Nintendo has said that "retail pandemonium and mayhem is expected" at the Japanese launch.

In Australia, where the console goes on sale on December 7, there are no "official" launch events planned, a Nintendo spokesperson told IT Wire.

However, several retail chains, including EB and Toys R Us, are planning midnight openings to let gaming fans get their hands on the new console, which will retail for $399.95. Additional Wii controllers cost $69.95 each.

Nintendo says that more than 40,000 Australians have already played with the console at demonstration events.

Other next-generation consoles have typically launched in Australia much later than other world markets. Microsoft's Xbox 360 debuted in Australia four months after the US, and Sony's PS3 won't see a local release until March 2007.
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