Report: Wii production way ahead

UBS analyst Alex Gauna claims that Nintendo's 2006 production goal of 6 million next-gen consoles will be "handily" beaten; 2 million units already reportedly made.

When the Xbox 360 went on sale last November, it was instantly beset with supply problems. Many consumers who preordered the consoles months in advance couldn't obtain a console until the following year. Even then, many early adopters were forced to settle for a hard drive-less "Core" 360 or found their units beset with a higher-than average rate of hardware problems.

The PlayStation 3 looks like it will suffer similar supply issues when it hits US stores next month. After being delayed from its spring debut, the console also saw its initial shipment drastically slashed from 2 million day-one units worldwide to just 500,000--100,000 for Japan's November 11 launch and 400,000 for North America's November 17 launch. Though the PS3 has been delayed in Europe until March 2007, Sony still asserts it will ship 2 to 2.4 million units of the console by 11:59 p.m. on December 31.

By Sony's own account, the primary reason for its PS3 woes is the console's optical disc drive. Sony is experiencing difficulty manufacturing the laser diodes for the drives, which will use Blu-ray Discs. The next-generation video format is squaring off against rival HD-DVD, which is not-so-coincidentally supported by Microsoft.

However, unlike Sony, Microsoft decided not to incorporate a cutting-edge disc format in the Xbox 360, which will get an optional external $199 HD-DVD drive later this year. Nintendo went even one step further. Its Wii console won't even support DVD playback, and its graphical and processing power are roughly only twice that of its current-generation console, the GameCube.

Now, Nintendo's emphasis on simplicity and proven technology is apparently paying off. According to a report from UBS Investment Research, the Kyoto, Japan-based game giant is not only meeting its manufacturing goals, but it is surpassing them.

Citing industry "checks," UBS analysts Alex Gauna and Steven Chin claim that Nintendo already made 2 million Wiis by the end of September. They go on to predict that, "at least 7 million and potentially as high as 9 million more units are in the build plan for Q4 06. This production ramp handily exceeds a publicly announced target for 6 million units to ship by year's end." (Emphasis added.) If 2 million Wiis are already made, that could being the manufacturing total to a whopping 9-11 million units, although they all would not likely ship by year's end. [CORRECTION: GameSpot initially reported overall production of Wiis for 2007 would be 7-9 million. We regret the error.]

Besides being music to Nintendo fans' ears, the report should also hearten shareholders of the Broadcom Corporation, which makes the wireless integrated circuits in the next-gen console. Broadcom supplies "one Wi-Fi and two Bluetooth ICs [Integrated Circuits] into each packaged Wii, with the potential to enjoy additional Bluetooth sales from additional controllers."

542 Comments

  • LikwidX3

    Posted Oct 31, 2006 5:36 pm PT

    wow man only a few weeks, i cant wait to tear that transparent tape off of that box and pull that game out of the box and play.

  • nightflyer00

    Posted Oct 31, 2006 4:58 am PT

    I might have considered a PS3 but then Sony had to go and kill Lik-Sang (Australasian video game store.) Sorry Sony but you've sued one too many people. I've had enough of your crap. It's only PC, Nintendo and Xbox for me now.

  • 009876543

    Posted Oct 30, 2006 7:57 pm PT

    Im very glad thier will be alot of wii systems in the us by dec.31 cause i didn't prorder mine and want it very badly.

  • maddrummer57

    Posted Oct 30, 2006 11:50 am PT

    looking forward to the wii for fun pick up games and looking forward to building a new pc for high end realistic games.

  • wii0344

    Posted Oct 29, 2006 7:21 am PT

    My best bet is like Target or Sams i didnt pre-order

  • Lunatic_Monk

    Posted Oct 29, 2006 6:24 am PT

    I really hope they have enough. I am not going to pre-order. But... I do have my ways.

  • BONES991

    Posted Oct 27, 2006 6:00 pm PT

    yey now i wont have to wait 3 months to get the system. Hopefully these staticstics are correct because gamestops friday morning preorder day sucked ( some of us to go to school and work u know). Well lets hope there are plenty of systems on the shelves come november. Comon nintendo u never let me down before sont start now

  • NECR0CHILD313

    Posted Oct 27, 2006 8:23 am PT

    Nine to Eleven MILLION units in the launch quarter?! HOT DAMN!

  • 01SMELLY

    Posted Oct 26, 2006 12:04 pm PT

    can't w8

  • -KinGz-

    Posted Oct 26, 2006 9:24 am PT

    I couldnt spect less

  • jay_keno

    Posted Oct 25, 2006 7:26 pm PT

    All I know is that I am camping out to make sure that I get mine

  • WisdomLink

    Posted Oct 25, 2006 5:52 pm PT

    Looks like anyone who wants a console for christmas, will end up getting a Wii if they're unable to get a ps3.

