consoles each month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/reggie-wii-stock-balance-soon-nintendo-manufacturing-more-cons/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/reggie-wii-stock-balance-soon-nintendo-manufacturing-more-cons/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/reggie-wii-stock-balance-soon-nintendo-manufacturing-more-cons/#commentsFiled under:

Nintendo is apparently not blind to the pain Wii console shortages cause, now made that much more worse by the shortages of Wii Fit, the hot new exergaming bundle. Reggie wants us to know that they're working on fixing the situation, although they pretty much have no idea as to when things will be better. With their monthly output upped from 1.8 million units a month to 2.4, Nintendo is indeed trying.

"Currently, demand is higher than supply, but we believe we'll soon get back to a more balanced situation," says Nintendo's resident name-taker, ass-kicker Reggie Fils-Aime. Unfortunately, that's all he had to say on the situation, leaving us all in the dark as to when the supply will start meeting the demand. Until then, we're forced to keep checking in with retailers and trying to find one online.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqReggie: Wii stock balance soon, Nintendo manufacturing more consoles each month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assemblybusinessfactoryshortagesstockFri, 13 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Can't find the End of the World]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/cant-find-the-end-of-the-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/cant-find-the-end-of-the-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/cant-find-the-end-of-the-world/#commentsFiled under:


Searching, searching ... dang it all! Where's the Japanese cyberpunk Shibuya-themed trendy pop culture action-RPG when you need it? Gamers have been trying to find The World Ends With You on store shelves, but a meager shipment + critical acclaim = no game for you.

Square Enix has admitted this oversight, and released a statement to Joystiq explaining the lack of units. They felt the unique style of TWEWY was released in just the right place at just the right time. They were right -- but that still doesn't result in John Q DS getting the game! Square has confirmed that the next round of units will be arriving mid-June, so you'll have to twiddle your thumbs for a little longer. Relax - it's not the end of the world.

JoystiqCan't find the End of the World originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgjrpgretailshipmentshortagessquare-enixthe-world-ends-with-youTue, 03 Jun 2008 11:45:00 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[Iwata: No DS price cut this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/iwata-no-ds-price-cut-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/iwata-no-ds-price-cut-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/iwata-no-ds-price-cut-this-year/#commentsFiled under:

Well, we would think so, since the current price point of $129.99 seems to be far too small a hurdle to leap for those thinking of purchasing the handheld system. Nintendo is rolling in the dough, so if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?

"Our earnings projection for the year is not based on hardware price cuts, and I don't think we are going to need them," said Iwata. And we can't blame them, as demand for the Wii and DS looks like it could only be curbed by the announcement of a new handheld and console. Until that happens, it looks like consumers will need to get used to the price tag on each system, as well as not seeing them on shelves while shopping.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqIwata: No DS price cut this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscutmanpriceprice-cutshortagesstockFri, 25 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Toys R Us to have Wii this Sunday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/toys-r-us-to-have-wii-this-sunday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/toys-r-us-to-have-wii-this-sunday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/toys-r-us-to-have-wii-this-sunday/#commentsFiled under: ,


Well now, it looks like almost all retailers will have the Wii in stock this weekend, as following up on Circuit City's "deal" is Toys R Us with an ad of their own. You see, Toys R Us is advertising (see image above) that they'll also have the console in stock, alongside Mario Kart Wii, which releases this Sunday. There is a catch with the Toys R Us deal, however.

You'll have to put some legwork in, as securing yourself a console means you have to go down to your local Toys R Us and plunk down a $200 deposit. Once done, show up on Sunday with your receipt and you'll be one happy camper. But, hey, as annoying as it is to make two trips, it's far less annoying than having to buy a ridiculously overpriced bundle from Circuit City.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqToys R Us to have Wii this Sunday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-kartmario-kart-wiisalesshortagesstocktoys-r-ustoysrusThu, 24 Apr 2008 14:15:00 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[Pachter: Shortages coming to an end later this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/pachter-shortages-coming-to-an-end-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/pachter-shortages-coming-to-an-end-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/pachter-shortages-coming-to-an-end-later-this-year/#commentsFiled under:

Michael Pachter is at it again. This time, of all people, he spoke with a writer for the Dallas Morning News. Now, we're not experts in this institution that reports real world news, but we do know that video game news tends to usually fall below their radar. But they care about the Wii because, well, everyone and their grandmother bought one.

