I wouldn't call it that much of a craze here in the U.S.. But go to Europe or Japan and your eyes will be opened. It's a BIG deal there, and since they really can't own any guns, airsoft seems to have filled the gap. And you can easily spend $5,000 and up for the higher end stuff.
I have a 1:1 exact replica of my carry gun that cost me 50$. It's handy for doing drills or dry-firing around the house and doesn't worry the wife