Japanese retailer hints at 3DS shortage
Pre-orders may be necessary
Tradition dictates that any new console launch must be accompanied by a significant shortage, and the launch of the Nintendo 3DS appears as though it will follow the trend.
Nintendo has promised to ship 1.5m units to Japan by the end of the fiscal year on 31st March, but one retailer is suggesting that only 400,000 of these will be available on launch day. Accordingly, the retailer has suggested that pre-orders may be necessary to avoid disappointment when the console makes its debut in Japan on 26th February.
The figure is similar to the number of consoles shipped for the launch of the Wii, which suffered from shortages when it was released in 2006.
Nintendo has also promised to ship 2.5 million units outside of Japan, although it remains unclear how many will be in the shops when the 3DS takes its European bow later this year. Andriasang