Nintendo sells 400K Wii U units in first week

In its first week of release in the United States, Nintendo has sold 400,000 Wii U units. Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime confirmed today that during the last week, U.S. hardware sales for Nintendo products — including Wii U, Wii, 3DS, and DS —have surpassed 1.2 million units.

The Wii U's sales success was limited only by Nintendo's failures to provide enough consoles for retailers to meet demand.

"Wii U is essentially sold out of retail and we are doing our best to continually replenish stock," Nintendo president Reggie Fils-Aime said in an interview with CNET. "Retailers are also doing their best to get the product to store shelves. But as soon as product hits retail, they're selling out immediately."

Nintendo also had a good week with its handhelds as well, with the 3DS and DS selling 250,000 and 275,000 units respectively. The original Wii, meanwhile sold moved 300,000 units.

Despite the shortages, Nintendo has to be thrilled with the initial consumer reception to the Wii U. Although it failed to outsell the original Wii (which sold 475,000 units during its first week back in 2006), demand for the Wii U remains strong. Unlike its predecessor, however, Fils-Aime doesn't expect the same sort of shortages experienced with the Wii.

"You couldn't walk into a retailer and buy a Wii until spring of 2009. We've certainly learned many lessons from that and we are replenishing retailers more quickly this time around. We are looking to have as much product into retail as possible. It's driven by consumer response," Fils-Aime said.

Did you already pick up a Wii U or do you have plans on getting one this holiday season?