Nintendo reportedly puts Wii expansion plans on hold

Nintendo wasn't exactly all that specific when it recently warned of possible Wii shortages through the 2007 holiday season, but it seems that some component makers now have a bit more to say about the matter, and they're claiming that tight supply of IC chips, PCBs and other parts has forced Nintendo to delay its plans to expand production. According to DigiTimes, that would make any easing of Wii shortages in the second half of 2007 'unlikely," although we're guessing that they'll still be a fair bit easier to come by than they were last holiday season.

[superseagulls @ Aug 17th 2007 1:44PM]

My local Target had stock in this week sitting in the cabinet, the first time a saw any since I got mine on release day.

[geekboy @ Aug 17th 2007 2:53PM]

I happened to be at WalMart when they brough out three to stock the cabinet yesterday. A college-aged guy jumped to grab the first one, and I got the second one... I was just shocked to actually see on in stock. I've been trying to get one for my son (and myself :) for about six weeks, and I wanted to buy locally so I could return it if it was DOA. Amazing! Hopefully supply and demand is starting to normalize, and the number of units available to each location exactly matches the number of people who go to that store to buy one. ;)

[Dale @ Aug 17th 2007 3:09PM]

I bought my system from Walmart online. More so than other retailers, they seem to be getting them in with some frequency.

[John Allison @ Aug 17th 2007 3:23PM]

I just saw them at Costco. I don't know if the demand is as high anymore.

[James328 @ Aug 17th 2007 3:49PM]

The situation is definitely improving. I think more latent demand is being met and supply is being kept constant. It's possible to find a wii in stock online as long as you're willing to buy it as part of a bundle. More good news is that bundles have dropped from a high of nearly $600 to just over $400:

http://www.nintendo-wii-consoles.com

However it's still really hard to find wii stock online which is not part of a bundle. I'll believe the Wii availability situation has been resolved when Amazon can keep the wii in stock for more than a few minutes at a time. Based on this report that may not be until early 2008.

[mattclarkie @ Aug 18th 2007 11:47AM]

I just checked dabs.com, and English company and they have them instock not in a bundle for rrp. I think the UK is getting enough stock, but likely because demand has really dropped.

[Reishka @ Aug 17th 2007 4:36PM]

I still have yet to see any this year, besides the ones that people actually own. I haven't been able to find them anywhere in stores. I want one, but I don't really want to buy the bundles that you find most places online through Wal-Mart and the game stores... But I guess I'm just picky.

[Nicky Smith @ Aug 17th 2007 5:43PM]

From your previous Wii shortage article:

"It's not like Nintendo doesn't have the time, cash or know-how to ramp up production. Sure, we don't know all the ins and outs of supply chain management, but it sounds more like Nintendo is enjoying its "can't keep 'em on the shelves" status a bit too much to seriously make an attempt at meeting demand."

So, are you going to apologize for blaming Nintendo?

[stonerpunk @ Aug 17th 2007 6:30PM]

oh no! if i can't get one i can't play BOTH games out for it!

[Chuckles McGee @ Aug 17th 2007 7:15PM]

Right, obviously the Wii is selling so well because those two games are incredible. Jesus man, come on, the Wii is awesome!!

[stonerpunk @ Aug 17th 2007 7:25PM]

it has killer potential but i want some REAL content for it instead of collections of mini games.

but in it's defense it does seem to captivate everyone that plays it.

[LegendZ28 @ Aug 17th 2007 7:27PM]

I don't care anymore, it's ridiculous that Nintendo hasn't been able to put these thing out on store shelves for customers to purchase. Even today, stores are still selling ridiculous bundles. Nintendo is quickly burning through all the good will they amassed by building such a fun little platform.

[The ZeroCorpse @ Aug 20th 2007 12:40AM]

Hey, add me to the list of people who don't give a damn anymore because of the "shortage" of consoles.

I was going to buy two of them (and maybe three) when the thing launched. One for me, one for my nephews, and one for my mom (Internet browser-- Better than the MSN TV). I looked for it, saved up for it, and was ready to wait until after Christmas if need be.

Here it is fricking MID AUGUST and I still haven't seen any in stores for individual sale.

Oh, wait-- I saw them ONCE, at Target, but they were all "on hold" at that time. That was in January.

This is ridiculous. I feel like Nintendo is purposely keeping stock low so that they can build a hype, and make it seem "hard to get" or "greatly desired". All they've succeeded in doing is making me decide I'm going to skip this console unless I win one or find one under $100 and can't resist.

Yes, Nintendo actually LOST my business because of this "shortage" bullshite. I don't appreciate being jerked around by a corporation. Screw Nintendo.

[Nfinity @ Aug 17th 2007 8:38PM]

No matter how you look at it, Microsoft must be jumping from joy right now.

Production problems for Nintendo means only that they'll have more people buying the next cheapest thing, this holiday season, which is the discounted Xbox 360.

Scenario:
Customer: "Do you have a Wii"
Retailer: "Nope, but we are stocked with brand new shiny Xbox 360s with Halo3, Bioschock and Mass Effect and it's $249-$429"
Customer: "Well I'll have the Xbox then for $249 then"
Retailer: "Of did I say we also HD DVD drive with 7 free movies for $99 as well?"...
Customer: "oh really, what is that?"..."it's the next gen hi-def..like DVD only HD DVD."..
Retailer: "what a hell! wrap it up"

Whaaaaam!.. 2 kills with one shot.. Awesome!

[TKWarrior @ Aug 18th 2007 9:40PM]

Ah yes, since we all know this scenario played out soooo well for the 360 when the Wii couldn't be found during last holiday season.....

[OnlyRoger @ Aug 17th 2007 9:49PM]

I happened to be at WalMart when they brough 3 of them out to stock the cabinet yesterday. A college-aged jumped in front of me to get the first one, and I got the second. I've been trying to find one for my son (and myself, too) for about six weeks, and I wanted to buy it locally so I have a chance to take it back if it is DOA. I had tried everywhere, and was shocked to be in the right place at the right time.

[tiremfej @ Aug 18th 2007 9:12AM]

I don't understand it, it's nearly been a year. The tech in the 360 and the PS3 is far more superior, yet the Wii is a glorified Gamecube. Why all the problems, Ninty knows they can't compete so they have to create artificial demand. Someone should honestly look into this. It's 6 year old tech!!!

[Bob Johnson @ Aug 18th 2007 2:48PM]

There is a shortage, but you can still find them at places like They are hard to find but you can still get them, such as at places like http://atek.stores.yahoo.net/nintendowii.html

[mannyv @ Aug 19th 2007 2:00AM]

You can find them at Target occasionally, but you have to go in the morning. Call the local store(s) in the area; if one has stock in the AM, they usually all do. They won't put them on hold, so head over on your lunch break (or morning coffee break) or something like that.

I got mine 2 weeks ago, and there were about 7 of them in the case. I went back later that afternoon, and...nothing.