Nintendo: 1 million Wiis for NA launch

With only 400,000 PlayStation 3s headed to North America for the console's launch on November 17, diehard Sony fans are already plotting out their strategies for getting a PS3 on day one. Though Sony is launching with more units than Microsoft's Xbox 360 launch last year, shortages are still expected.

While Sony fans visit camping supply stores and sharpen their poking sticks, the Nintendo loyal will likely have an easier time getting their hands on the company's new console, if a report from the Canadian Press is correct.

Speaking about the Wii's price and release-date announcement with the news service, Nintendo of Canada VP and general manager Ron Bertram said, "We're looking at a million [units] for North America at launch."

Previously, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime only specified that 4 million Wiis would be out by the end of the calendar year, with the majority headed for North America.

"If we get what we're supposed to get, this will be our most plentiful launch in the 15 years I've been at Nintendo," Bertram said. "All signs are actually extremely positive."

[UPDATE] Nintendo of America has responded to various reports claiming that Bertram's figures were fact. Apparently, the final tally for Wiis designated for the North American launch may be even greater than a million, according to a cryptic statement from the company.

Says Nintendo: "A number of outlets have reported a misstatement about the number of Wii consoles that will be available in the Americas during the launch rollout. In fact, the truth is even better. After the Americas lead the worldwide launch on Nov. 19, Nintendo expects to sell 4 million Wii consoles globally by the end of 2006, with the largest allotment available in the Americas. Although we expect a huge demand for the consoles, we are working to ensure a plentiful supply and a consistent flow."