CATCH A RISING STAR

This interview with a Nintendo executive in the Wall Street Journal, has some noteworthy data points regarding its best-selling Wii console and DS hand-held products. 

First some background from the article for those not familiar with the Wii:

"The companys Wii console and Nintendo DS handheld game player are currently the two best-selling game gadgets on the market in the U.S., leading a dramatic resurgence at the Kyoto-based company.

With its relatively low price of $249 and an innovative motion-sensing game controller, the Wii is sharply outselling the competing PlayStation 3 from Sony Corp. and Xbox 360 from Microsoft Corp., and is on a trajectory to overtake both in cumulative sales.

About 2.5 million Wii consoles have been sold since it went on sale last November, according to sales-tracking firm NPD Group, compared with 1.3 million for the PS3 and 5.4 million for the Xbox 360, which went on sale a year earlier than its rivals."

For those who are still looking for Wii systems in stores, and are frustrated like yours truly, this Q&A was particularly relevant:

"WSJ: The Wii remains very difficult to find in stores. Why in May of 2007 -- more than a half-year after Nintendo introduced the Wii -- are there not a few more Wiis on store shelves?

Mr. Fils-Aime: Its consumer demand. The issue is not a production issue. Were producing north of a million a month. Its that demand is so unprecedented at this point in time six months after launch."

The system is expected to sell more than both the Sony and Microsoft systems soon, as this exchange highlights:

"Mr. Fils-Aime: What I know is Wii is outselling PS3 right now 3-to-1. Wii is right now outselling Xbox 360 at a pace of 2-to-1. When I do that math, and analysts have, there will be a crossover point when the Wii is the top-selling system, first, world-wide and then, secondly, here in the United States [on a cumulative basis].

If Im a competitive platform holder I have to be concerned. The data certainly suggest its not some fringe buying the Wii and it is a much more massive consumer group that represents the core and the expanded audience.

WSJ: When do you think that crossover point might be -- this year?

Mr. Fils-Aime: On a U.S. basis, we have sold through roughly 2.5 million Wiis... On a pace of 2-to-1 [compared with Xbox 360 sales], that inflection point certainly happens this year, if not next."

I know Im still looking for a few Wii consoles at the request of different family members.  Looks like Ill have some competition for some time to come.