Analysts are today suggesting that Nintendo's inability to meet demand for the this festive season could cost the Japanese console maker as much as 1 billion USD - with even insiders at the company concerned by the epic global stock shortages.

Nintendo are building 1.8 million machines monthly, barely scratching the surface of demand for the disruptive console, which is now trading hands for vast sums on eBay as purchasers clamour for the system.

Concern is now rife among experts that the Big N may be missing an opportunity to capitalise on the console's success. NPD's James Lin reckons Ninty could easily sell double the units they are presently, month-by-month, with the festive failure alone likely to cost 1 billion USD, plus lost royalties from software sales.

"We do worry about not satisfying consumers and that they will drift to a competitor's system," Ninty's George Harrison admitted recently.

Meanwhile, the continues to make in-roads into the Wii's market share, especially in Japan. More as we get it.

By Luke Guttridge