Actually, you might be able to buy a Wii - Nintendo

By Tom Bramwell Published 7 December, 2006

Even without a pre-order.

Nintendo UK has responded to claims that it will be near impossible to get hold of a Wii before next year if you haven't pre-ordered.

"There are many hundreds of retailers across the UK who do not take pre-orders and as such will have stock available from launch," a spokesperson told Eurogamer this afternoon.

"We are pulling out all the stops to replenish stock in the run up to Christmas with regular multiple deliveries to all retailers across the UK in the hope that we can supply Wii to everyone who wants one this Christmas."

This after Hamish Thompson of DSG Group - the parent company of High Street retailers like Currys and PC World, as well as dixons.co.uk - told our sister site GamesIndustry.biz that he expected all subsequent 2006 deliveries to go towards fulfilling backed-up pre-orders.

Picture of Tom.

About Tom Bramwell

Tom is Operations director of Eurogamer Network and Editor-at-Large of Eurogamer.net. He joined the company in February 2000.

Read more articles from Tom by visiting the Tom Bramwell archive page.

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Comments (63) Latest comment 5 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • ferris #1 5 years ago

    "There are many hundreds of retailers across the UK who do not take pre-orders and as such will have stock available from launch,"

    Please name one in London!

  • InfiniteFury #2 5 years ago

    Good luck finding a

    * nunchuck
    * rgb cable
    * classic controller
    * super monkey ball

    though. I've never understood why this happens with console launches, surely now is the time to provide the extras while people are laying out a fair sum of money?

  • chupachups #3 5 years ago

    Either people are buying this because they can't get a PS3, or there's a massive demand for a cut-down motion-based console like the Wii or both. Whatever it is, no one can claim the public only buys cutting edge high tech games systems.

  • DaveyJ666 #4 5 years ago

    Well goodluck to you guys, I'm sure they'll be quite a few of us disappointed tomorrow, this reminds me of the lauch of the N64, when it came out back in '97.

  • Xerx3s #5 5 years ago

    One shop around here preorderd 600, they got 10. Even the big retail chains don't get many. So, I seriously doubt that you can pick one up.

  • Tonka #6 5 years ago

    /cancels preorder

  • Zomoniac #7 5 years ago

    My concern is now the fact that I've arranged a 4-player marathon session for tomorrow but only pre-ordered 1 remote, figuring I could just nip into town and pick some up, but am now hearing that nobody has any.

  • Zomoniac #8 5 years ago

    Supermarkets are the only options as far as I can see, unless anywhere like Comet is getting them in and hasn't been doing pre-orders?

  • Vin #9 5 years ago

    I just can't understand all the fuss over this.

    Bizarre.

  • playgen #10 5 years ago

    Imagine it, some people might have to get one a day or two after christmas!
    Its an outrage i tell you, whoever is responsible should be bought to justice!

  • PSegAgesPete #11 5 years ago

    Well imagine the PS3 euro launch then wen it comes, wot, with just a few months left, it's gonna be PS3-mania all round the country x100! LOL
    Edited by 1 at 07/12/06 @ 15:59

  • kaleii Verified Editor-in-Chief, Country Manager, Eurogamer Sweden #12 5 years ago

    Tonka: Haha, good one. Made me giggle :)

  • IMadeThis #13 5 years ago

    Zomoniac: Yeah, I'm in the same boat (up Wii creek without 4 wands?). Think I'm gonna have to have a drive around tomorrow to see if there's anywhere doing them. Will hopefully get WiiPlay tho so that's at least 2 I'll have.

  • pjmaybe #14 5 years ago

    Get a quote from that mad ginger bitch who's the CEO of Nintendo Europe, let's have a laugh.

    Peej

  • DanMW #15 5 years ago

    I have a PS3 pre-ordered with Gamestation since May, I wonder if I'll get it... for launch (whenever that happens)

  • Stupid_Fat_Hobbit #16 5 years ago

    Whatever it is, no one can claim the public only buys cutting edge high tech games systems.

    'Cutting edge' isn't just about who has the most polycounts and gigaflops and mippety-maps and hippety-hops, yaknow.

  • kangarootoo #17 5 years ago

    On a related note. Apparently the Wii remote is bluetooth based. Clever people have been meddling with PC connectivity.

    [link url=http://youtube .com/watch?v=asY_I8y6C0M
    ]http://youtube .com/watch?v=asY_I8y6C0M
    [/link]
    http://youtube .com/watch?v=Vp1_pZ-AteA

  • Psychotext #18 5 years ago

    Yeah... might. If you managed to find one of the places that actually has the damn things and doesn't already have mile long queues.