  • barnicle2

    Posted Oct 23, 2006 3:45 pm PT

    Gamestation in my area, stocking 15. And apparently they have all been pre-ordered? That's gonna make alot of sony-noobs-who-buy-the-consoles-cause-its-sony-and-they-want-every-re-incarnation-of-Need-For-Speed Very Unhappy... Go sony ! =D

  • Neo_Kelyn

    Posted Oct 23, 2006 4:46 am PT

    QUOTE "Then how do you explain why Zelda: Ocarina of Time is ranked #1 on the top 100 games of all time list? You need to look at the facts before making comments"

    BURN!!!

    With any luck this amount of production will mean I'll be able to buy without preordering, which is luck as I'm broke right now.
    As for PS3 not shipping in Europe until March 2007... What a joke.

  • Tungsten88

    Posted Oct 21, 2006 3:09 pm PT

    I don't know about you guys, but this talk of which console is better just comes down to money. If you have the money, just go Sony. If you don't and still want a great console, go Nintendo.

  • lightning30022

    Posted Oct 20, 2006 5:08 pm PT

    OUOTE: "what the heck the wii's controllers are gay like playing video games with a t.v. remote stupid
    and i hate nintendo sony is way better playstation all the way!
    nintendo screws up every game they take a sport and make a game out of it fine but they put in power ups and crap like that and the graphixs suck its always so animated nothing looks real"

    Then how do you explain why Zelda: Ocarina of Time is ranked #1 on the top 100 games of all time list? You need to look at the facts before making comments.

  • rjsn74

    Posted Oct 20, 2006 1:50 pm PT

    that's kinda the point. nintendo is a company that mostly makes party games. If you want more realistic games this console isn't for you

  • ChucklesMginty

    Posted Oct 20, 2006 10:57 am PT

    Also I feel ripped off after my local game shop said they had limited stock but I guess they would say that wouldn't they... I bet every game shop says that...

  • ChucklesMginty

    Posted Oct 20, 2006 10:55 am PT

    Go Nintendo way to show Sony who the real no.1 games manufacturer should be! I just felt my social life disappear as I typed that...

  • supersim10007

    Posted Oct 20, 2006 10:55 am PT

    no shortages! Yes!

  • pohlkat

    Posted Oct 20, 2006 8:43 am PT

    hey fatman87 nintendo PWNS sony in japan. seriously.

  • marty352

    Posted Oct 20, 2006 7:49 am PT

    '4esth, the graphics are already good enough. did u go to e3 and try it. it is a really smooth and really sleek feeling control scheme. nintendo is the one who is going to have us saying wow, next gen is not about . . . Graphics its about Games!!!!'

    AMEN

  • Funhousemijit

    Posted Oct 20, 2006 5:10 am PT

    how much is the wii going to cost?

  • FoxMcCloudDS

    Posted Oct 19, 2006 12:24 pm PT

    4esth, the graphics are already good enough. did u go to e3 and try it. it is a really smooth and really sleek feeling control scheme. nintendo is the one who is going to have us saying wow, next gen is not about . . . Graphics its about Games!!!!

    Wii pre-ordered for me

  • 4esth

    Posted Oct 19, 2006 9:09 am PT

    I hope the remote really takes up the slack for the graphics...the more gameplay footage I see, the more I think WTF. But on the other hand, does anyone remember the Power Glove? Hopefully second time is the charm in this case.

  • Lithavalon

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 10:34 pm PT

    GO nintendo, A system for all the family to enjoy

  • TensiNothing

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 7:53 am PT

    not that I hate Sony.... or.. well..
    yeah, so I'm doing like I did last Gen, I buy nintendo first, then I'll get a 360.. maybe after a price drop or so...

    I'm pretty sure I'm going to love my Pre-Ordered Wii as much as my DS(which at first I thought wouldn't be so good, now I take it everywhere with me.. if it only had its own compartment for games,when I don't want to take the case..)

    oh well, Keep up the great work Nintendo!!!

    and put out a patch for SSB: Brawl to have online.. or just release the game with online...

  • Turisman4

    Posted Oct 18, 2006 7:40 am PT

    Well, the PS3's "perfectly harmonius launch" has gone down the tubes. 6 per store? Just look at Nintendo. This might be one of the most flawless launches in console history.

  • bigcalkenobi

    Posted Oct 17, 2006 3:36 pm PT

    well i'm glad to see that nintendo is finally back in the game and I'm glad to know that i can walk into Walmart and buy one the day it comes out along with the long awaited Twilight Princess. This is the moment i've been waiting for. Only 1 month and Zelda and the Wii are mine! ow and now I can play all games I want on either the 360 or the wii. That makes me glad i can play Halo 3 and Zelda and Gears of War plus countless other titles without touching a PS3. Sony is going back to where they belong, not the gaming Market.

  • twilight_link9

    Posted Oct 17, 2006 2:14 pm PT

    yahoo! no shortages then!

    and yes, vjso2, Sony's reign is finally over!!!

  • vjso2

    Posted Oct 17, 2006 1:37 pm PT

    Sony has finally lost.

