When a Microsoft rep tweeted expectations of 5 million Kinects sold by year’s end, eyebrows were raised, eyes were rolled, and lips were curled in an assortment of skeptical sneers. Now it looks like they just might hit that mark. USA Today (via Nowgamer) reports that Kinect is sold out in stores across the country. Best Buy, Amazon, GameStop, Target’s online store, and Walmart’s online store are apparently completely out of the standalone Kinect sensor, although Amazon and GameStop still apparently have some of the Xbox 360 Kinect bundles ($300 to $400, depending on the bundle) left. Target might have some in stores, and Walmart has not yet reported a sellout.

Color me impressed. Despite my personal skepticism, I’ve been hearing some glowing praise for Kinect, and the consumers seem to be voting with their wallets. If you have your heart set on Kinect in time for the holidays, I don’t think you need to be in panic mode just yet. All of the aforementioned retailers will be stocking Kinect as fast as they can be manufactured, and are taking backorders now. It is likely that ordering it online will result in a wait of several weeks, rather than several days. The availability of Kinect will be a story to keep our eye on as the holiday shopping season rears its head once again.