Regardless, Pachter did, and he is saying that those of us in the U.S. need to blame it on the rain the Brits. You see, his estimation is that due to the weak U.S. dollar and high demand for the console in the UK, Nintendo has been shipping more consoles over there because they profit more from sales in that country. This has supposedly been the reason that store shelves in the U.S. still don't have the console stocked.

His belief is that the console will be more readily available in the U.S. later on this year, when the dollar is expected to bounce back some. Based on the fact that the console released over a year ago, though, we're not going to hold our breath.

[Thanks, Matt!]

JoystiqPachter: Shortages coming to an end later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessmichael-pachterpachtershortagesstocksuppliessupplyukMon, 31 Mar 2008 17:00:00 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[Microsoft expects Feb. 360 sales to trail PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/microsoft-expects-feb-360-sales-to-trail-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/microsoft-expects-feb-360-sales-to-trail-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/microsoft-expects-feb-360-sales-to-trail-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Delivering the giant corporation version of you may want to sit down for this, Xbox group product manager, Aaron Greenberg, has predicted less-than-stellar sales results for the American Xbox 360 during February. Beating the NPD Group to the forthcoming bad news punch, Greenberg told Reuters that continued supply problems would likely place the system behind Sony's monolith for the second month in a row.

"We definitely expect we will trail in February as a result of our supply constraints," said Greenberg. Things are expected to improve in April, however, with "a very healthy inventory situation" setting the table for Grand Theft Auto IV's trumpeted arrival.

JoystiqMicrosoft expects Feb. 360 sales to trail PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Grand-Theft-AutoGrandTheftAutoGTA-IVGTA4GTAIVMSFTNPDPS3ShortagesXbox-360Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft acknowledges Xbox 360 shortages in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/microsoft-acknowledges-xbox-360-shortages-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/microsoft-acknowledges-xbox-360-shortages-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/microsoft-acknowledges-xbox-360-shortages-in-us/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you've been having trouble tracking down an Xbox 360 (and we've heard from a handful of you on our tips line), Reuters physically grabbed a hold of marketing veep Jeff Bell and wrung some answers out of him. Bell told Reuters that Microsoft "misjudged" post-holiday demand which lead to ongoing outages at retailers nationwide. This has, understandably, upset some retailers.

But retailers aren't the only ones missing those boxes, Bell also worries the shortages "will have an impact on [their] sales." We'll find out precisely how many units they managed to sell in January later today, when the monthly NPD report fills us with enough stats to make our little green and red arrow generator perk up. To jog your failing memory: Microsoft sold 770K consoles in November, a 110% increase from the previous month, and then a whopping 1.26m in December, a generous 64% increase. Easy now, arrows. It won't be long. Be patient ...

JoystiqMicrosoft acknowledges Xbox 360 shortages in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MicrosoftretailshortagesXbox-360Thu, 14 Feb 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop clarifies Wii Reservation program details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/gamestop-clarifies-wii-reservation-program-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/gamestop-clarifies-wii-reservation-program-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/gamestop-clarifies-wii-reservation-program-details/#commentsFiled under:


Gamasutra has received some clarification on GameStop's Wii Reservation program, which Reggie Fils-Aime first announced during a conference call.

Unlike our previous report stated, Wii reservations will only be taken this Friday, December 21st, and can only be placed in person at any GameStop or EB Games location in the US. The reservation will cost the full price of the Wii console ($249.99 USD plus tax), and the reservation slips come in DVD cases with an image of the Wii and Mario on the front, with Mario cheerily stating "Happy Holidays! Your Wii is on the way!" Gee. Thanks, Mario.

Reservation slips are limited at each location, though exact numbers have not been given. Only one reservation is available per household, and each customer will receive a phone call in January once their Wii is available for pick-up. All reserved consoles must be picked up by January 25th, 2008. Who's betting on long lines for these tiny slips of paper?

JoystiqGameStop clarifies Wii Reservation program details originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopholidaysnintendoreservationsretailshortagesWiiWed, 19 Dec 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stores worried about their DS supply]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/stores-worried-about-their-ds-supply/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/stores-worried-about-their-ds-supply/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/stores-worried-about-their-ds-supply/#commentsFiled under:


There's always a lot of discussion about what the hot gift to get each holiday season will be, a dubious honor held by toys like Tickle Me Elmo, the PlayStation 2 and Furbies. It seems though that the question this year, last year and at least a few years into the future will be easily answerable with "whatever Nintendo's making." This holiday dominance was highlighted by Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Amie who recently told Reuters, "the DS continues to perform exceptionally well, with some retailers voicing concerns about DS inventory going into the holiday."

