Nintendo Sets Up Raincheck Option for Wiis

Japanese game console maker Nintendo announced Friday it will issue rainchecks for its mega-hit console the Wii that guarantees consumers a Wii by the end of January. But, the raincheck must be purchased at a GameStop (GME) store on December 20th and 21st. The buyer must also pay the full $249 cost for the console when he or she purchases the raincheck. The company has been trying to come up with solutions to satisfy demand for the Wii since it launched last November. The device remains sold out in most stores despite the company nearly doubling production since last year. "We understand and sympathize with the frustration felt by consumers," Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime said Friday. "A shortfall benefits no one." Consumers started buying the Wii as soon as the holiday season began this year; about 980,000 Wiis were sold in November, a 98% increase from October. Fils-Aime did not mention if more Wiis would be on sale this year than normal. Shares of GameStop finished up 1.2% to $58.21.

Sources: MarketWatch

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