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WTF Nintendo? GameStop/EB Games already meets Wii Play pre-order allocations photo

Why is it so hard for me to find a Wii remote? With Wario Ware: Smooth Moves hitting the streets next week, I'm going to need a second controller if I'm going to pull of my planned evening of drunken, mini-game madness. Target, Best Buy, K-Mart, GameStop -- you name it. Sold out.

But hey, Wii Play comes with a remote! So I decided to try and reserve one at my local GameStop. Well, apparently, I've missed the boat. It seems GameStop/EB Games have reached their brick-and-mortar reserve allocations for Wii Play (which won't hit shelves until February 13)! That's right, as far as one month out from release, the specialty retailer has stopped taking reservations on the product.

It's a well known fact that finding a Wii console (ever after the frantic holiday season) is no easy task. Despite Nintendo's claims that they've met their shipping targets, it just hasn't been enough. While reports are coming in that stores are receiving shipments with some regularity, they seem to be arriving in small numbers-- certainly not enough to meet the demand.

But fine; I'll give them console shortages. There's still a huge demand for the system, there's no doubt about that. But accessories, too? Come on, Nintendo. If you want my mom, my sister, my grandma, and my parrot all to gather in the living room for a rousing round of Wii Bowling, maybe it's time to start shipping more than four remotes out to stores every two weeks.

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49 comments | showing # 1 to 49

Jordan Devore's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/11/2007 22:40
Jordan Devore
I'm getting a Wii and Wario Ware when it comes out, so hopefully I'll be able to find a second remote somewhere.
Serpentish's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/11/2007 22:50
Serpentish
Yeah my friend has had the same problem. He managed to order wii play though.

Luckily best buy was stocked with remotes when we got our console albeit the older ones with the weak straps but luckily our family's hands tend to shy away from greasy foods so no smashed televisions here.
Ham Vagina's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/11/2007 22:51
Ham Vagina
I could understand console shortages, but how hard is it to make the controllers? There should be an abundance of them out there.
omegazero's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/11/2007 22:51
omegazero
Try finding a remote at a blockbuster. Me and a friend went to Target, Best Buy, and 2 different GameStops and couldn't find a single one. We walk into blockbuster to rent a game for 360, and lo and behold, they must've had 20 of them sitting in one of the case.
MYL0R's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/11/2007 22:54
MYL0R
I can't find any Wiimotes, Classics, or Nunchucks. I need another nunchuck to match my 2 Wiimotes, but I've not had ANY luck finding a single damn Classic controller yet.
Bluefusion's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/11/2007 22:56
Bluefusion
Given how Nintendo recently has revised its profit forecasts upwards so much, I'm guessing even they didn't think their console would be in such demand. They probably didn't plan on having to produce soo many controls and Wiis early on to meet demand and now they're scrambling to find ways to ramp production.

I feel your pain. I've been dying for a month now to get my hands on another nunchuck.
BahamutZero's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/11/2007 23:03
BahamutZero
it prints money
BlindsideDork's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/11/2007 23:03
BlindsideDork
Man like 4 weeks ago at a local Toys R Us and Target they had LOADS of Wiimotes and Nunchucks, I grabbed 4 of each I am set!
wario67's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/11/2007 23:06
wario67
no wii :(
BahamutZero's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/11/2007 23:16
BahamutZero
you cannot resist my sultry dance
Rockvillian's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/11/2007 23:17
Rockvillian
Reservations on Wii Play??? I thought the hard part was over when I got my pre-order for the Wii. I'm such a naiive little boy.
ranzchic's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/11/2007 23:18
ranzchic
New NDP numbers went out and seems like only about 600K Wiis sold in December. Significantly less than previous estimates, and especially way below the 4M shipping estimate.

And Wiis are still sold out everywhere so it really must mean that Nintendo is the one having production difficulties. I agree that they probably never expected such overwhelming demand.
ranzchic's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/11/2007 23:19
ranzchic
Oh, I'm talking about USA numbers on my post above.
Dexter345's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/11/2007 23:30
Dexter345
Ah, crap! I was just planning on walking in and picking up Wii Play when it comes out. You mean to tell me I should have preordered it?
Nick Chester's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/11/2007 23:34
Nick Chester
There's been a really weird trend with Nintendo stuff lately. I don't know what their problem is, but a lot of their 1st party stuff is scarce. Good luck finding a copy of Kirby's Squeak Squad.
A Humble Mr Perfect's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/11/2007 23:52
A Humble Mr Perfect
I don't have a wii. I do have a controller and nunchuck, however. I wave it at things, and I wish REALLY HARD. s'bout it.
John B's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 00:01
John B
Wow. This is nuts. Like BlindSide, I got two Wiimotes and an extra nunchuck at GameStop about two weeks after Thanksgiving, and I picked up an additional Wiimote at Toys R Us about a week later.

