GameStop contradicts Nintendo, expects holiday Wii shortages

21.11.2008
Wii shortages during the holiday season are nothing new, having occurred for the past two years, but nevertheless the trend is expected to continue again this holiday--at least at GameStop.

Speaking to GameIndustry, GameStop CFO David Carlson, said that the retailer expects Wii stock to be completely sold out by Christmas. Not just a shortage, but completely gone dry. Wii Fit and Guitar Hero: World Tour (Wii and Xbox 360 versions) will also experience shortages, he said, although the latter product is no longer selling as robustly as it once did.

"Wii Fit is in very, very short supply. It sells through as quickly as it hits the stores," Carlson 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."

The news directly contradicts comments made earlier by Nintendo of America chief Reggie Fils-Aime. "With Wii hardware, I think we've got a good shot at meeting demand during the holidays," Fils-Aime told Forbes. "With Wii Fit, I know we'll fall short."

If you want a Wii this holiday, or know someone who does, you might want to get them a sleeping bag for the holiday, so they can camp out with the everyone else who wants one too.