Nintendo is working hard with manufacturers to ens♛ure there are more than enough 3DS systems to go around when it launches later this year. If you attempted to buy a Wii at any time during its first six months of availability, you'll understand why.

The Wii shortagewas legendary - the system was nearly as hard to find as aTickle Me Elmo doll, and it continued to be a challenge to track one down even months into the new year. That will apparently not be the case with the upcoming 3DS - Nintendo plans to have 1.5 million units available for the Japanese launch, significantly more than it had for the W♑ii. It's also more than any DS launch. Japan has previously had sell-out problems with the DS, althoughthat hasn't been a huge issue in the US.

"It's important that we ensure a continuous supply [of the 3DS]," said Nintendo president Satoru Iwatato Japanese business 🍨source Nikkei.

Jan 10, 2011