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Computer game fanatics hoping to open a Nintendo Wii on Christmas day could be left feeling disappointed as high street retailers are reporting shortages of the bestselling console.

Shops are currently struggling to keep up with demand from consumers, the BBC reports, and many people who put in advance orders for the console have not yet received the gadget.

Nintendo has insisted that it was “doing everything possible” to rectify the situation, shipping out around 3.5 extra consoles around the globe.

“The demand for Wii hardware globally has been unprecedented and higher than Nintendo could ever have anticipated,” a spokeswoman told the BBC.

“Nintendo is now in a position in which seasonality demand trends are being broken, therefore the demand for Wii hardware is constant throughout the whole year globally.

“Due to this phenomenon it is possible that the demand for Wii hardware may outstrip supply,” she said.

Bad news for one games console maker is good news for another, with Sony reporting that US sales of its PlayStation have doubled in the past few weeks thanks to a recent price cut.

Sony recently sold 100,000 PS3s in just seven days.

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Researchers have developed a new form of biometric identification that could phase out the use of passwords, pin numbers and credit card numbers.

Scientists at the University of Houston have developed facial recognition software that recreates faces in three dimensions, providing a completely unique identifier.

The URxD application could be used to help people obtain access to secure facilities and authorise credit card transactions, according to the researchers, led by Professor Ioannis Kakadiaris.

‘Pins and passwords are not only inconvenient to memorise, but also are impractical to safeguard,’ he commented, adding: ‘The solution is to be able to tie your private information to your person in a way that cannot be compromised.’

A recent report by research firm Global Industry Analysts suggested that the worldwide market for electronic access systems, including biometric applications, will grow to $6.1 billion (£3 billion) in the next three years.

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