One element of the Seventh Generation everyone has forgotten was console companies doing a vanity event of a ‘worldwide release’ of the console. The Xbox 360 tried it somewhat. The Wii actually pulled it off. The big news with the DS launch was it was the first time a Nintendo console launched first in the United States.
The disadvantages of a world wide release can outweigh the advantages. The main disadvantage is lack of hardware. Part of the reason why it was so hard to get a Wii early on was because hardware was so supply limited. And it is easiest to sell when the iron is hot, easiest to sell at launch.
From this website, we read:
A Nintendo spokesperson has told Digital Spy that there won’t be an equivalent event in Europe.
“We are not planning a specific European event like NOA, however we are looking to put the new Wii U console in the hands of as many people across Europe as possible and we will be in contact with news of our UK communications plan in the near future.”
‘In the hands of as many people across Europe as possible…’ that points to a delayed launch, likely 2013. Europe is also the hardest market to launch because of all the different countries and how each marketing has to be tailored for each one. ‘In the hands of as many people’ is nearly a definite indicator that Nintendo has no intention of doing a world wide launch.
If you’re in Europe, it is highly probable that you won’t be able to purchase the Wii U until 2013 or very late 2012.
Looking this up further, it appears there has been a manufacturing issue concerning the Wii U. What is holding up production of the Wii Us are the GamePads with its screens. Due to how United States retailers demand everything retail to be in place in November, it is likely the Japanese and United States market will bolster their supply from Europe’s stash. The story says a release date hasn’t been announced due to these manufacturing delays. If true, it might explain the delay for Europe.
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