Nintendo Wii U Popularity Surges – Where to Buy as Consoles Sell Out

While the new Nintendo Wii U, which just went on sale today, currently retails for around $300 in the U.S., finding one in a store in time for Christmas at that price could prove difficult. With the rush already on, even before the Black Friday shopping frenzy, many stores have already sold out of the Wii U video game console.

Another issue compounding the problem for consumers is that a number of retailers of the Wii U have opted to list their inventory on eBay for much higher prices to cash in on the impending shortage. According to reports, there are currently more than 2500 Nintendo Wii U consoles listed with eBay and are selling for $400-$500 each.

Experts expect the eBay prices for the Nintendo Wii U to continue to climb beyond Black Friday and Cyber Monday and into the Christmas and holiday shopping rush. When the original Wii gaming system hit the market, the shortages led to many of the $250 consoles selling for $1000 or more online.

Nintendo will reportedly enter into the streaming video on-demand market with its upcoming TVii next month, just in time for the holidays. Details on the device and what it holds for consumers is expected soon.