Analysts Say Wii Shortage to Last Until 2009
News Posted 26/04/07
Author: PV5150
Source: DailyTech
According to industry analysts the mass market is not yet ready for high-def gaming.
| Before the two new console launches in November 2006, it was popular belief that supplies of the Nintendo Wii would be ample and consumers would be able to secure one without much hassle or worry. Today, a full five months following launch, Wiis are still hard to find, and those who do find them can resell them for a greater profit than the retailer. According to one analyst’s opinion noted by Home Media Magazine, the demand for the Wii could outstrip supply all the way to 2009. “I believe the Wii will continue strong growth although supply continues to be a problem,†said Billy Pidgeon, video game analyst, IDC. “I’d like to see Wii hardware shipping in larger quantities or mass market consumers may cool on it. Having said that, I don’t believe supply will meet demand for the Wii until 2009.†|
The crux of the problem appears to be that there simply aren’t enough games available for the two more powerful consoles – the XBOX 360 and PS3 respectively.
| “Xbox 360 and PS3 need system-selling games ASAP. Halo 3 will help, as will Lair and Heavenly Sword, but that leaves a hole in Q2 which will be filled by Wii, DS and PSP hardware and software. We’ll also see more PC and PS2 software picking up the slack…†|
Nintendo and the PS2 still appear to be the consoles of choice for the mass market, with the PS2 still retaining its popularity through solid software sales.
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