  • kangarootoo #19 5 years ago

    More info.

    http://ca rl.kenner.googlepages.com/glovepie

  • Bitkari #20 5 years ago

    "I just can't understand all the fuss over this. "

    have you played one yet?

  • JediMasterMalik #21 5 years ago

    You're going to be buying a new Nintendo console within 3 years and you know it. But at that price, it's easier to swallow I guess.

  • DaveyJ666 #22 5 years ago

    *sigh, PS3 fanboys, just like the PS2 games, akward camera angles, akward controls and now no rumble feature in the pads, sounds like lots of fun.

    Don't get me wrong, I use to own a PS2 (and then caught myself on), and they're were a few good games for it, plus there looks to be a few good games on the new console, but not that many.

    I think I'll be buying an Xbox 360 as my second console, in about a year or two, not going anywhere near that PS3.
    Edited by 1 at 07/12/06 @ 16:26

  • coach_mcguirk #23 5 years ago

    To be fair to Nintendo, I think certain retailers haven't helped the situation with confused information to customers (e.g. Woolworths sending emails confirming despatch, closely followed by emails about stock shortages / delays until the new year).

    Zomoniac : I've got two pre-orders in, one from Woolies, one from Comet. Haven't heard a peep out of Comet, unsurprisingly.

  • DaveyJ666 #24 5 years ago

    I agree, Play.com where taking bookings for months, and just last week all the harware for the Wii was sold out, plus the Zelda game. I assumed that once these items were "sold out", it meant that anyone who had booked any hardware or the Zelda game, were going to be getting one on launch.

    My gf is getting me the Wii as an Xmas present, and we're picking it up from game tomorrw, but now I have to see if I can get over £200 + worth of games and accessoires, that I had previously ordered from Play.com. I'm really annoyed with them, I thought tey were mre professional than that.

  • Salvia #25 5 years ago

    "To be fair to Nintendo,"

    Oh yes Nintendo are only doing it for the love of gaming and any fuckups can't possibly be their fault. It was probably the evil US retailers hijacking Euro shipments and diverting them that meant the US had such a good launch and we're getting the shaft...again.

  • Salvia #26 5 years ago

    "Supermarkets are the only options as far as I can see"

    My local Asda isn't getting any.

  • secombe #27 5 years ago

    No mention of them having thousands of Wii's stuck in Germany then? This statement is a bit of a kick in the teeth considering thousands of us have literally just been let down on guarenteed pre-orders.

  • Pooley #28 5 years ago

    I can't understand the fuss over these shortages. My local Game seemed laid back about availability, and I've been able to preorder a Wii and several games with (seemingly) no problem at all. They've even been relaxed about picking up my Wii, saying just pop in whenever, Friday or Saturday, and I'll be able to pick up my bundle.

    The only thing I wasn't able to reserve were any additional Wiimote's or nunchucks, as they said they weren't sure how many they were getting. But they do have copies of Wii Play, one of which I've added to my bundle, so I'm happy.

    When I pop in, I'll just see what they have and maybe try to get another two Wiimotes and another nunchuck. But at the moment two Wiimotes and a single nunchuck is all I need. I'd rather not spend too much on a bunch of Wiimotes that I'm not going to use that much at the moment anyway.

  • Darkedge #29 5 years ago

    good luck with Play - they screwed me on my 360 order after confirming categorically with me on the phone in July that I was allocated one and would get it on launch day or even day before.

    I got it eventually mid/late January.

    They also cocked up my oblivion preorder.

    Now I'll go to a highstreet shop if I want anything on launch day.

  • petebritish #30 5 years ago

    EBay seem to have been given the lions share of machines the price they are going for is insane £400+ for basic package.. Considers selling pre order!!

  • ElephantMonkey #31 5 years ago

    I know a retail shop in MAN that will have a few Wiis in store at launch and doesn't take preorders.

    I'm not telling but if I found one (I've only been in england for a year) there must be more than one.

  • secombe #32 5 years ago

    So does anyone know where these fabled stores are that will have stock tomorrow?

    I sure as hell can't think of one, but now Nintendo have let me down by getting mine stuck in Germany I have all day to search for one in the stores.

  • Mr_Brown #33 5 years ago

    Meh, mines going to be delivered so I don't care. Anyone know if you can play Virtual Console games without the classic controller?..didn't order one with my console like a donkey...
    Edited by 1 at 07/12/06 @ 18:24

  • Dire #34 5 years ago

    "Good luck finding a

    * nunchuck
    * rgb cable
    * classic controller
    * super monkey ball "

    all wrong on that except the RGB cable.

  • shuffles #35 5 years ago

    My mums going in to get me one tmo. Im number 31 on the list in game. getting it for xmas so wont be able to play it till then! SUCKS!!