You guys might want to try looking in stores that are not normally popular, like stores in smaller towns even if it means that you have to put some miles on your car. So far I've had very good luck getting Wii gear by avoiding the stores that "everyone shops at".
John B's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 00:05
John B
Mylor, honestly, don't waste your time with the Classic Controller. Just go out and get wireless GameCube controllers. Every virtual console game that I've looked at so far will accept either the GameCube or Classic Controller. I even returned the Classic Controller that I bought and got a few wireless GameCube controllers. They work with every VC game I've bought and now I don't need to get separate GameCube controllers or worry about wires.

Seriously. The Classic Controllers are a waste of money unless you have absolutely NO intention of buying GameCube games, which I think would be pretty short-sighted.
ian_esq's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 00:17
ian_esq
what the hell nintendo!?!?! just fuckin make wiimotes!

at least enough for eveyone to enjoy enough controllers, this is a system that neeed to have the multiplayer aspectfor everyone because, thw "WiFi" shi nintendo is giving us is neverrrr going to have good enough games to play eachother online
Gregor's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 00:33
Gregor
This can't be an easy task for Nintendo. With the demand that they've been getting for the system and how much they've been pushing the social aspect, playing with your friends, neighbor, your dog, you neighbor's dog, it's no wonder that they're experiencing shortages with the controllers.

Well, I have nothing to complain about, I have my Wii Play pre-order and three controllers works just fine for me.
Husky Hog's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 00:56
Husky Hog
dude it's going to be the best game since wii sports and you turkeys know it


I sitll cant' wait for mario party
VinceTwelve's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 00:58
VinceTwelve
FYI, Wario Ware does not require a second remote for any of the multiplayer modes. I live in Japan and have played the snot out of the game. Almost every multiplayer mode uses the remote hot-potato style. One player has a go, then passes the remote on to the next player. That's how there's even one mode that allows up to 12 players. There are a few modes that allow simultaneous multiplayer, but even then, one player uses the remote, and the second player uses the nunchuck.

In addition, you have to play quite a bit of single player before you even unlock any multiplayer modes.

So, don't worry about getting more controllers for Wario Ware.
LostCrichton's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 01:07
LostCrichton
I had the same issues after the Wii launch. It took three weeks before I got 2 remotes and nunchucks. And one more to get Wii point cards.
MYL0R's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 01:34
MYL0R
John_B, I was kinda skeptical about the Classic. I already have a Wavebird. My post was more in reference to the fact that I was able to find 1 controller, and I have seen a few nunchucks, but I didn't purchase. I was simply shocked that in the 2 months I have had my Wii, I've not seen ANY Classics for sale in stores, all are sold out. If I ever did buy one, it would simply be to have all the controllers. I already do have a Wavebird, because I definitely have a few GCN games to play(Metroid Prime, RE4, Zelda WW) Being able to still play RE4 on my Wii was a great bonus when looking into buying my Wii
Justice's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 01:49
Justice
Wii play isn't that great, but it is good. I would know as the UK got it on december 8th. The Wii needs gamerpoints :(
apc_35's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 02:11
apc_35
thank goodness, i got wii play preorder nice and early
twesterm's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 02:28
twesterm
And everyone thought I was crazy when I bought two extra controllers and nunchucks a few days before launch...
some_dude's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 03:14
some_dude
I ordered a remote and nunchuck from online from Nintendo. They shipped in two days. Nunchuck came yesterday, remote arrives today.
some_dude's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 03:14
some_dude
"from online"? that is teh gay!
Jordan Devore's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 07:10
Jordan Devore
Oh man, that's great news. I'm not getting a second remote then.
Jaded Alyx's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 07:23
Jaded Alyx
John_B, the GameCube controller makes Donkey Kong Country a nightmare to control.
Nick Chester's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 07:43
Nick Chester
I agree that the classic controller is a total disappointment. If it's going to have a cord, why do I need to deal with it wasting my Wii remote's batteries?

I'm glad to hear that Wario Ware doesn't require multiple remotes for multiplayer games, but at the same time, I sort of wish it did. That "taking turns" crap is so 80s.
BlindsideDork's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 08:32
BlindsideDork
They are making Wiimotes but you know people want to play with friends so they get 3 so they can. So even if you go by the Nintendo basher ranzchic with 600k...that's 1.8 MILLION Wiimotes needed. They sold 646.7k Wii motes in December, not to mention November sales.

Plus keep in mind some people bought a Wiimote when they didn't even have a Wii and some people didn't want extra Wiimotes.

