No. I don't understand why people 'are in desperate need' of something materialistic. Sure gifts are nice but can't you be satisfied with what you already got? Being in desperate need of something other than the company of family and friends is not what Christmas is all about.

nope

My advice is to go to a local store that is willing to take your name and number. The big box stores won't call you when a product comes in. If you make nice with a local retailer, they might be more willing to help you out when a shipment comes in.

I used some connections with a coworker to get my hands on a Wii for my kids. He knew someone that worked in the warehouse at Walmart and could get him to set aside one. I only paid the regular store price and bought my coworker lunch.

No. They'll probably be much easier to find after the holidays. A little delayed gratification can save quite a bit of money.

If I really want it bad I put down a deposit and pre-order (like I did with the Wii Fit). Otherwise I wait to find one and pay the retail price. Paying extra to make sure I get one before Joe Shmoe would make me feel really stupid if he got one at wal-mart a week later.

Can someone tell me what is wrong with Nintendo?? The Wii has been out for over two years and it is still nearly impossible to walk into a store at any given time of the year and just purchase one off the shelf. Are they doing it on purpose? Does someone need to fly to Japan and help them with their assembly line?

I have paid a little bit more for gadgets to have them sooner but not that much more.

I would not pay extra to get a gadget sooner. They are just going to be improved upon and updated shortly afterwards. The only thing I would make an effort to get early is a new camera, but you can generally plan on getting those when they first come out if you plan right.

Nope, I just wait. I found a Wii in Target about a week after Christmas. Patience (and a little luck) is key.

I actually got mine from eBay back after Thanksgiving, came brand new, sealed 2008 edition with the Wii Console, Sonic Game, Wii Sports & the Wii Fit + Balance Board...all shipped FedEx for only $330.

I paid a premium to get Mario Kart for Wii ahead of time.

Soooo worth it.

Nintendo should raise the price of the Wii. If set at an appropriate price, there would not be shortages.

have we not learned anything about living outside our means with our economy in the tank? i paid a little extra for my wii when i bought it but only because of shipping and handling. i wouldn't pay that much extra to buy it online. not that deep. besides, if you save up for it, and keep the money on you, you will eventually find one. i always see them at game stop and the best buy near me.

I wouldn't pay extra. I don't mind waiting a bit longer to get a gadget.