To answer the original poster I believe the answer to your question would be artificial inflation.
Go over to Chubby Wallet. Click on forums, then on left side click on Online Auctions. Right at the top (for the past couple weeks) will be a Nintendo DS thread. Have fun.
People over their are buying as many as they can. 10, 20, 30, 50 and some will admit to more. Many of the people are buying out complete stocks from the retailers all at once. All with the intention of selling them on eBay for profit.
None of these people are going to keep them and play them. They, imo, are ruining it for some. Too bad Wal-Mart and many retailers don't have a limit of 1 per customer.
If anyone wants one REALLY BAD, I have a store downtown that has about 2 dozen. Put them out on Launch day and last time I was their they had sold a grand total of 2. And that was to me. First one had a couple Dead Pixels so I exchanged it. Keep in mind though that Shipping and Tax will make the price closer to $170-$175.
Chris