Nintendo UK has today confirmed that a staggering 50,000 units of Wii have been sold across the country in the first twelve hours since it launched at midnight last night - equating to about one Wii sale a second.

David Yarnton, General Manager, Nintendo UK says; "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. With so many units sold it is great to see that people will be enjoying Wii with their families this Christmas. We are doing everything we can do to meet demand throughout Christmas and the New Year period."

Wii sales for the whole of Europe are yet to be revealed by Nintendo.

News of the sales figures comes as Nintendo revealed a release schedule for additional Virtual Console titles, which will include the likes of R-Type, Toe Jam & Earl, and Super Castlevania IV. The list takes the growing Virtual Console catalogue through to the end of 2006:

15th December 2006:
• Urban Champion, Solomon's Key and Pinball (NES)
• Columns, Gunstar Heroes, Ristar, Dr. Robotonik's Mean Bean Machine (SEGA MEGA DRIVE)
• Alien Crush (Turbografx (PC Engine))

22nd December 2006:

• Donkey Kong Jr., Soccer and Tennis (NES)
• Space Harrier II and Toe Jam & Earl (SEGA MEGA DRIVE)
• Military Madness (Turbografx (PC Engine))

29th December 2006:

• SimCity, Super Probotector and Super Castlevania IV (Super Nintendo)
• Baseball and Ice Hockey (NES)
• R-TYPE (Turbografx (PC Engine)