Wii sells out across Japan

[score]

Gamespot (http://uk.gamespot.com/) Writes:

While North America had its Nintendo Wii launch almost two weeks ago, Japan finally came in for its share of Wii madness this weekend. Some 400,000 units of the console were available on the console's December 2 launch day, with 600,000 more units slated to ship in Japan by the end of the year. However, given the large amount of interest in the console--which Nintendo has flogged with a TV-ad blitz for the past two months--demand is expected to be much higher than supply.
Read More (http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6162631.html?sid=6162631)

I don't think anyone will be surprised by this news. Along with the 600,000 units sold in the U.S, this puts the Wii over the million mark, in just over two weeks...

[LilEvilFish]

Having spoken to the Gamestation staff here in the UK, they've fullfilled all their preorders. Each store is getting 30 Wii consoles for the launch night. They have stores all over the country and I wouldn't be surprised if they were all saying the same.

[31 Flavas]

Hm... So Evil said 2 million sold by the end of the year was bullshit and 4 million (shipped or sold) was a complete farce.

[Kem0sabe]

Nintendo will move 2 million units before years end... easily.

[LexeL]

more like before the end of next Sunday.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

I'm going down to one of the midnight launches here on wednesday night just to hang out for fun and confuse the clerks by only buying controllers.

[Savok]

Australia (and I think the rest of PAL) get the Wii on the 7th, so expect the number to jump again around that time.

[Mister Pie]

Well, now I'm thinking that I might not be able to pick one of these up over Christmas break like I originally planned.

[Rook34]

They would probably have sold all 4 million in one weekend if they actually had it in stock. I get about 70 calls a day for it. I really wish I could just hit a button to play a recorded message.

[MoJoBehaumat]

you know for once I tried to down play the hype for the Wii simply because of the last 2 console launches had either failed to show up. or stumbled out the gate.

now the one time I do nintendo is actually making sense and the games are fun if not addicting. so far I have only played Zelda and Red Steel. both are fun to play and I'm looking forward with high hopes for the Wii. now for all the right reasons.

[klwolf]

nintendo was the only company that came through with what they promised to deliver to their fans

[gojira]

It's gonna be a sad, cold Christmas for Sony.

I'm sure that the PS3 will eventually take the lead in the next gen console wars, but I think it's gonna be a longer and tougher battle than anyone anticipated. BlueRay and the cell are going to be a boat anchor around the neck of the PS3, keeping prices high and slowing sales. And they may not get anywhere near as much lead as they had with the PS2 too.

Time will tell...

[MajSheppard]

Question: If they are planing on shipping a million to Japan alone by years end, and America has gotten over 600k already. Where are the rest of the 4 million coming from?? Are Austraila and Europe getting more units then Japan? Are they aiming for 1 million per territory, or just 4 million straight?

It just seems like it would be wise to send the majority of the units where the demand would be highest.

[Johan]

OMG...they sold out in Japan??!! ;)

Any Japanese console sells out in Japan. It's only Americans who can't see a console in Japan!

Nintendo will probably hit 3 million by the end of the year, but I doubt four million. Possible, but we'll see...they are doing very well!!!

[MajSheppard]

nintendo was the only company that came through with what they promised to deliver to their fans


Naw, Xbox fans got what they wanted for sure. I tell you the only people getting hosed are Sony fans.

IMO they have been getting hosed since the PS2 was launched. They just don't know it.

[Kem0sabe]

Question: If they are planing on shipping a million to Japan alone by years end, and America has gotten over 600k already. Where are the rest of the 4 million coming from?? Are Austraila and Europe getting more units then Japan? Are they aiming for 1 million per territory, or just 4 million straight?

It just seems like it would be wise to send the majority of the units where the demand would be highest.


i don't think they said they would ship 4 million this year, but within their launch window into next year. I can see them moving 4 million within the first quarter of 2007.

[MajSheppard]

Well, now I'm thinking that I might not be able to pick one of these up over Christmas break like I originally planned.


I hate to rub it in, but since it is a message board I will.

I had to defend preordering a Wii to people and going crazy waiting for the right to preorder. When all was said and done, it was the right move.

I cannot stress enough how much this Console has rejuvinated my love of console video games. I was down to playing the big game every year some NHL and NFL 2k games and some budget titles months after they were released. The DS was the only system getting love, instead I would be playing alot of Civilization, watching more TV, and basically reading these boards.

