While the demand might seem to signal that the Wii U is poised to become a cultural touchstone, like the Wii was, analysts note it is likely more indicative of Nintendo offering limited pre-order supplies to stores – in part to help generate buzz for a system that, to date, really hasn't managed to get people talking.
"Nintendo tends to manage the distribution channel to generate some sort of perception that its [system] is in demand," says Colin Sebastian of R.W. Baird. "I think seeing these sellouts on some of the websites is not a negative indication. It's either neutral or slightly positive, but it's not conclusive."
Because no one really knows how many of a retailer's allocated stock are put up for pre-order, he adds, it's not always the best litmus test of future success. Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter estimates there are only between 300,000 and 400,000 Wii U consoles currently being offered for pre-order. (The system, of course, will also be available physically in stores on Nov. 18.)
