"Wii Could Hit 30% of U.S. Households" - Analyst

The eternal question that has plagued analysts, gamers, and Nintendo themselves has been regarding the long term appeal of the Wii system. Is it just a gimmick after all, or is Wii indeed the future?

Analysts were quick to suggest that after the initial appeal of the system, numbers would decline. However, several analysts have been forced to eat their words, and many are now starting to see the long term possibilities that surround the system.

Merrill Lynch has predicted that 30% of U.S households will own a Wii by 2011. The analyst says the figure in Japan could be as high as 33%.

This statement comes after news that the Wii is outselling all competitors in the US and Japan, and is selling well in Europe.

Analysts are increasingly dismissive of the idea that Wii is a short-term gimmick, whoe appeal is fading. Jay Defibaugh, analyst at Credit Suisse said, "There has been a concern that the Wii was gimmicky but each passing month assuages that."