Now I have bought six actual Wii games and a slew of VC games. I am enjoying them all and recomend them to anyone. I have already put in over 140 hours of game time into the system and anyone who picks up and plays with me, instantly wants one.

I say this console is a huge success. My mind is made up, now as I learned John Q Public needs to come to the same decision to keep the system healthy for me.

[MajSheppard]

i don't think they said they would ship 4 million this year, but within their launch window into next year. I can see them moving 4 million within the first quarter of 2007.

I know I read somewhere they were planing on shipping 4 million worldwide by years end, and they are on pace to do it Mr. Evil.

[31 Flavas]

Question: If they are planing on shipping a million to Japan alone by years end, and America has gotten over 600k already. Where are the rest of the 4 million coming from?? Are Austraila and Europe getting more units then Japan? Are they aiming for 1 million per territory, or just 4 million straight?I don't think there are hard numbers for each territory, aside from Nintendo saying that North America would get "the lions share" of systems.

If I had to guess, i'd say the US would be getting 1.5 million, Japan and Europe a million each, and .5 million to australia and the rest.

[31 Flavas]

i don't think they said they would ship 4 million this year, but within their launch window into next year. I can see them moving 4 million within the first quarter of 2007.Reggie Fils-Aime in this thread (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21634) say it's by Dec 31st. And its about the 3rd or 4th time NOA has said such. So that's what I'll hold them to.

[Savok]

Well they're more on track for their target then Sony ever was at any rate. Even if they come up short, it'll of been a fine effort.

[anakin876]

I hate to rub it in, but since it is a message board I will.

I had to defend preordering a Wii to people and going crazy waiting for the right to preorder. When all was said and done, it was the right move.


I hate to be one to rub it in as well - but I got my console with a zero wait time release day. I ran up to the door from my car and got the last ticket for the last Wii they had in store. Yes, I did get lucky, but I also got one without waiting or preordering on release day.

[Captain Awesome]

This is great for Nintendo. Especially all the shit they got from both the hardcore public and even publications for not making an all-in-one media device like MS and Sony.

I don't have one yet, but at some point I'd like to have one. It looks like Nintendo's DS base easily flocked to the Wii. It's cool seeing a company stick to their guns and have it work out for them. People said the same thing about the DS, that it would fail as soon as it launched.

[KingGorilla]

Nintendo is determined to reclaim Japan from Sony. And they are well poised to do it.

[Achilles]

In the long term I think it’ll probably sell better in Japan than it will in the US. Once the hype dies down in a few months I expect sales to drop off in the US (they’ll drop off anyway because Christmas will be over, but you know what I mean), in Japan it could be like a second DS and dominate the charts.

My prediction a year ago was that 360 will win everywhere but Japan and the Wii will win Japan, leaving the PS3 second place in both areas. Now I’m not even sure if the PS3 can manage that given how badly they’ve bungled it. There's actually an opening for the 360 to be second in Japan.

[MajSheppard]

My prediction a year ago was that 360 will win everywhere but Japan and the Wii will win Japan, leaving the PS3 second place in both areas. Now I’m not even sure if the PS3 can manage that given how badly they’ve bungled it. There's actually an opening for the 360 to be second in Japan.
Actually I think it far more likely for Wii to be second in America then 360 to be second in Japan. I am thinking Nintendo could be number one worldwide now. I really don't care as long as games keep coming for my system, and Sony comes in last. I hate them for what they have done to their consumers and their general arrogance. Love to see them get knocked down several pegs.

Just enough for them to sell their stake in movie and tv studios as they suck at running them.

[Oskin]

Well i'm not surprise at all, I went to my uncle's house tonight and all my family was there! I had the brilliant idea to bring my Nintendo Wii and Wii sports... I had to stop them at like midnight ;) Even my grand-mother had fun playing bowling hehe... Nintendo should pay me haha I just sold at least 2 Wii tonight

[anakin876]

Well i'm not surprise at all, I went to my uncle's house tonight and all my family was there! I had the brilliant idea to bring my Nintendo Wii and Wii sports... I had to stop them at like midnight ;) Even my grand-mother had fun playing bowling hehe... Nintendo should pay me haha I just sold at least 2 Wii tonight

Damn you! 2 less Wii for me to find!