Reggie doesn't appear to blowing smoke, either. A quick check of a few online retailers showed all or almost all of the portable's SKUs out of stock. This doesn't come as a complete surprise though, as the Reg hinted that things might get tight closer to the Yule. So just consider this an FYI: If you were planning on gifting a DS this holiday season you may want to get on it.

JoystiqStores worried about their DS supply originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSholidazenintendoreggiereggie-fils-amieshortagesTue, 18 Dec 2007 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumour: Brits head to France for Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/rumour-brits-head-to-france-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/rumour-brits-head-to-france-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/rumour-brits-head-to-france-for-wii/#commentsFiled under: ,


Are England's gamers Chunneling their way to Wii ownership? They are according to British tabloid The Daily Mirror, which reports that the English are desperate enough for their Wii's to travel to another country for them.

According to the Mirror, the French city of Calais has seen British shoppers lining up outside of its electronics stores to snag the oft-coveted console. The Channel Tunnel train arrives in France near the coastal city, where many shops have instituted a "one oui Wii per customer" policy. Despite the shortages seen in the States and in England, the Nintendo Wii can still be readily found in France. Good news for the English. And how nice for the French, too!

JoystiqRumour: Brits head to France for Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>francerumorsshortagesukWiiWed, 12 Dec 2007 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo to pull advertising in the wake of Wii shortages]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/nintendo-to-pull-advertising-in-the-wake-of-wii-shortages/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/nintendo-to-pull-advertising-in-the-wake-of-wii-shortages/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/nintendo-to-pull-advertising-in-the-wake-of-wii-shortages/#commentsFiled under: ,


How serious is Nintendo about the Wii shortages? Serious enough to pull some of its advertising for the console, admitting that demand far exceeds supply, and further admitting that advertising a virtually unavailable product just doesn't fit with the holiday spirit.

The UK-based Times Online reports that Nintendo plans on moving some of its already-scheduled Wii advertising to early 2008, citing unprecedented demand for the console as the main factor in its retail vanishing act. It's the same story we've heard before -- that Nintendo is working at full capacity, pumping Wii's out as fast as possible in order to sate the insatiable consumer demand.

Pulling advertising, however, is an entirely new move. A Nintendo spokesman told Times Online that the ads were being pushed back to 2008 in an attempt to "act responsibly." Charles Dickens would be proud.

JoystiqNintendo to pull advertising in the wake of Wii shortages originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingholidaysnintendoshortagesWiiFri, 07 Dec 2007 15:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Wired wants to help you shop for a Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/wired-wants-to-help-you-shop-for-a-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/wired-wants-to-help-you-shop-for-a-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/wired-wants-to-help-you-shop-for-a-wii/#commentsFiled under:


Wired has posted a guide to getting a Wii before Christmas, and -- spoiler -- no matter how you do it, it's going to involve misery. Sorry, people trying to buy Wiis! There are holiday Wii giftgivers among the Wii Fanboy staff (naturally), so believe us when we say we sympathize. Whether getting to a store early Sunday morning to buy out someone's place in line, or reconnoitering the store to determine their shipment schedules, the message is clear: the Wii may be the cheapest console available, but you'll pay for it in time.

Or, the article reminds us, you can pay for it in the more traditional manner: by paying for it. We hate the idea, but you could always suck it up and pay the premium to buy a Wii from some jerk on eBay.

At the very least, Chris Kohler's guide gives you hints about which stores to avoid (the specialty game retailers we generally avoid anyway). It's worth perusing if you're a Wii hunter.

JoystiqWired wants to help you shop for a Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasshortagesWed, 05 Dec 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[British retailers going bundle crazy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/british-retailers-going-bundle-crazy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/british-retailers-going-bundle-crazy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/british-retailers-going-bundle-crazy/#commentsFiled under:



Over at the always entertaining UK: Resistance, resident jaded cynic Cmdr_Zorg has a few strong words to say about certain UK retailers, specifically those who refuse to play fair when it comes to the increasingly rare Wii.

