> > Is there some secret to knowing when and where they will be available,
> > or should I start looking through the more dubious-looking stores in
> > Akiba?
> 
> I traipsed all around Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Akihabara back in March trying 
> to get one, with no luck. About a month later, my wife got one at our local 
> Ito Yokado by entering a lucky draw, so it could well be that smaller places 
> are a better bet than the big discount stores.

Dave was right.

If you go to big stores around Yamanote-Line, check there Friday afternoon.
I got DS Lite on that time of one day in March. Or if you like local stores
such as Ito Yokado or ToysRus, Saturday or Sunday morning will be fine.
At Ito Yokado nearst to my apartment, they now sell it without lucky draw at
weekends openings.

--OTA Takashi