The Nintendo Wii finally launched in the UK (and also across the rest of Europe) at the close of last week, and it would appear that—true to Nintendo’s prediction—the buying public were indeed chomping at the gaming bit when it came to securing the industry’s smallest, cheapest, and most underpowered console.

Nintendo UK has stated that since the Wii’s official launch at midnight Thursday, more than 50,000 units were snaffled from retailers across the country—in the first twelve hours of sale—which, for stat geeks, apparently equates to around one sale every second.

"We are delighted with the amazing response to Wii and that people of all ages and gaming experience are embracing the way that we are turning the industry on its head," exclaimed David Yarton, head of Nintendo UK. "With so many units sold it is great to see that people will be enjoying Wii with their families this Christmas."

Naturally, initial stock shipments for the Wii have sold out across much of the country (and Europe), and demand is currently much higher than supply. Lisa Morgan, CEO of UK retailer GAME, has said the store is expecting more shipments this coming week, and David Yarnton has also promised that the folks at Nintendo are "doing everything we can do to meet demand throughout Christmas and the New Year period."

Indeed, demand is so high, that this writer was harrassed at the local game store by unfortunates without a pre-order when he arrived to pick up his Wii (one of only 4 available on stock). Ardent persuasion and cash figures in excess of twice the Wii Sports pack’s retail price were forcibly offered as he beat a hasty retreat to his car, Wii and Twilight Princess firmly grasped to his chest.

Does the Wii’s massive success (at launch) indicate that Nintendo has got its home console strategy right this time around? Do consumers no longer care whether a game is aesthetically next-gen? Is it now the time for gameplay and the way wii play the game, to define what truly qualifies as next-gen?