Nintendo claims that it is ready to pull off the largest worldwide videogame console launch in at least a decade, with around four million Wii systems being made available globally soon after its American launch. 

The games company will have four million units ready to ship during the six weeks between Wii's 19 November launch in the Americas and the end of 2006.

Nintendo is also hoping to keep up with demand during the busy Christmas period using a rapid replenishment programme designed to keep retailers' shelves fully stocked.

The company said that its factories are working round the clock manufacturing the next-generation games system.

"Nintendo is employing fleets of planes, cargo ships, trains and ground vehicles in each global market to maintain the best supply flow possible, starting in the Americas," a Nintendo statement said.

The American launch on 19 November is followed by the 2 December Japanese launch and the 8 December European launch.

"Wii is for experienced and uninitiated gamers, and will be available for the masses," said Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime.

"The level of demand we are seeing goes beyond the ordinary. Retailers are telling us that a significant fraction of customers pre-ordering Wii are non-traditional gamers."