Kirk's Technology Blog

So many moms and dads are spending hours and hours searching for this white gem. The Nintendo Wii seems to be this years "hot Xmas gift you can't find." Wait a second, wasn't it last year's "hot Xmas gift you can't find?" Yup! It's now been out for an entire year and the Wii shelf at your local Target or Wal-Mart store is still empty. It's frustrating, isn't it?

I hate to rub it in but I have one, I have one, I have one! It took me hours to track it down and I spent a good 45 minutes standing in line at a Toys R Us store. Pretty pathetic, eh? Not to mention I bought it earlier this year, after Christmas, when the demand wasn't as high as it is now. What gives?

I think that's the big question right now! Is Nintendo purposely limiting the supply or is the demand simply THAT HIGH?!? Who knows and most parents don't care. They simply want to get one... NOW! Or at least before December 25th.

Well, most stores have a very tight supply and will tell you the same thing, "We don't know when they're coming in and we don't take pre-orders." Those stores that DO take pre-orders will almost guarantee you that you won't get your digits on a Wii until after the holiday.

Now for my secret to finding a Wii... wait for it... wait for it. Ok, I don't really have a secret. In fact all I have is a few simple tips for your brave Wii searchers.

So what to do? Keep trying! Persistence can pay off. Keep calling those stores. You never know when they're going to get a shipment in. Hopefully you'll be the one to call right after it arrives. I know you feel like a pest but they're used to it. Plus, it's their job! They sell a product and you want it. They have to expect the phone calls.

Also, I've heard that some people have had good luck with the website iTrackr.com. You register on this site and it'll let you know when a store near you gets a shipment. How exactly it works, I have no idea but I have heard success stories. Afterall, what do you have to lose, right?

Happy Wii Hunting! Worst comes to worst, make me an offer. (I'm kidding, of course)