So this happened.....
anyone know how to replace it, or even what the part actually is, or how to fish out the part that's broken??

 

I haven't taken my gated shifter apart, but on the older ones, you pop the whole top piece off and there's a flexible slider piece surrounding the shifter rod that slides through grooves. I'm guessing the gated version is similar, just a wider piece to fill the "zig-zag" of the gates.

 

I remember the older once had the slider mostly exposed but the gated shifter has the top part clamped on. It might just be clips holding it in place. I will need to take the center console apart again and take a closer look.
Found out the part number from the local dealer: 35975-50020
$55 from them, about $35 online. Now lets see if i can take it apart.