Pachter: Wii Fit to raise Wii demand, keep shortages going

by David Hinkle { Apr 16th 2008 at 1:30PM }

Aside from his prediction that he thinks Wii Fit will sell 3-4 million this year, Michael Pachter has grabbed another estimation out from within his bag of tricks: Wii Fit will keep Wii shortages going as it will increase demand for the console. Pachter cited Nintendo's plan to market the crap out of Wii Fit, stating "the increased buzz will drive increased demand for the already difficult to find Wii hardware." Well, we know the UK is crazy over Wii Fit, but Nintendo shouldn't have as hard a time filling demand over there as they have had here in the states.

On Pachter's part, this is a pretty safe play to make. The preorders at Amazon are going through the roof and with Wii Fit being on Good Morning, America recently, we're sure the public is very receptive to the product. We're still not sure about that price tag, though.

Gallery: Wii Fit

Tags: business, michael-pachter, pachter, shortage, shortages, wii-fit, wiifit

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

TheWarlock @ Apr 16th 2008 1:37PM

Even though I commented on that poll you guys gave out, I'm going to go ahead and say it again. I completely agree with you on that price tag. They'd sell 4-5million if they'd just bump the "arm and a leg" price down to 75 smackaroos.

But, I'm a nintendo freak, and I still would've payed for it for TWICE that price... but thats just me.

SoshiKitai @ Apr 16th 2008 1:43PM

Hmmm... Let's say we could get some promotions out?
Maybe put up some contests for it so that some people can get the game for cheap or free...

If that's the case, there's enough people who would own it...
And through the limited knowledge of advertising:
If enough people show-off their expensive devices to their friends and neighbors, they'll eventually make the Johnson-neighbor-effect: Everyone will eventually get one despite the price.

:)

hvnlysoldr @ Apr 16th 2008 2:51PM

"We've delayed the launch of Wii Fit to make sure we've got over 1 million ready for launch" Iwata on Wii Fit in Japan
"We're getting Wii Fit after Europe to make sure we've got over 7 million ready for launch" Reggie

murray b @ Apr 16th 2008 3:17PM

I love that picture. What does that lady think shes going to find on that empty rack of shelves? why did she walk down that aisle anyway? But on a related topic, am I the only one who is not excited about Wii Fit?

SoshiKitai @ Apr 16th 2008 4:48PM

Lots of people are with ya', don't worry. But they're not going in these topics.

Sadly, I'm not with ya'.

Perverted @ Apr 16th 2008 5:17PM

Don't want Wii Fit.....well not at $140......or £70 where I live. £35 most and it would be my most expensive game purchase ever.
It doesn't even look that great....it's just one of those things that looks new and fun so you want to try it out but you'll be bored of it soon. Oh and yeah it'll sell....the evil ones I mean casuals will lap it up.

TheWarlock @ Apr 16th 2008 10:06PM

Careful guys... I sense blasphemy in thy voices... REPENT!

sonOnun @ Apr 16th 2008 3:51PM

okay look at the price of rock band and how it sold. then look at how america goes ga-ga over most anything health or weight loss related. next look at what critics keep on saying that ours and every generation after is having obsiety issues (ok so maybe i don't exercise enough ;) ) and you really think his prediction is off???

Brento @ Apr 16th 2008 7:09PM

I just hoped they reinforced the Wii Fit so I haul my big ass aboard I dont want it breaking.

XionPH @ May 3rd 2008 5:17AM

These shotages are really starting to upset me. My local game stop, which is the number third most profitable gamestop in the region, got three Wiis last week. Count them: one, two, three wiis for week. They of course sold out in about 15 minits. A year and a half of shortages is insane.

I understand that starting up new production may be costly, but honestly if I go through another year of these shortages I'm going to be so pissed off that I will not get one at all and I might stop supporting nintendo all together. I know that sounds immature, but I do not like supporting companies that cant send more then three units to my local game store.