In a conference call this morning, Nintendo’s executive mangod Reginald Fils-Aime announced the implementation of a “Wii Raincheck” program for parents or gamers unable to find a console this Christmas.

Nintendo is partnering with Gamestop on this one, selling “tens-of-thousands” of reserve slips through individual stores. You’ll have to go to your local shop and pay for a Wii in full if you want to receive one, which guarantees you a console in January.

Of course, it won’t do much to assuage your recipient’s disappointment come the morning of the 25th. Don’t expect any N64-kid style outbursts when they find a mere certificate under the tree. Rather, it seems like a good way to pad Nintendo’s bottom line (and console sales) for the month of December, as what you’re essentially doing is “pre-ordering” a system a year-plus after its launch.

Nonetheless, we can see a lot of people taking advantage of this new program, effectively cutting out what might’ve been competitor console purchases made to get something in time for Chirstmas.

Good news, though, is that there will apparently be plenty of Wiis this weekend, so call your local retailers and ask or check out your Sunday-morning circulars for details (of course, by then it may just be too late!).

[Source: Wired Game|Life]

Tags: christmas, gamestop, Nintendo, reggie-fils-aime, Wii, wii-raincheck

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