Some people have been suspicious that the Wii shortage that's plagued the country since the system's hectic launch has all been manufactured by unscrupulous types hoping to make money. Whether the conspiracy concerns Nintendo, electronics, or employers setting up e-Bay scams depends on which version of the urban legend you're hearing.
The Consumerist has posted some eyewitness evidence of a party with a monetary interest-- in this case, a Best Buy store-- setting up a false scarcity of Wiis. Be sure to check out the comments for this post, too, which are full of anecdotes of similar antics at Best Buys in other locations (and some obvious urban legends).
It's hard to have much of an opinion with just one account like this, but you may want to keep your eyes peeled for scams like this at your local Best Buy (or, really, any local retailer that claims to be selling their last Wii). I don't know whether this is legal or not, but it is undeniably sleazy. I can't say I'd want to buy anything from a store I caught using this nonsense to sell a product that hardly needs more hype.
That's right, I've waited until now to go out and even try to get a Nintendo Wii. Why? Doesn't matter. The point is; I refuse to wait in line for most things anyway. Let alone in front of Target or Toys 'R' US.
So while the rest of the video game industry journalists attempt to entertain you buy proving how hardcore they are by camping out for first chance at a next generation console. I will attempt the opposite. In fact, I just may attempt a complete opposite role on this site, chronicling the events of an industry-connected, newb console player, and its affect on my otherwise normal life and those sharing this life around me.
I'm sure we'd share great conversation and all...
I waited as long as I could, and almost a year after the console's launch, I was a little surprised to find Nintendo still hadn't caught up on manufacturing, causing the Wii to be a bit challenging to find in stock anywhere - even now. So I was happy that a friendly retail store clerk tipped me off on a Sunday shipment happening this past weekend. So I figured I'd go for it. But I refuse to stand in line. The challenge worthy of a Sunday morning coffee drive, and I took it.
The Nintendo DS is a hot piece of hardware, and you may find yourself either asking someone to get you one... or trying to get one for a child, relative, or other loved one. If you're confused about buying a DS, or know someone who's likely to be confused, then this shopping guide is for you. Bookmark it, e-mail it, spread it around... it'll help when all-important holiday shopping rolls round.
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