  • yagisencho #36 5 years ago

    Nearly three weeks after the Wii's release in the US, you've got to be one lucky bastard to find one on a store shelf.

  • grazerx8 #37 5 years ago

    toysRus are first come first served where i live.

    so i will be there before it opens hopeing to get one of the 8 they have.

  • dredd97 #38 5 years ago

    @ Darkedge

    sorry to here that mate, i've been using play for years and have (touch wood) never had a problem with them...

  • numptyboymatt #39 5 years ago

    Play.Com have emailed me to say that they have posted my Wii today.... however, I have also recieved emails saying that Zelda and the 2nd Nunchuk that I ordered cant be supplied at launch! - Fan-fuckin-tastic! Nice of them to let me know the day before to give me lots of time to get them elsewhere......

  • SlackMaster #40 5 years ago

    I was out locally today asking around about the Wii and if it'd be possible to get one.

    Game and Gamestation said no chance and that they had two two pre-order lists, one for the launch day and one for the next shippment. WHSmiths said that they were only getting one and they had three preorders to fill and Currys said they had 5 consoles and all of them has been preordered.

    I'm not gonna run about or hang around in queues to get one so I'll just wait it out until maybe jan, feb or even march.
    Edited by 1 at 07/12/06 @ 20:57

  • #41 5 years ago

    Either people are buying this because they can't get a PS3, or there's a massive demand for a cut-down motion-based console like the Wii or both. Whatever it is, no one can claim the public only buys cutting edge high tech games systems.

    Also see NES vs MasterSystem, Super NES vs Megadrive, N64 Vs PS or even PS2 vs GC/XBOX.

    There's also other factors that come into play like cost, useability, features, timing, availability, marketing and ease and cost of development for 3rd parties.
    Edited by 2 at 07/12/06 @ 21:28

  • jaec #42 5 years ago

    I'm first in the queue at my local Currys and I've just received (getting home from work at 9pm) a letter saying my preorder won't be fulfilled. I also preordered at Play, Chips, Gamestation and none can get me a Wii. I just called and Asda isn't getting any here either... Damn it!

  • calc #43 5 years ago

    In line at Game on Oxford street right now. There's a *massive* line around the block but the guards at the front claim they have enough stock for everyone. Was hoping for some sweet merch but it looks like only the first few people in line scored the baseball caps and the wii branded space blankets. The highlight on the night so far has been seeing that famous Nintendo mascot Sonic the Hedgehog in all his blue-tighted glory.

  • calc #44 5 years ago

    In line at Game on Oxford street right now. There's a *massive* line around the block but the guards at the front claim they have enough stock for everyone. Was hoping for some sweet merch but it looks like only the first few people in line scored the baseball caps and the wii branded space blankets. The highlight on the night so far has been seeing that famous Nintendo mascot Sonic the Hedgehog in all his blue-tighted glory.

  • Ginger #45 5 years ago

    You may be able to get a wii, but it looks like wii play and extra wiimotes are like gold dust...

  • nasanu #46 5 years ago

    Come to Australia we are the Wii land of plenty :)

  • ejstyles #47 5 years ago

    Betwixt 3pm and 4pm on the Amazon.co.uk website! Get ready to do some refreshing!
    Not me though...I'm staying up playing Portable Ops online, waiting for the postie to get some Wii on my carpet!

  • Dirtie #48 5 years ago

    If you were desperate enough you could import an Aussie/NZ Wii - they're the same internally, you'd just need an adapter for the power brick.

  • ejstyles #49 5 years ago

    MY WII IS COMING! Out for delivery at 0521! Anyway, I repeat, Amazon.co.uk is doing a limited run between 3 and 4pm of Wiis. So go there and keep refreshing if you aren't as lucky as I!

  • byron_hinson #50 5 years ago

    They had loads of extra remotes at Tesco, it was the nunchucks they didn't have.

  • DanMW #51 5 years ago

    They'll last for about 5 seconds this time...

  • penhalion #52 5 years ago

    I was at the launch in Oxford street. Not the HMV one (looked lame and they shuffled the poor sods through like cattle!). I put my name on the list in Game on Oxford street thanks to the kind friendly staff there.

    On the night got a Wii branded scarf (fleece and warm) a silver heat blanket. A rubber monkey ball and a white and blue wii baseball cap. There was free pizza and once inside a glass of wine to wash it down.

    A few guys pushed into the queue. I had one of them thrown out as there is the "Oh look a mate near the front" which we all try so kudos for that and then the "I'll talk to a guy near the front and then go in with him!" bollocks that this guy tried.