The source of Zorg's chagrin? That said merchants are now using the insane popularity of the Wii and crippling shortages to flog desperate consumers bundles which are, to put it charitably, a load of old bumwash. Electronics chain Dixons is one of the culprits in this growing trend, with its cheapest Wii bundle clocking in at £350 ($725). All have sold out, presumably to people who would normally have lol'd heartily at the idea of buying Smarty Pants.

Admittedly, some of the bundles being offered by Dixons contain titles that every one of us should own, but that's not the point: let us make those decisions!

JoystiqBritish retailers going bundle crazy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleseuropehardwareout-of-stockrip-offshortagessmarty-pantssmartypantsukunited-kingdomWed, 28 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision CEO says $199 price point is 'critical']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/activision-ceo-says-199-price-point-is-critical/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/activision-ceo-says-199-price-point-is-critical/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/activision-ceo-says-199-price-point-is-critical/#commentsFiled under:

Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has some ideas on how things get done in the industry. To him, price is critical to the success of a console, he explained to Reuters. And, while we agree that a lower cost is going to help a console on the shelf, ultimately we believe the console's games and features are what help it stand out the most.

Bobby K (as he's lovingly known here around the offices) said "The Wii at its price point is now setting a standard and an expectation, and people say, well, the Wii is less complex technically. I don't think that really matters as much to the consumer." He went on further to discuss Sony's PS3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360 systems, stating "In the next 24 months they all will need to be at that $199 price point, and you can imagine Nintendo will be down to the $129 price point over the next few years."

Now, obviously Nintendo has no reason to cut the price on their system since, well, not even the folks working the assembly lines can seem to find one (we imagine they disappear in a cloud of smoke upon completion at the factory). But, that doesn't mean that we won't entertain opinions on when you think the console will lower itself in price.

So, what do you think?

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqActivision CEO says $199 price point is 'critical' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 22:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionceomicrosoftpriceps3shortagessonysupplyxbox360Tue, 27 Nov 2007 22:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo denies PR-ing Wii shortages]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/nintendo-denies-pr-ing-wii-shortages/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/nintendo-denies-pr-ing-wii-shortages/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/nintendo-denies-pr-ing-wii-shortages/#commentsFiled under:



When two identically worded stories regarding Wii shortages popped up on the internets yesterday, suspicious types dared to suggest that Nintendo's PR department may have had a hand in cynically milking the Wii drought.

The articles in question, located here and here, appeared on the sites of two UK newspapers, national tabloid The Sun and London daily The Evening Standard. Different titles aside, both are indeed exactly the same. So, what's going on? Ninty explained all in an email to the chaps at Maxconsole, which y'all can find after the break. We like to think that the grammatical error early on is simply down to Nintendo being so damn mad that it punched out its response while in a blind, frothy fit of rage.

Continue reading Nintendo denies PR-ing Wii shortages

JoystiqNintendo denies PR-ing Wii shortages originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PRshortagesspinukTue, 27 Nov 2007 11:15:00 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[Brits can't find Wii for love nor money]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/brits-cant-find-wii-for-love-nor-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/brits-cant-find-wii-for-love-nor-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/brits-cant-find-wii-for-love-nor-money/#commentsFiled under:

Nintendo might well be cracking the whip on the Wii production line, but pretty much everybody still seems to be feeling the pinch of shortages. UK shoppers, for example, are becoming increasingly desperate for the console, with online retailers now getting in the region of 100,000 requests a day from panicky, possibly hyperventilating Brits.

Meanwhile, Amazon's UK arm recently sold 1,000 machines in under 10 minutes, while the console on its own is typically going for around £300 ($615) on eBay. In other words, Wii fever is hitting some quite ridiculous heights on this side of the pond, and if Reggie is to be believed, things ain't going to get any better in the immediate future.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqBrits can't find Wii for love nor money originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europehardwareout-of-stocksalesshortagesukunited-kingdomTue, 20 Nov 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Target ad says Wiis in stores today or Tuesday? [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/27/target-ad-says-wiis-in-stores-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/27/target-ad-says-wiis-in-stores-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/27/target-ad-says-wiis-in-stores-tuesday/#commentsFiled under:

To get the most enjoyment out of Wii Fanboy, well, you need a Wii. Really, the site's a lot better when you can care about the screenshots and game announcements. Now, we realize the Wii can be hard to find, so we understand why some of you haven't been enjoying the site in its fullest.

