Oh, gadgets. How do you infuse yourselves in my brain, rendering me incapable of any other thoughts? The Nintendo Wii-lust is strong right now, my friends. Particularly since I insist on torturing myself by continually refreshing the Amazon forums, which is filled with parents freaking out about their inability to get the material goods that will finally make their children like them.

Here’s what I’ve learned from the savvy moms and dads of America: Wal-Mart and CompUSA have plenty of product, but if you’re going to buy from them, you have to buy the Wiis as part of a bundle with 6 other products. Which brings your total from $250 to $600. Not my preferred route. Some customers have had success ordering the bundle and then canceling everything except the system. If you want to engage in these kind of high-level shenanigans, you be my guest. Me, I’m using it as an opportunity to develop self-control. The other news is that 2 million units are to be shipped to the US before Christmas. The debate rages as to whether that’s a lot or not many.

Sarah played it in New York and said it was “fun.” She went on a week-long vacation, and the only thing I was interested in hearing about was her video gaming experience. That’s how bad it’s gotten. But I must be calm. I must take deep breaths and tell myself, “it’s going to be okay.”

Damn you, Nintendo. Why can’t you be like any other product and just be available for consumers to purchase?