Nintendo Wii: How to get one—almost

Nintendo's revolutionary video game system is one of the hottest electronic gifts this holiday season. And despite Nintendo's efforts to increase production, it remains one of the most difficult to find items in stores—much like when it debuted last holiday shopping season.

The company has acknowledged that even increasing production to nearly 2 million units per month won't likely ease the shortage anytime soon. So to not completely disappoint holiday shoppers and Wii wanters, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime announced on Friday a Wii "rain check" program with video game retailer GameStop. If consumers pay the $250 for a Wii system at a GameStop store by December 21, they'll get a certificate promising a Wii—sometime in January.

[Dec. 20, 2007 UPDATE: On Dec. 18, GameStop released further details about its Wii rain check program. On Friday Dec. 21 (and only on that day ), each GameStop outlet will have a limited number of Wii certificates that will be given to customers who pay the $250 in advance. (Each store is limiting one certificate per household.) The store will then contact rain check customers when the consoles arrive on January 25, 2008. Readers can find complete details about GameStop's Wii rain check program here on GameStop's Web site. —Ed.]

According to Reuters: "We expect this to be a very strong program and... a great way for consumers who desperately want a Wii to be able to have something to put under the tree—a certificate that guarantees their family will be able to get a system in January," said Mr. Fils-Aime in a telephone news conference.

Still, if having an actual Wii console (and not just the promise of one) under the Christmas tree is what you're really after, here are some tips…

…when shopping online:

Try the major online retailers and shopping aggregators such as Amazon, eBay, and Yahoo! Shopping.

But expect to pay hundreds of dollars more for "Wii bundles"—the basic console unit with one (or more) "Wii-mote" wireless control units and one to four (less-than-popular) game titles. And, be wary of purchasing it from online retailers that you've never heard of before or have very low customer reviews/ratings. And if you need it by Christmas, you'll need to hurry. Most sites that have any Wiis or Wii bundles still available state that you'll need to place your order by Tuesday December 18. And you'll need to pay for pricier "express" shipping to guarantee delivery by December 24.

Still, you might be able to find reasonable (in terms of last-minute shopping) deals. For example Target.com's Wii bundle (including four games) is $400—meaning you're paying $37.50 per bundled game.

…when shopping in stores:

Try the major retailers (Best Buy, Circuit City, Frys, etc.) as well as "niche" outlets such as video game stores; movie, music and entertainment retailers and computer stores. Retailers are getting shipments—albeit not as many as they'd like. Your best bet is to go early in the day (when stocks might have been replenished) and visit stores often.

…if you live or work in (or plan to visit ) New York City:

Go to the Nintendo World store. It is the only retail outlet guaranteed to have (an undisclosed number of) Wii consoles for sale—and at the retail price of $250—on a daily basis. Obviously, the units are sold on a "first come, first serve" basis, which would lead one to imagine monstrously long lines of frantic holiday shoppers—consumer queues that would rival the bread lines in Russia during the Cold War era, perhaps. But not necessarily.

Based on my experience and from accounts of other shoppers and friends, if you're one of the first 150 or so in line at the 10 Rockefeller Plaza store before it opens (at 8 A.M. during the holiday season), you stand (sorry) a good chance of getting a Wii.

To be sure, some die-hard gamers and extremely desperate shoppers will get on the waiting line way before the break of dawn. During my own Nintendo World experience, I discovered that the queue I was in was started by someone who stood outside at 8 P.M. the previous night!

And since Nintendo World has been dealing with such situations for more than a year now, it has developed a "rationing system" (involving wristbands and firm rules regarding "line jumpers") that attempts to keep the lines manageable and fair.

Standing in a line on a street in mid-town Manhattan in the early morning hours of a hectic holiday season isn't for everyone. But for now, it's practically the only way one can guarantee getting a Wii before December 25th. What's more, since the store is located only a stone's throw from the famous Rockefeller Plaza Christmas tree and NBC's Today Show studios, you're bound to see some interesting sights while waiting. (During my nearly three-hour wait, I saw American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks, and Nick Lachey—former 98 Degrees boy-band member and ex-husband of another pop star, Jessica Simpson.)

—Paul Eng

Comments

[Jonathan]

The toys r us in Newport News Virginia has them. Perhaps not everyone thinks of going to a toys r us for theirs.

[andre senikas]

Impossible to find whether in maine, N.H., florida, montreal or points inbetween! been looking for a year. tried best buy, circuit city, sears etc. etc, no luck. but last nite, i saw a commercial on tv down here in Tampa on the 29thdec2007. i cannot understand why they advertise a product that is impossible to find. i give up!!! it is frustrating to say the least and i do not harbor kind thoughts toward the mfg

[Chaz-man]

The sad part is that there is no "real" shortage, just a TREMENDOUS number of people "wishing to make a buck" at everyones expense... Looking on e-bay there are OVER 7000 "Wii's" available for sale--almost ALL, "Have reciept"... These are people who are PURE PROFITEERS, at people who truly want this for a gift.. a sad commentairy on people, ESPECIALLY at Christmas.

Well, remember what CHRISTmas is REALLY about.

; )

Happy New Year

[John Marchand]

In Nintendo's defense, they have actually pulled many of their advertisements in Europe to ease demand for the Wii. Still, market analysts indicate that Nintendo is missing out on $1.3 billion dollars of revenue due to Wii shortages during this holiday season alone.

A shortage really benefits no one, including Nintendo... But definitely not the poor guy with no Wii under the tree this year (me).

[Karen Yocom]

Why, oh why do these companies release new items that they can't provide? They spend millions for pre-release promotional ads...then they can't produce the product! All this does is to allow the few fortunate people to buy up whatever IS available so they can profit from the item. I'ts infuriating.

[William Kidston]

Incorrect information. Gamespot, beginning Friday for two days only there will be a total of 18 rainchecks per day. Which means you will still have to anticipate a long line prior to the 10 am opening.

I went to two Gamespots in my area and both had the same deal; 18per day, first come first serve...
program

[kag]

My local Target Superstore had several in stock this evening--unbundled.