[31 Flavas]

I hope that Nintendo continues to release "Wii Sports" and "Wii Play" type of titles. I mean, I do enjoy Zelda, Rayman, RedSteel, and will enjoy Mario Galxay when it comes out. But I hope that these simple fun games that use the Mii's don't get dropped or abandond along the way.

[anakin876]

But I hope that these simple fun games that use the Mii's don't get dropped or abandond along the way.

I had a ton of fun the other night with some friends. We were up until 1:30am playing golf, bowling, baseball, and tennis. The Wii sports games are great.

[bitwise]

Other notable EA headlines:

Water is wet.
Kittens are adorable.
Alaska to be cold this winter.

[mister_slim]

I hope that Nintendo continues to release "Wii Sports" and "Wii Play" type of titles. I mean, I do enjoy Zelda, Rayman, RedSteel, and will enjoy Mario Galxay when it comes out. But I hope that these simple fun games that use the Mii's don't get dropped or abandond along the way.
WarioWare comes out same day as Wii Play. I don't know if it uses the Mii, but I think they're supporting 8 or so players in multiplayer.

[BlackPete]

I hope that Nintendo continues to release "Wii Sports" and "Wii Play" type of titles. I mean, I do enjoy Zelda, Rayman, RedSteel, and will enjoy Mario Galxay when it comes out. But I hope that these simple fun games that use the Mii's don't get dropped or abandond along the way.

I'm in total agreement with you on that one. The most-used game on my DS these days is.... wait for it... Clubhouse Games. Sure all the Marios, Metroids, etc. are all slick 'n sexy, but when it comes to casual gaming just for sheer enjoyment, it's hard to beat the classics.

I'm hoping for a re-make (if not a port) of Clubhouse Games for the Wii (especially with online goodness).

[Serapth]

In the long term I think it’ll probably sell better in Japan than it will in the US. Once the hype dies down in a few months I expect sales to drop off in the US (they’ll drop off anyway because Christmas will be over, but you know what I mean), in Japan it could be like a second DS and dominate the charts.

My prediction a year ago was that 360 will win everywhere but Japan and the Wii will win Japan, leaving the PS3 second place in both areas. Now I’m not even sure if the PS3 can manage that given how badly they’ve bungled it. There's actually an opening for the 360 to be second in Japan.


I tend to agree. I think Wii's sales will be completely front loaded. On other words, everyone that is inlove with the pre-hype, picked one up already. Then anyone that tried someone elses and liked it, will pick one up as they are available. That said, once that happens I think you will see sales tank. Unlike the PS3 and Xbox 360, they wont have many "lets wait for the first or second price cut" sales down the road. Its already a cheap system ( cost wise ) and as time goes on and HDTVs get more popular, the Wii will sell less.

That said, its not a big deal. Selling a ton of consoles upfront means there is an owner base right off the hop that will make developers support the system. Even if in the end they dont hit number one, from the initial boom they will get an installed base quick enough, to ensure major support from 3rd parties all along. I just dont see anyone really buying a Wii in the 3rd or 4th year, until it drops to 99$ with a bundle of games, like the gamecube is now.

[Johan]

By the third or fourth year, people could be totally bummed by its outdated graphics.

Or, it could be #1 overall for gameplay reasons...just for being fun!

Who knows? :)

[Savok]

The original Game Boy went strong for 10 years, beating back anything and everything that tried to take its crown.

[Serapth]

The original Game Boy went strong for 10 years, beating back anything and everything that tried to take its crown.


You mean the Game boy, er, Gameboy color, er, Gameboy Advance? ;) Not exactly like it stayed standing still.


Hmmmmmmm..... hadnt considered that. Nintendo has zero issue with making a new version of an existing device that is 100% backward compatible but not forward compatible. I wonder if we could see a Wii HD in 2 - 3 years, that still plays all Wii games, but also has more power and full HD support. Then 2-3 years later, a new version with more bells and whistles. Given their low ( compared to PS3/360premium ) price, I think they could get away with it too.

That said, it would piss me off.

[Savok]

Game Boy came out in 1989.

Game Boy Color, 1998.

You continue to solidify my case for putting you on ignore.

[Serapth]

EDIT:

Not worth replying. Waste of time and effort.

