Toys R Us and GameStop Selected as Launch Partners for Nintendo's Wii

We now know who and where the house of Mario is partnering with - and launching - its most innovative videogame system yet.

Nintendo has announced that Toys R Us and GameStop will be the official launch partners "for its new Wii videogame console on November 19," according to reports now circulating on the Internet. "Both chains have already run through their alottments of pre-orders for the new consoles, in which eager customers were able to reserve a system in advance of the Wii's official launch," according to Digital Trends. "Toys R Us's flagship store in New York City's Times Square will host an official launch event, as will GameStop's Universal CityWalk location in Los Angeles."

Digital Trends also states that "the Nintendo Wii's November 19th launch day follows right on the heels of Sony's November 17th launch of its PlayStation 3 video game console. However, with a price tag of $249.99, the Wii may appeal to consumers put off by the $499 to $599 price tags Sony will be hanging on its much-anticipated console. The Wii does not feature a high-definition DVD drive (whereas the PlayStation 3 will feature a Blu-ray drive), but the Wii's motion-sensing wireless controller has garnered rave reviews from both hardened gamers and folks who don't normally spend much time around game console."

Reuters also reported on the news, but cautioned consumers on speculation that "in a repeat of Microsoft Corp's introduction of the XBox 360 last year, the Wii and the PS3 are expected to be in short supply as demand outstrips the companies' ability to turn out the new devices." The Reuters version of the report also states that "While other consumer electronics retailers, such as Best Buy Co Inc. and Circuit City may also start selling the unit at midnight on the 19th, the partnership could mean that Toys R Us and GameStop may have access to better Wii supplies," also much like with the XBox 360 last year.

On the other hand, Reuters predicts that "even if GameStop and Toys R Us do not snag a better-than-average supply, aligning themselves with Nintendo and the launch publicity could help boost traffic in their stores, as customers come to them seeking the new system."

Toys R Us has "struggled in recent years with difficult market conditions for toy sellers, earlier this year installed a former Best Buy executive as president of its U.S. business and has said it is looking to expand relationships with electronics manufacturers as it tries to boost sales."