Nintendo Announces Rain Check Program For Wii

Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime has announced a new rain check program to help address Christmas shortages of the Wii.

GameDaily reports that in a conference call this morning, Fils-Aime said the rain check program will "guarantee" that consumers will get a Wii after Christmas. Under the program, available only at GameStop, customers will be able to purchase a rain check on December 20 and 21 for the full Wii price of $249, which must then be claimed by January 29.

"The fact of the matter is that this shortfall benefits no one," Fils-Aime said. "Enough systems would make everyone, including me, much happier. We're taking steps to alleviate frustration, at least for some consumers." He also said the company had tripled the workforce at its North Bend, Washington, distribution facility.

According to GamesIndustry.biz, MDB Capital Group analyst James Lin said Nintendo is missing out on up to $1.3 billion by failing to meet consumer demand for the Wii. "They could easily sell double what they're selling," he said.