[RMan]

I tend to agree. I think Wii's sales will be completely front loaded. On other words, everyone that is inlove with the pre-hype, picked one up already. Then anyone that tried someone elses and liked it, will pick one up as they are available. That said, once that happens I think you will see sales tank. Unlike the PS3 and Xbox 360, they wont have many "lets wait for the first or second price cut" sales down the road. Its already a cheap system ( cost wise ) and as time goes on and HDTVs get more popular, the Wii will sell less.
There are some rather large holes in your logic. You’re applying the negative aspects of the current systems to the Wii. First off, the people that bought into the “hype” and picked up one are pretty much the core gamers, because they’re the ones that actually know about it. As time goes on, the Wii will become known to people outside the core market, and get more sales because of it. This is something that will not happen much with the PS3 or 360, it’s market knows about them and what they’re about. This concept of running out of buyers is far more likely to happen with the 360/PS3 than the Wii. In short, the Wii’s market is growing, the 360/PS3’s are not (at least not nearly to the same degree).

Second, the idea that the Wii is a cheap system so people aren’t hesitating like they always do to buy it is also pretty crazy. It’s only $50 less than the PS2/Xbox launched at, and $50 more than all Nintendo’s previous systems have launched for. I agree that it will have less stragglers than the 360/PS3, but in the context of what you’re saying you make it sound like it’s cheap to an extent that would matter to the average consumer, and I don’t think it’s true. The system is still selling primarily to the hardcore gamer right now (heck, it pretty much has to as much trouble as it is to get one).

As far as HDTV hurting the Wii, whatever dude. Right now you likely have a higher rate of Wii owners with HDTVs than you will throughout the Wii’s life, simply because it’s the wealthier, more hardcore gamers that have it now. Even among those, I bet you have a pretty low percentage of owners that would return their Wii because of the graphics. Seriously, I’m not trying to beat you up about it, but how many times do the “top notch graphics are crucial” people need consumers to prove to them that they don’t care that much before they finally accept it and shut up?

Just gotta lay out the scenario here so that it has context. These people that eventually get an HDTV, then they need to get a PS3, or HD-DVD player, high def digital cable, basically they have to pay a great deal of money to surround themselves with high def content before the Wii will actually look bad by contrast. You honestly expect that kind of tech hungry consumer to pass up the Wii (which will likely be $150 in two years) just because of one shortcoming? Really, not a very likely scenario, but 360 fans seem to think it’ll be rampant. Cracks me up.

[RMan]

I wonder if we could see a Wii HD in 2 - 3 years, that still plays all Wii games, but also has more power and full HD support.
Certainly not out of the realm of possibility, but I’d question the wisdom of it. I mean, who would they really be appealing to? It seems like it’d just be for the hardcore gamers, and they likely will own the system already. I just don’t think it’d help them get anything “new”. To appeal to those people they’d have to produce something stronger than the PS3/360, and although that wouldn’t be real difficult in 2-3 years, it still would put them into the arms race again with the other guys (and a focus on graphics will lose them some developer support). They really only need to release a new system when their controller has been ripped off as a standard controller. When that happens they’ll get less exclusives and that’ll start to hurt.

I can see the obvious comparisons to the DS/DS lite, but the Wii, from my perspective, couldn't add the better graphics capabilities without breaking the software compatibility, which the DS lite didn't do. I think what they need to focus on and likely will is software, the OS and online services on all three systems has greater “bang for the buck” in terms of development money spent at this stage.

[Kem0sabe]

Certainly not out of the realm of possibility, but I’d question the wisdom of it. I mean, who would they really be appealing to? It seems like it’d just be for the hardcore gamers, and they likely will own the system already. I just don’t think it’d help them get anything “new”. To appeal to those people they’d have to produce something stronger than the PS3/360, and although that wouldn’t be real difficult in 2-3 years, it still would put them into the arms race again with the other guys (and a focus on graphics will lose them some developer support). They really only need to release a new system when their controller has been ripped off as a standard controller. When that happens they’ll get less exclusives and that’ll start to hurt.

I can see the obvious comparisons to the DS/DS lite, but the Wii, from my perspective, couldn't add the better graphics capabilities without breaking the software compatibility, which the DS lite didn't do. I think what they need to focus on and likely will is software, the OS and online services on all three systems has greater “bang for the buck” in terms of development money spent at this stage.


Exactly, as the DS and the PSP proved, software is what makes or brakes a system. I'm confident Nintendo has learned their lesson from the N64.