Sony PS3 and Nintendo Wii pre-order updates

It's only a few days to the Sony PS3 launch, and under a week until Nintendo's Wii formally hits street, so here are a couple of updates on the pre-order front.

On the PS3 front, things aren't looking good at GameStop (who also owns EB Games). Preorders for the PlayStation 3 required $100 in advance downpayment, with around eight units per store expected for most stores. GameSpot.com says a GameStop (are you following?) rep said:

"We are beginning to notify our customers that our initial shipment of PS3 systems will not be what we expected. As this is not an ideal situation, we are asking employees to wait to purchase systems until the second shipment. We are anticipating having systems to cover reservations before Christmas."

If you preordered but don't get a PS3 on launch day, GameStop will give you a free used game or DVD (valued at $19.99 or less) -- whenever you actually purchase the system. Oh, and if you preordered, get your box before Saturday evening, or you may lose it.

On a less crappy note, Toys "R" Us says they will receive enough units to cover pre-sales of PS3s -- but no walk-in purchases.

On the Nintendo Wii front, the same Toys "R" Us representative said all of the company's stores will have some number of additional Wii consoles to sell to people who didn't preorder. Good news, but I really don't expect Wii supply to be an issue.