How much should I pay for Wii?

[Wonka]

It seems like the lowest price I can find on Craig's List, or Ebay for a basic system is about $375-$400. The 14-game package with 2 controllers, etc. seems to be selling for about $525.

What is the retail cost of these? And, does anyone know where they're available?

It looks like people rush out and buy them all and then list them on ebay or elsewhere.

I saw the post on Amazon's sale (far too late).

[Kathy]

I recently bought the Wii system at Walmart for $249. It only has the Wii sports and 1 controller- I think it is the smallest "bundle" that can be bought.I did not want the extra stuff and games that won't work for us so I am happy with this!

[BMWguynw]

I bought a bundle at Costco last week for $349.99. It has the Wii Controller with all the adapters, 5 Sports Games, 2 Remotes, 2 Nunchuk controllers, and the Big Brain Academy game.

Dave

[xzhan02]

The only reliable way to get Wii at retail online is to sign up for wiialerts.com cell phone notice. That really works. I've been trying to get one for almost a month (online offline). Two days after signing up wiiialerts I got from Amazon. You just have to carry cell phone everywhere.

Dec 2 (tomorrow morning), best buy, and toysrus both will have in stock, but you need to be there at least an hour before opening, with no guarantee.

[Wonka]

I started with Sam's, Walmart, Best Buy, Circuit City, The Game Store, and found one at Toys R US this morning for $249. I bought an extra nuchuck for $20, and Wii Play (with free extra Controller & 9 games) for $50. So, I spent a Total of $341.7 for 14 games.

That's a lot better than the $650-$700 people seem to be asking on our local Craig's List for the same bundle On Ebay, It's selling for about $550 with $50 shipping, or more.

I don't mind paying a little more to avoid the shopping, but the purchasing of scarce product at Christmas to sell on Craig's or ebay at inflated prices is bothersome. But, I guess that's "free enterprise".

[DonM]

Originally Posted by Wonka

I started with Sam's, Walmart, Best Buy, Circuit City, The Game Store, and found one at Toys R US this morning for $249. I bought an extra nuchuck for $20, and Wii Play (with free extra Controller & 9 games) for $50. So, I spent a Total of $341.7 for 14 games.

So let me see if I have this right- for the $341 how many can play at the same time 3 or 4?

thanks
don

[Wonka]

Originally Posted by DonM

So let me see if I have this right- for the $341 how many can play at the same time 3 or 4?

thanks
don

Two (I think). For four to play, I think you'd need four controllers ($39 each), and four numchucks ($20 each).
Of course, it doesn't stop there. There are numerous other accessories available. Kinda like buying a car, loaded with the basics before the options.

I don't know much about Wii, but I would think four people could use bowling by simply handing off the controls? No?
Tennis can be a two-person or four person game, maybe?

I dunno...but, that's all we're getting for now. Maybe someone else can provide more info.

[3kids4me]

Actually, four can play at once depending on the game. Also, you don't actually need multiple controllers for some games as you can share controllers. For instance, in bowling, when people go "one at a time", everyone can share the two controllers. In boxing or tennis, when two people play at once, then you will obviously need two of everything.

I was surprised that my son (almost 16) was not interested in the system. I guess it's more appealing for younger kids who like to jump around a lot while playing?

Sharon

[nodge]

Buy.com currently has this bundle available. It includes the basic WII console (console, 1 controller & nunchuk, Wii Sports Game & cables) plus 9 additional games for $580.00 (plus $13 shipping). This isn't a particularlly good deal, but then again, it's still a better deal than E-Bay.

-nodge

[ctreelmom]

Originally Posted by 3kids4me

Actually, four can play at once depending on the game. Also, you don't actually need multiple controllers for some games as you can share controllers. For instance, in bowling, when people go "one at a time", everyone can share the two controllers. In boxing or tennis, when two people play at once, then you will obviously need two of everything.

I was surprised that my son (almost 16) was not interested in the system. I guess it's more appealing for younger kids who like to jump around a lot while playing?

Sharon

Hi Sharon,

I think it just depends on the kid. Last year, I was working with a couple of college/grad school boys who were really into the fantasy role-playing games and they could not wait to get their hands on a Wii. One of them, who happened to be a newlywed, got one and I remember feeling so sorry for the new bride as her little love nest was going to be taken over by beer-drinking, pizza-eating wii fanatics! My "girls" are getting one for Christmas, but I have a feeling my "third child," AKA dh, will want equal time.

Joan

[nodge]

Hey all of you successful Wii finders!

Don't forget to register you WII with Nintendo here. This will extend its warranty for 90 days.

Also, Nintendo is giving away remote jackets/covers here.

FYI,

-nodge

[senorak]

I've given up on finding a Wii for xmas. I stop at every videogame store/superstore on my way home from work; and go out on weekends...to no avail. It seems that the shipments arrive in the morning or around lunchtime.....and I'm at work. I've had family and friends look for the system, as well...with no luck. I also refuse to pay the highly inflated prices that are advertised on Craigslist and Ebay. I don't mind paying a "finder's fee"....but $150+ over the retail price is just ridiculous.
Luckily, my kids have other items on their "wish lists"....so I've shifted to "plan B". (The Wii would have been nice...as it would have been a gift for all 3 kids)....now I have to do more "individual shopping".

Sharon--I didn't think my kids would like the Wii, either...until they played with one at a friend's house. They loved the "interaction/movement" involved in the games. Normally, I find vidoegames "boring"...but I also enjoyed the Wii (and really got a workout).

Deb

[nodge]

Toys R Us currently has this Wii bundle available online.

Online retailers appear to be changing the bundles around to prevent the automated on-line bots from detecting them.

FYI,

-nodge

[arlene22]

Just got a bundle, with a couple of games for $379.

Bundle Includes:
1 Wii Console
1 Wii Remote Controller
1 Crash of the Titans Game
1 SpongeBob's Atlantis Squarepants Game
1 Sims 2 Pets Game

Got free shipping from Starwood owner perks.

[arlene22]

Actually, I think any order over $49 qualifies for free shipping at sears.com

[arlene22]

sears deal is gone now.