A Wii Fanboy friend just reported that his Target in Edmond, Oklahoma was advertising Wii consoles for sale Tuesday. We don't know how many, or if this applies to all Target stores. But, just in case, wait until Tuesday morning to go buy toothpaste, and check for Wiis while you're there. If you're the type of roguish loner who doesn't need an excuse to go somewhere, just go there Tuesday.

Anyone else see Wii announcements in their Targets? The weekly ad has a listing for the Wii, but no indication of whether or not it'll be in stores.

[Update: The ad might actually have been referring to today, in which case they're all gone! Might as well go check, we suppose. A couple of readers found them in stores today. Thanks to the readers who pointed this out.]

[Thanks, Zack!]

JoystiqTarget ad says Wiis in stores today or Tuesday? [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 May 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiisalesalesshipmentshipmentsshortageshortagesstoretargetwiiSun, 27 May 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sell your messed-up DS Phat in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/sell-your-messed-up-ds-phat-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/sell-your-messed-up-ds-phat-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/sell-your-messed-up-ds-phat-in-japan/#commentsFiled under:


Demand for the DS and DS Lite show no signs of abating. Japanese retailers are sitting on such a goldmine that they can get away with putting stuff like this on the shelves: a scratched, stylus-free, filth-ridden DS, yours for only $100!

Box? Instruction manual? Get out of here! Gift wrapping extra. Store takes no responsibility if your kids get beaten up in the playground, or your partner leaves you for someone who knows crap when they see it. We'll take three. Do they come in candy pink?

JoystiqSell your messed-up DS Phat in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2007 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrokenDSjapanNintendoNintendo DSNintendoDssalesshortageshortagesstorestoresusedMon, 07 May 2007 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo decides to make some more Wiis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/nintendo-decides-to-make-some-more-wiis/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/nintendo-decides-to-make-some-more-wiis/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/nintendo-decides-to-make-some-more-wiis/#commentsFiled under:

Not sure if you guys have heard about this, since it doesn't really get much press, but apparently it's been hard to purchase Wii systems in stores. We know-- we're surprised too, but it seems that Nintendo's supply hasn't been sufficient to meet demand.

In a statement given to GamesIndustry.biz, a Nintendo representative said that they are (finally) going to increase global production, with a goal of producing 14 million systems in this fiscal year. Hopefully they don't all end up in Japan! If this bears out, and Nintendo finally does get around to speeding up production, this may mean the end of availability as we know them.

JoystiqNintendo decides to make some more Wiis originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiiproductionsalesshortageshortageswiiThu, 26 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Continued shortages and our periodic check-in]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/wii-warm-up-continued-shortages-and-our-periodic-check-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/wii-warm-up-continued-shortages-and-our-periodic-check-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/wii-warm-up-continued-shortages-and-our-periodic-check-in/#commentsFiled under:



Every now and then, we just have to ask -- if you've been looking for a Wii, have you found one yet? Have you given in to bundles just to get it over with? Give us a status update! And in general, we'd love to hear about demand where you are. Are random people (read: not gamers) still crowing about the Wii where you live? Have the shortages seemed to have an affect -- good or bad -- on the desires of the masses? Some people think the demand will wear down eventually, but the commercials and word of mouth seem to be fueling a continued momentum.

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Continued shortages and our periodic check-in originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demandKaplanMarioNintendoshortagessupplyWiiwwuThu, 12 Apr 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Europe promises Wii production boost, how nice]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/15/nintendo-europe-promises-wii-production-boost/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/15/nintendo-europe-promises-wii-production-boost/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/15/nintendo-europe-promises-wii-production-boost/#commentsFiled under: ,

Shortly before pointing out that the sky is blue and that oxygen is a somewhat necessary element for the continuation of human life, Nintendo Europe's Laurent Fischer has confessed to Gamesindustry.biz that the console maker is "still struggling to deliver the right numbers of hardware to cope with demand." The senior marketing director cites the "recruiting power of the Wii" which is "more powerful than anyone had guessed." Apparently, looking for a Wii means going up against some sort of surprise Nintendo militia.