    So I have my Wii and Zelda. Haven't opened iot yet as I have no component cable and I have a hi-def TV so don't want to view this in fuzzy vision non widescreen!

    I spoke to some guys in the queue as we waited (since 5pm after work!) and found then to be cool and just as geeky as me. The queues were going strong as I left just after 12pm and some lucky sod won a wii with 5 games! Got gift cards for the first 100 there (of which I was one) but mine had 1.80 on it while the guy who I handed my card to had 18 pounds on his. Couldn't find out who got the 180 quid ones!

    All in all a good launch. The Wii is the only console I would have gone to a launch event for so I'm well chuffed it went so well.

  • tinocat #53 5 years ago

    Picked it up this morning at Gamestop in Dublin (Clare Hall). No Wii play
    (so no second wiimote), but got Zelda. Should keep me going to xmas
    me thinks.

    Oh yeah, was told there were no component cables available in Ireland
    yet. Bummer.
    Edited by 1 at 08/12/06 @ 08:25

  • grussbarbar #54 5 years ago

    At first I thought Nintendo just wanted to make extra money by selling the Wiimotes and the Nunchuks seperately, but it seems they've really underestimated how much everyone wants Nunchuks... Hmmm... I wonder if my gameshop has extra controllers...

    *Goes to pick up preorder*

  • HappyTreeFriend #55 5 years ago

    Got mine at Game in Wimbledon this morning. Came to work, and while no one was looking hooked it up to the TV here. It is amazing! The look on my bosses face as he walked in, was priceless! Until i showed him Golf, then i had him playing too in about 5 minutes. Awesome. Game were not selling any accessories though, which was a bit strange...

  • penhalion #56 5 years ago

    @HappyTreeFriend

    Game would have sold out of peripherals during pre-order. We got given a tick list as we entered last night and simply handed it to the staff at the counter. Most people read it and ticked controllers, nunchuks, zelda (we joked that zelda should have had it's tick printed on the form already as everyone would want that).

    I'm guessing that by the end of today there will be few remotes and nunchuks left in england!

  • InfiniteFury #57 5 years ago

    @ Dire

    Given that Play, Amazon & Gameplay have all let me down on the accessory front, could you enlighten me on how I'm completely wrong?

  • HappyTreeFriend #58 5 years ago

    @ penhalion

    Cheers for that, i wasn't offered the option to pre order any peripherals, but really should have. Can't grumble though, was third in line this morning, and have Wii Play and Zelda. Lol about the tick list and Zelda though. Everyone i spoke to today was buying it. Reckon Wiiplay will be close on its heals though, just because of the wiimote. Smooth operation at game this morning. No problems whatsoever, and after an hour of wii sports i already feel like its the best £180 i've ever spent. Now i just have to manage to get through the day!

  • Salvia #59 5 years ago

    "I wish all you wannabe Wi owners good luck in your search for the golden Wii this Chrimbo. May you seek out its Wii goodness with Zelda TP.

    God speed Wii men/women"

    Are you a bit retarded or something?

  • DaveyJ666 #60 5 years ago

    I got my Wii this morningm with:

    • 2 copies of Zelda, (1 for my kid bro for Xmas)
    • 2 Memory Cards, (Again 1 for my kid bro for Xmas)
    • 1 Wii Play
    • 2 nunchuks, (Yes you guessed it right, one for my bro)

    But I forgot to get an extra Wii Remote for my bro, but have one booked on Play.com from months ago, so should get one after Xmas.

    It sucks though, I'm in work now and won't get home till bout 7 this evening! But my boss bought one this morning as well and he said he was gonna set it up to the tv later!

  • Gurgeh #61 5 years ago

    NPD console sales figures for the USA in November:

    DS: 918,000
    PS2: 664,000
    GBA: 641,000
    XBox360: 511,000
    Wii: 476,000*
    PSP: 412,000
    PS3: 197,000**

    * Nintendo had reported 600,000 sold. After the NPD report came out they clarified this to be "for all the Americas" rather than just the USA.

    ** about what EA predicted and half Sony's target

  • Lovemoose #62 5 years ago

    It's times like this I wish KOTI was still around. I'd love to hear what he has to say today.

  • penhalion #63 5 years ago

    @gurgeh

    Not sure why so many PS2 got sold. I imagine people will not be too chuffed to get that for christmas. Also suprised at the PSP sales figures as i know quite a few people in the states and they all say there isn't any demand for it anymore due to the crap games.

    360 is doing well, though we all kind of knew it was going to be a 360Wii christmas. The PS3 is disapointing nearly every one who buys it regardless of how fanboy there are. There are few in England even bothered that it exists and the undercurrent in the USA seems similar.