Just like the Nintendo Wii, it can be hard to track down a Nintendo DS Lite. While Nintendo is still limiting shipments, it is not as hard as it was before to find one. During the holiday season, most retails were able to meet demands, but now that the holidays have gone, they are getting fewer shipments and it's become harder to get one.

Your first step is to make a list of the retailers in your area that carry the DS Lite. Find out when they get their shipments, and if it is limited to a particular time of day. Some retailers, such as Circuit City and Wal-Mart, can get shipments at any time of the day. Knowing when these shipments arrive might put you in the right place at the right time.

If they will not disclose such information, find out how they go about distributing them. Is it first come, first serve? Do they have a waiting list? A rain check system? Some video game stores, such as GameStop and EBGames, have been known to do raffles, make lists and have other events to help those who cannot camp out in a store waiting for one. GameStop, in particular, teamed up with Nintendo to ensure Wiis to costumers over the holiday.

If you cannot find one locally, trying online is your next step. Retailer web sites have separate warehouses for their web orders, and it is possible they may have DS Lites when a physical store does not. Check back often, as you might time it just right to order one and have it shipped to your home before you know it.

With a little bit of luck, and some good timing, you may be able to get your hands on the elusive DS Lite. If so, you will be in good company, the DS Lite is one of the most popular and well-liked portable handheld systems out there. You have plenty of games for all ages to choose from, and you will have fun for years to come with one.