Nintendo Creates a Wii Problem for Sony With Production Exceeding Expectations

Digital Journal — If the Nintendo Wii is exceeding production expectations, is it primed to win over the gaming public? Already, reports are circulating this innovative next-gen console is being built faster than snow forts in February. Market analysts at Briefing.com state that two million Wii consoles were built in Q3 2006 (July to September) to support the Nov. 19 North American launch. As well, close to nine million more units are planned for production in late 2006. The launch numbers exceed those of its competitors, including the much-delayed Sony PlayStation 3. So if Nintendo is pumping out Wii consoles by the millions, why wait until November to bring the consoles to market? Why not beat the PS3 launch of Nov. 19 with a preemptive strike? Evidently, the games and companion software are not ready yet, which could explain why very few Wii consoles are available for media demos. If anything, Wii’s overproduction should impress gaming fans looking forward to a powerful and progressive system perfect for outside-the-box players. What remains to be seen, though, is whether Sony and Microsoft can maintain their leader positions amidst a fierce adversary best known for making a hero out of a plumber named Mario.