Pop Buzz UK

The Nintendo Wii has been an incredible success so far, selling in huge quantities, and surprising gamers, pundits and games developers alike.

The problem (not a bad one for Nintendo) is that demand continues to outstrip supply, meaning there are millions of disappointed kids and adults alike around the world who are unable to get hold of a console.

In the UK, the situation has been terrible, with Wiis in short or no supply ever since they were released last year. There was a short period during the summer when you could maybe have got one by bribing a shop to put you at the front of the waiting list, but otherwise, no chance.

This problem looks set to continue to in the run up to Christmas and beyond, with shops already displaying ‘Sold Out’ signs.

Nothing has demonstrated the demand better than the news that HMV’s flagship store in Oxford Street, London, sold out of their latest delivery in just 34 minutes.

Tim Ellis, HMV’s head of games explained to Games Industry:

“Our store on Oxford Street had a delivery last week and it sold out in 34 minutes. That gives you an idea of how many we could actually sell.”

“We’re selling out so quickly at the moment it’s frustrating for all parties concerned and it’s the same everywhere. If we weren’t getting any stock and everyone else was we’d be crying about it but we seem to be getting our fair share.”

That’s quite an impressive selling rate, but it means that a lot of kids all around the UK are going to find themselves disappointed on Christmas day when they rush downstairs to open their new Wii, and find an “I Owe You” note.

Or, alternatively, parents could decide to buy their little cherubs an Xbox 360 or PS3 instead, both of which are available in abundance everywhere you go, and which come bundled with extra games to make them more enticing.

Ellis also explained that Wii games are selling well on the store too:

“Nintendo games are genuinely good, but I think third-parties are starting to catch up.”

“Companies like Sega, with Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games, Boogie from EA, Cooking Mama, some of the Ubisoft titles like My Word Coach – they aren’t selling as well as Brain Training but it all adds up to a healthy market.”

“The volumes on the hardware are such that it’s now worthwhile for publishers to make the extra effort of working with the Wii.”

I wrote a post this time last year titled ‘I Need A Wii‘ where I virtually begged for one from anyone who was reading.

Here we are, a year on, and due to a combination of being broke, and not being able to get my hands on one even if I could afford it, I’m still lacking a Wii. I’ll say it again, and I’ll say it loud… I NEED A WII!

Nintendo, Wii, UK, British, HMV, Record, PS3, Xbox 360, Christmas, London