If you’re a console gamer – be it casual or especially hardcore – you’re already too familiar with hardware supply shortages.  They’ve plagued each of the three major launches in the last year and a half, with Microsoft struggling to meet Xbox 360 demand in 2005, followed by similar Nintendo and Sony droughts this past November.  Many a ticked-ff gamer has speculated that the shortages were nothing more than a manufacturer scam in order to build hype, and that’s exactly what one GameStop executive is accusing Nintendo of committing.

According to COO and vice chairman of retailer GameStop, Dan Matteo, Nintendo,

“…intentionally dried up supply because they made their numbers for the year.”

Confused?  It’s business.  Matteo believes Nintendo has already met its necessary sales quota for this business annum, and since it can’t be 100% sure the Wii will dominate its competition in the next twelve months, it will hold the console’s numbers until the next corporate calendar begins.

Matteo continues, “Their new year starts April 1 and I think we’re going to see supply flowing.”

The good news?  With April upon us in just a few days, this kind of rumor feels a bit like being released from prison for time served.  It was a messy few months, but in the end there’s nothing but rainbows ahead.

Matteo feels the same.  Although the COO is clearly a bit frustrated with Nintendo’s policy on the matter, he and GameStop as a whole are “quite pleased” with those units being forwarded to retailers for April release.