For stores in the Highland capital have been hit by a major shortage of the Nintendo Wii games console.

It is currently the most sought after Christmas present and as soon as the supplies hit the shelves they sell out immediately.

Hundreds of parents have put their names on waiting lists at stores across the city in the hope of landing one of the Wiis before December 25 – but the chances for many of getting it in time for the big day are slim.

The Highland News understands the manufacturers have badly underestimated demand and this has led to a UK-wide shortage. Many stores fear it will be into the new year before they get adequate supplies.

The Nintendo Wii launched in the UK in December last year and normally costs £179.

It includes a motion-sensitive controller shaped like a remote control. The so-called Wiimote can be jabbed, swung, waved and turned to imitate a range of real-life motions that are represented on a TV screen.

Highland News reporters contacted a number of stores and hotlines to find out if it was possible to purchase a Wii in time for Christmas.

A member of staff at Currys Digital on High Street, Inverness, said: "We haven't had any in for ages. Two came in about a fortnight ago, but both of them disappeared very quickly.

She said: "Our last big shipment of the Wii was back in February. You might be able to get one online, but I doubt it. Every shop in town is in the same situation."

At the Gamestation store on Inglis Street, Inverness, staff confirmed they were no longer taking pre-bookings for folk after the Wii console.

He said: "Waiting lists for the Wii are well over 100 people here. We have stop taking bookings for it, as we don't know how many we will have any in time for Christmas.

"The reason for the shortage is basically because Nintendo are not meeting the demand, and it is a problem right across the country and Europe."

Michael MacRae, duty manager for Tesco superstore at the Inverness Retail Park, revealed the store received a shipment on Friday, but they were sold out in a matter of hours.

Kyle McColl with one of the elusive games consoles. Alasdair Allen

He explained: "There is such a shortage of these everywhere that whenever they come in, and we put them on the shelves, they just sell out very quickly.

"I'd like to say we will have more in before Christmas, but I don't want to disappoint our customers if we don't.

"It is the best selling item this Christmas and as a result they fly off the shelves very quickly."

A spokeswoman at Game in Inverness said: "There is a wide range of fantastic games consoles available this Christmas, and we know that many people will have one at the top of their list. Everyone at Game is working hard to help customers buy the console and games that they want.

"Although we're receiving regular deliveries from Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft and getting the products on to the shelves as fast as we can – it's possible that demand will outstrip supplies on some products. A good example is the Nintendo Wii, which has been hugely popular all through the year.

"We're posting daily updates on our website at [http://www.game.co.uk/stock] to give customers the latest news on availability, and will continue to do everything possible to help our customers find the consoles they want."

Some internet sellers, including the independent section run on the Amazon website, are offering desperate parents the chance to purchase the games console – but for almost double the recommended retail price.

Some packages include a selection of games, but others are just the basic system. Most promise delivery before Christmas.

On internet auction site Ebay, the computer system is selling for well above the recommended retail price.

Manufacturer Nintendo failed to respond to a HN request for comment.

c.hay@highland-news.co.uk

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