I mean sorry that over a half a million Wiimotes in a month is NOT enough for you. Also when they make Wiimotes, it goes to other places BESIDES just the US.
CaffeinePowered's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 08:36
CaffeinePowered
I got lucky and managed to find 3 remotes, a nunchuck, and a classic controller (Which i happen to really like, I dont like the cube controller's D-pad for SNES games, and it just feels better for N64)

When everyone and their mother who got a Wii is looking for 3 extra remotes to complete a set of four, theres bound to be shortages. Best option is to either order direct from Nintendo, or just keep checking stores every time you're out.
Ballistic90's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 09:39
Ballistic90
When I was working at Toys R US for a bit before Christmas, as soon as we got the Wii controllers and nunchuks in, people would immediately buy 3 or 4 of each. THAT is why they go so fast.
Chris Taran's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 10:17
Chris Taran
I've had no problems finding Wii accessories in my area. A few stores like Best Buy and Circuit City always seem to be sold out, however the 2 Wal-Marts close to me seem to be able to keep them in stock fairly well.
Snaileb 's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 10:28
Snaileb
Same here chris. I don't know maybe its because I live in a redneck backwoods town, right behind Ron Cool nickname's bayou.
killboy's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 10:39
killboy
You can't use more than one remote with Wario Ware even if you want too. I got it yesterday and was expecting to be able to use 4 remotes but you can only use one.
brad drac's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 11:31
brad drac
There's something important I feel I should say:

WII PLAY IS NOT A KILLER APP IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM.

If you're expecting more wii sports type awesome, you will be gravely disapointed. It won't stay in your wii drive for more than 45 minutes at a time, and it's good for single player play about twice. Ever. Trust me, it's really not that good. Worth a tenner? Probably(I've heard people say otherwise). But for fuck's sake, don't expect a masterpiece.
Rockvillian's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 11:41
Rockvillian
@ brad drac

I don't really plan on playing it more than 5 minutes, its all for the Wiimote.

Why play virtual pool or ride bovine when you can just do it in real life, in a bar, with women around?
Detry's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 13:44
Detry
LMAO @ A Humble Mr Perfect
dprime's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 14:20
dprime
I was able to track down a Wii, an extra Wiimote AND an extra nunchuk. All it takes is determination, going to 15 places... and a mom who works at Blockbuster.
Rainbowblack's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 15:16
Rainbowblack
yeah it took me twoo weeks after i bought my Wii to find a second Wiimote. only to get one 3 days later on X-mas lol

and for those of us awaiting the LAN cable, good luck

acually the nintendo Wi-fi is a good alterative. so i can wait, i would still lke a LAN though
Kerri's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 17:45
Kerri
Warioware only needs 1 wiimote for upto 12 player multiplayer. sweet huh!
SHP's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 22:26
SHP
I had no clue Wii Play wasn't out in the USA till mid February, we've had it in the UK since launch day (December 8th) with the free Wii-mote.

It's a fun party game for when you have friends round, although some of the games on it are a bit boring and cant withstand repeat plays, but fishing, laser hockey and the games with the Miis are great fun.

Not quite as good as Wii Sports, but seeing as it's cheaper than a regular game and comes with a free Wii-mote I can't complain.

Did you americans get Wii Sports free with the Wii like we did in the UK? Because it sounds to me like Nintendo are doing you over, and treating us europeans well for once.
SHP's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/12/2007 22:29
SHP
By the way I wasn't trying to piss anyone off with the last part of that comment, I'm rather intrigued.

And do you you have a Nintendo VIP star points system in the US, free points you get with Nintendo games, hardware and Wii Shop (including virtual console downloads) that soon you'll be able to swap for free Wii points so Virtual Console games will be free? We've had it for years but until the announcement of free Wii Points the scheme has been pretty useless.
brad drac's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/13/2007 14:02
brad drac
Although I be not in the states, I can answer those questions for you. Yes, wii sports came with american wiis, but not with japanese ones. Note that it wasn't free for anyone though, just included(probably so nintendo could justify the $250 price). Yes the US does have a star point system, but nothing's been anounced yet about being able to convert them into wii points as far as I've heard.

Pretty much all europe got ahead of yanks so far is wii play(big whoop) and warioware(by a mighty 3 days), so no we aren't getting prefferential treatment. Especially considering the 3 week extra wait and the noticeably poorer launch lineup.
Nick Chester's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/13/2007 22:26
Nick Chester
SHP:
No, we have nothing like the Star Points system. It makes me sad.
BigBadBruno's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/22/2007 11:48
BigBadBruno
Wario is only 1PLAYER!!!!! What the F$*@%!!!!! Soo Pissed!!!
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