Following earlier reports that Asda and Morrisons are no longer stocking Wii U in stores, MCVUK verified with other UK retailers to confirm their positions. GAME and Sainsbury, among others, remain enthusiastic in their support of the console.
GAME CEO Martyn Gibbs cites recent strong performance of Animal Crossing, New Super Luigi U, and Wii U's digital offerings, and explains that they have always supported Nintendo products. GAME actually received a sweetheart deal from Nintendo to sell eShop cards, that don't only store eShop credits, but also download codes for specific Wii U games.
Online retailer ShopTo trusts that Nintendo will be able to turn things award when they release premier software later this year and into the next one. Other retailers that promise to support the console include HMV and The Hut.
In a statement to MCV, Nintendo cites Super Mario 3D World and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD, as well as the current performance of New Super Luigi U and Pikmin 3, and reaffirms their belief that software sells hardware.
I think many people may not remember this, but UK game retailers have been experiencing a squeeze in the past few years. GAME and HMV, which I just mentioned above, each went into administration in the past two years, and consider themselves lucky to have been able to salvage their business. For some hardcore gaming fans in the region, console purchases have moved completely online.
The decision of some UK retailers to stop stocking Nintendo consoles in stores may also not bode well for Playstation 4 and Xbox One if those consoles aren't able to perform consistently. We hope this holiday season bodes well for UK gaming retail.
Source: MCV UK
