Did anyone follow Black Friday coverage? I was riveted. I love the idea of snuggling in my bed with visions of sugarplums, while people get up in the thick of the night in search of a good bargain.

If you did manage to catch any of the coverage/carnage, it seemed that almost every retailer in every town had more than a few people in search of a Nintendo Wii. It’s this year’s Tickle Me Elmo—except those Elmo-seeking parents were probably a lot more scary in their heyday.

Now it’s scientific fact: Consumer Electronics Daily News says that the Wii is the number one “gimme” item on everyone’s wish list this year.

Whether you’re naughty or nice might have nothing to do with your chances of scoring one this year. Like Elmo, it looks like it’s going to be all about the right place, the right time, and how many days you can sleep out in front of a major electronics chain.

Don’t be looking for a post-holiday bargain either; the Wii shortage is expected to extend well beyond Santa’s arrival.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.