Brief: Nintendo's Wii Console Poised To Ship

Nintendo Co. Ltd. reminded consumers Wednesday of its plans to ship approximately 4 million next-gen Wii game consoles worldwide this year, but warned potential buyers not to hesitate once systems start arriving at stores in the Americas on Nov. 19.

The hype comes based on retail preorders that Nintendo said indicates "intense consumer requests and placement on numerous 'gotta have it' holiday lists." EB Games and GameStop, and Toys R Us began taking preorders for the Nintendo Wii game console in October. Consumers got a chance to plunk down a $50 deposit to reserve a chance to buy the system, but no guarantees were made once it hit stores.

In a statement, Nintendo said that "retailers are telling us a significant fraction of customers pre-ordering Wii are nontraditional gamers, people looking for a better way to play."

Nintendo said its manufacturing facilities are working to gear-up supply chain pipeline to keep retail shelves filled, but believes demand will outpace supply.

A study by the Consumer Electronics Association estimates a 27 percent jump in spending this holiday season on electronic goods.