  • Taegukki

    Posted Oct 17, 2006 12:46 am PT

    Great news!

  • FATMAN87

    Posted Oct 16, 2006 9:27 pm PT

    sony my be better in japan, but that doesnt go here, its nintendo country in USA

  • cloud1914

    Posted Oct 16, 2006 4:03 pm PT

    Yay!!! !!!!!!!!!!!DOWN WITH SONY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • sanatori

    Posted Oct 15, 2006 2:08 pm PT

    I'm impressed by Nintendo and surprised they were the first ones to come up with this idea, especially with the controllers. Even when the first 8-bit Nintendo came out, I knew people who would jerk the controller to the left or the right, hoping to get Mario to move that way or jump. It seems so simple that it's ingenious. The fact that it is so cheap coupled with some very nice titles and assured availability will make it a hot seller, even though it might not be what most consider 'cutting edge'. Personally, I can justify spending 250 - 300 on a console around my house, but any more than that won't fly. Anyone with kids and/or a wife knows that well enough. For that reason I see it being more family friendly as well, but that's just my 2 cents.

  • merzitar

    Posted Oct 15, 2006 7:37 am PT

    Go NINTENDO!

  • mikethemonkey

    Posted Oct 13, 2006 10:18 pm PT

    http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=212
    Thanks Undugrownd

    Funny but true!

  • Undugrownd

    Posted Oct 13, 2006 2:31 pm PT

    http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=212

    This comic makes fun of the situation.

  • Mrglorp

    Posted Oct 13, 2006 1:22 pm PT

    With 7 million wiis made {I hate using that name sometimes} I don't think we would need to worry about getting one. But if I need wait a few weeks im fine w/ that, I don't plan on camping outside the store. The thing I hate is , if you get a new consel close to realese is u only get 1 or 2 colors. I hope u can buy a non-remote controller becuse some games would probbably be funner without the remote. {no body talks about the non-remot controller} I still think the remotes cool but what if you have a broken leg or arm, would u need to wait to heal befor u can play it.{I don't know if you could play a video game w/ a broken arm}

  • antonioscordo

    Posted Oct 13, 2006 10:21 am PT

    I pre-order my wii today at my local EBGames. Each store was told how many they were allowed to sell at pre-order. Our local one had 11..... that's right 11. I had number 3 and by 15 minutes after the store opened, their pre-orders were closed. They would agree to only hold it for 48 hours unless you paid for the whole thing right then and there. . . so of course I did. With the sales tax in our area. A Wii + Extra Remote + Extra Nunchuk + Classic Controller will set you back about $350. Now if I could just aford a freakin game..... just kiding alread pre-order Rayman, Marvel Ultimate Alliance, and Mario Galaxy.

    No fuss, no muss, no lines, no hassle. As it's a christmas present, I'll wait a few days and go in after all the craziness. Glad the pre-order was on Friday . . all the little kids with big wallets were locked in school ha ha ha ha.

    Interesting to note . . the lady in line after me, was nearly 80 years old, and was getting the system to play with her grandson. I can just se her p;aying wii sports. Now lets see a PS3 have that kind of a draw.

  • zerox0409

    Posted Oct 12, 2006 11:43 pm PT

    I'm really hoping that they will have a Kingdom Hearts game on the Wii, exclusive or just maybe a port of KH3?, it would be great to swing the Keyblade with a Wii-mote!

  • the_drop_beat

    Posted Oct 12, 2006 11:33 pm PT

    This console is going to bring in a wealth of new users to the video game market. Not only has Nintendo maximized its revenue potential by shipping a relatively massive number of units, but it is delivering a system that is truer to hardcore gamers than Sony's (which seems to be trying to design a system that would figuratively eat everything else in your living room). Personally, I resent Sony's decisions, but that aside I am itching to get my hands on the controller. I mean, when was the last time something revolutionary came out as far as controller hardware. Yes the PS3 is going to be motion sensitive, but do you really see yourself holding it sideways and pointing it at your TV? I also think kissmybutt7 makes a valid point.

  • yoshirox85

    Posted Oct 12, 2006 6:12 pm PT

    Geez. That's a lot of units for being a month ahead of the release.

  • AnubisX0319

    Posted Oct 12, 2006 5:09 pm PT

    I don't think anyone doubted that Gamecube could produce better graphics than the PS2. The GC hardware is better hands down. The Wii, however, will never touch PS3 or 360 quality graphics as the graphics on each system begin to max out a few years down the line.

  • kissmybutt7

    Posted Oct 12, 2006 11:49 am PT

    everyone should remember that most people thought that the gamecube would never be able to compare to the ps2 and the xbox (graphically speaking) because it didn't have all the hardware that the other 2 systems had, but let's not forget about resident evil 4. when that came out, it was hailed as one of the best-looking games of this generation. who's to say that the Wii won't be able to pull off the same thing later on down the road?

advertisement

Hot Stories

Newsmakers

Featured Stories

Submit News

Got tips? Send them in!