Nintendo angry at Wii scalping

This Christmas the Nintendo Wii has been in hot demand but short supply -- and the solution to this equation from many retailers is to add an estimated £100 on to the recommended retail price by insisting that gamers buy a selection of games with the console.

Reggie Fils-Aime, president of Nintendo of America, is not happy about this. He told Reuters, "Retailers have already been given feedback that we are not big fans of that. We think it masks some of the price advantage we have versus our competition and, frankly, the consumer should decide what they want. We don't have to remind retailers of the strength we have right now. We are simply making an observation and that reinforces our point quite nicely with retailers."

For example, at UK high street retailer Game's Web site, there is no option to purchase the Wii without games -- bundles start from £204.99, although this deal, which includes Sonic and the Secret Rings, has sold out. In fact, the cheapest bundle currently available is £254.99, which includes the console, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, and The Golden Compass.

At Gamestation, Wii 'combos' start from £299.99 with Billy the Wizard, a 1GB SD card, and any three selected Wii titles, and go up to a staggering £379.99. Zavvi and Amazon UK's Web sites state that the Wii is currently out of stock, and HMV's simply has no mention of it. The Wii itself, which comes with Wii Sports, has a UK recommended retail price of £179.

Fils-Aime added that there were also now concerns about shortages of the DS handheld console over Christmas.