EllensProphet,
I think this thread is about Japan. The Wii is only supply constrained in the US, however not in Europe of Japan, mainly because of the weak US-Dollar. Nintendo can make a lot more money by selling their Wiis in Europe first.
Regarding Nintendo's risk aversity -- this is a company that has seen revenue triple within just 2 years. I think it makes sense to be a little careful then. Nintendo doesn't have other divisions to catch up unforeseen losses - unlike the Sony corporation which digested billions of losses from the PS3. That besides the fact that video game consoles are generally developed and calculated for a life of 5+ years and every change that Nintendo makes in strategic planning now still has to be valid in a few years.
Hardcore gaming is a bubble economy blown up by Microsoft's $7 $6 billion losses.
