Even as Microsoft readies a whole new edition of its Xbox 360, there’s no denying that the Nintendo Wii is still the hottest console on the market. Unfortunately, many gamers have found getting a hold of that little white machine just about impossible, with the Japanese company struggling to meet demand five months after it launched alongside the PlayStation 3. Much speculation has gone into the consistent shortage, with the semi-famous Freakonomics team now weighing in.
It was less than a month ago that COO and vice chairman of Gamestop Dan Matteo blasted Nintendo for “intentionally [drying] up supply”. Matteo believed the Wii drought had something to do with the console maker’s annual sales figures, with Nintendo allegedly holding its supply until after April 1. Well, that point has passed, and the flood Metteo expected has certainly yet to wash over us.
Instead, Freakonomics guest blogger Paul Kimmelman has provided his own take on matters.
Less surprising is this: “Nintendo clearly made a colossal blunder in setting up their manufacturing”.
More surprising? “Even if they assumed it would not do very well, their inability to ramp up production in four months is pretty unusual in this industry.”
What’s that? Nintendo expected the Wii to do poorly? Although this is perhaps the most difficult economic – or freakonomic – belief to prove in the world, Kimmelman seems certain that Nintendo expected its console to bomb next to the more powerful PS3.
So, who benefits, freakonomically, from the Wii shortage?
The list is topped by the following: Sony, Microsoft, and Wii re-sellers. Yes, even five months after the console first shipped, eBay is alive and well in the overpriced tech business.
Nintendo’s take on the article, according to reports, has been limited to their “reading over” Kimmelman’s piece. No official word has been leaked, and none should be expected.
