If you are new to the wii scene, you may have exhausted every avenue to find a Nintendo Wii.  Nintendo vowing to increase their production for Wii’s hasn’t helped the product’s scarcity.  Even online sites that track for Wii availability usually has “unavailable” for most of the Wii’s.   Only the bundles or package deals are available, including games and accessories that you probably don’t want. 

Is there hope for the Wii Shopper?

Here are some pointers to get started with Wii hunt, even for the holidays.

1. Look for the local shops

The nearest neighborhood shop may be the best place to start.  If you have a family member or friend in the store, you might be able to get inside information.  Wouldn’t it be great if they can tell you when the next shipment will be?  It’s no problem if you don’t have friends or family working there.  You can call the stores directly and simply ask if there are Nintendo Wii consoles available.  In most cases, the clerks will be happy to tell if the consoles are in stock. 
What if the store doesn’t have any in stock?  Simply ask them when the next supply run will be.   Even if they refuse to tell, ask another stock clerk the same question.  Chances are that if you keep pestering them, you’ll get a response from a store associate. Not every employee is the same.  Some may even feel good if they disclose a closely guarded secret.
You might want to check out the following stores that sell Wii’s nationally.
Game Stop
Target
Best Buy
Circuit City
Wallmart
Toys R Us

2. Notification Systems
If you’re limited with time, there are other ways to find the Wii system.  One notably is a notification system.   The notification system alerts you when a Nintendo Wii is available without you doing anything.  We’re not talking about sites that show a listing of stores and their Wii availability.  Since most of these sites only show “bundled” packages, we want to avoid them. 
However, companies like Toys R Us are taking the lead to provide instant messages to your cell phone or email to tell you where consoles are available.  There are free services online that offer the same service.  Itrackr.com is one of them.  The website provides instant notification on where Wii’s are in stock.  It’s useful if you want to take the passive route. 

3. Nintendo – Corporate HQ


Ever thought going right to the source might be useful? Most people don’t, but have you ever thought of what Nintendo thought of its own image on the supply matter?  Think about all the poor kids who won’t get a Nintendo Wii for Christmas this year.  You’d be surprised.  A dearth of Wii’s is not good PR for the Nintendo’s public image.  In some cases, it behooves the company to respond to consumer concerns.  You can browse Nintendo’s website (Nintendo.com)  and look for the contact link.  There’s a contact list.  Look for an email or phone number of the customer relations department.  If you’re able to email or talk to someone, it wouldn’t hurt to mention your dissatisfaction with the impossibility of finding a Wii.  Yeah, this might not always work but it doesn’t hurt to try.  If Nintendo does respond, they might offer you a Wii at retail price. 

4. Ebay – Looking for Values Online
If all else fails, or you need a Nintendo Wii soon, you’d probably want to check out ebay or this site.  Stores are already having a hard time stocking for holidays.  Why not try a tested and true source such as ebay. 
Instead of typing and searching for great deals from the ebay, you can access Wii consoles directly on ebay by clicking on the “consoles” tab at the top.  WiiHaven.com is an authorized Ebay affiliate.  There are even “Buy It Now” options if you’re looking to expedite your purchase. 
I’m sure there plenty of other methods on finding the Nintendo Wii.  If you’d like to post your ideas, feel free to do so below.  I’m sure more people would benefit from your comments!