When will these silly shortages end? Fischer offers no clue, but explains that it'll take more than a couple of days (more than ninety, at least). "We're planning to increase the production capacity but it's not something that can be done in a couple of days. We have to be patient." One can only hope patience production amongst consumers remains steady while Nintendo replenishes their critical duct tape supply.

JoystiqNintendo Europe promises Wii production boost, how nice originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Laurent FischerLaurentFischerNintendoNintendo EuropeNintendoEuropeshortagesWiiWii productionWiiProductionThu, 15 Mar 2007 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 complexity could hinder yields]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/01/ps3-complexity-could-hinder-yields/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/01/ps3-complexity-could-hinder-yields/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/01/ps3-complexity-could-hinder-yields/#commentsFiled under:

That's a fancy way of saying analysts don't think Sony can make enough oh so complicated machines to keep their well-heeled fans happy this Holiday season. Having suffered through manufacturing-related shortages ourselves, the Xbox 360 community looks forward to feeling their fanboy pain--while we kick back and play Gears of War.

[Thanks SuicideNinja]

JoystiqPS3 complexity could hinder yields originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Jul 2006 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console warsConsoleWarsmanufacturingps3shortagesSat, 01 Jul 2006 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheaper PS3 loses HDMI, slots, Wi-Fi, 40GB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/09/cheaper-ps3-loses-hdmi-slots-wi-fi-40gb/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/09/cheaper-ps3-loses-hdmi-slots-wi-fi-40gb/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/09/cheaper-ps3-loses-hdmi-slots-wi-fi-40gb/#commentsFiled under:

PS3 SKU comparison montage
As you can see above, there are a few things different between the two PS3 SKUs planned. (Hint: the obvious alterations concern high-def output and wireless connectivity -- though Bluetooth controllers should work just fine with both, with or without any chrome case highlighting.)

So what's HDMI, built-in multimedia card-reader slots, wireless internet connectivity, and an extra 40 gigabytes' hard disk space worth to you? $100? Now that Sony's gone with the 2-SKU approach with its next-gen hardware (a la the Xbox 360's premium and "Core" systems), we can expect some tough consumer choices after six months -- with console shortages possibly for another six months after that -- as $100 separates the base $499 and premium $599 versions of Sony's "Clear Black" hope.

HDMI is important to those who want to take full advantage of Blu-ray high def and have the new screens to use it; MemoryStick, SD, and CompactFlash slots would be nice for the PS3 memory-card users and those will run multimedia on the system; Wi-Fi's the only way to avoid stringing ethernet cables for online access; and 360 owners might appreciate the full 60GB available to potential buyers of the premium PS3 model. Neither model comes with a second HDMI port; thankfully, one should hopefully be all most users need. The details are laid out in a feature-comparison table at the end of Sony's official PS3 hardware press release, available in both Adobe Reader and Microsoft Word formats. Determine what's most important to your PS3 ambitions there.

[Image pieced together from the PlayStation.com forums; thanks, Guru]

JoystiqCheaper PS3 loses HDMI, slots, Wi-Fi, 40GB originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 May 2006 03:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>$100$499$500$599$6002-SKU20GB36040 GB40Gb6 months60GB6MonthsaccessAdobe ReaderAdobeReaderalterationsambitionambitionsbaseBlu-rayBluetoothbuilt-inbuyerbuyerscablecablescard readercard-readerCardReadercaseCFcheapcheaperchoicechoiceschromeClear BlackClearBlackCompact FlashCompactFlashcomparisoncomparisonsconnectivityconsolecontrollercontrollersCorecustomerdifferentethernetexpensivefeaturefeature-comparisonfeaturesformatformatsforumforumshard diskhard driveHardDiskHardDrivehardwareHDHDMIhigh-defhighlighthighlightinghighlightsimage montageImageMontageimportantinternetmemory cardMemory Stickmemory-cardMemoryCardMemoryStickMicrosoft WordMicrosoftWordmodelmodelsmontagemore expensiveMoreExpensivemultimedianext-genofficialomissionsonlineoutputpotentialpremiumpress releasePressReleasePS3ReaderscreenscreensSDSecure DigitalSecureDigitalshortageshortagessix monthsSixMonthsSKUSKUsslotslotsSonySony'sspacesystemsystemsuserusersWi-FiWiFiwirelessWordXboxXbox 360Xbox360Tue, 09 May 2006 03:32:00 EST