How much does a Nintendo Wii
It was one of the first, and most popular, gaming systems to span all age groups with the type of games and easy to use interface.
The list price when it was released was around $249. However, it was possible to find it for much more, or much less, depending on when you bought it.
The prices reach close to $500 the first Christmas season the Wii was available. People camped out to try and buy one, and speculators often bought several to flip on Craigslist or eBay.
You can also sell popular electronics items on Decluttr, a popular reselling platform.
The Nintendo Wii was the hottest gift on the market when it was released, and prices were high because availability was low. Apparently, Nintendo “misjudged” the demand for the Wii the first holiday season it was available. Or maybe it’s just a great marketing ploy!
Why is the Nintendo Wii So Popular?
The Wii is so popular because it is a revolutionary gaming system – unlike anything else on the market. It is interactive and works on user movements in a way that no other system can.
You swing the controller like a tennis racket to play tennis games, and you use an underhand motion with the controller to bowl. Sensors in the controller and unit interact with the television to give the player a realistic, interactive experience. Everyone who plays the machine loves it.
Some of the more popular games include Dance Dance Revolution, which has an interactive dance floor, Guitar Hero, which utilizes a guitar-shaped controller, most of the sports games like tennis and bowling, and several other games which use guns based on laser technology.
GameFly and GameStop are two popular vendors for those looking to start or expand their gaming-lives.
So How Much Does the Nintendo Wii Cost?
The Unit: As we mentioned above, the original list price for the Nintendo Wii was about $250. But limited quantities forced many to buy the Wii console on the secondary market at prices up to $450 – $500.
The console price eventually decreased as demand dropped. But here’s the interesting part – demand is still strong 10 years after the Wii was originally released.
You can still buy new and used Nintendo Wii consoles at various stores. Depending on which version of the Wii you buy, you could still spend upwards of several hundred dollars for the console (some packages also include various controllers and games).
Here is the current price for the Nintendo Wii. Keep in mind this product is not as common as it once was, so the price may have wild fluctuations (from below $100 for a used unit to upwards of $700 for a new unit!).
Original Nintendo Wii Price: Nintendo Wii
- Buy the original Wii and Accessories! 
Of course, the Nintendo Wii console is only part of the cost…
Don’t forget the controllers: The Wii, like most gaming systems, is more fun when you play it with other people. Unfortunately, the system does not come with enough controllers to go around.
Some games can play up to four people at a time, so depending on which package you purchase, you should also expect to shell out about $30-$40 per extra controller. Don’t forget some of the specialized controllers for games such as
- Guitar Hero
- Dance Dance Revolution
- Wii Nunchuck Controller
- You can also purchase a Wii Classic Controller
Buy the Total Action Kit: If you want to cover almost everything at once, you can buy the Total Action Kit
Buy a Used Wii
With the Wii being an aged console you may have better luck finding an affordable used Wii. Your best option is to check in with GameStop.
WiiU
The second version of the Wii is the WiiU. Almost all Wii games are compatible on the WiiU, but any original Wii games will require that you have the classic controller.
Be aware that both of these were replaced by the Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, this console is not backward compatible with the Wii or WiiU.
Don’t Forget to Buy Some Wii Games & Accessories
When the Nintendo Wii was released, most games would set you back anywhere from $30-50. However, you can regularly find new games around $20, as some newer gaming systems have been released in recent years.
In addition to the great games mentioned above, no Nintendo collection is complete without at least one Super Mario
The Wii also has a lot of great sports games. If you want to save some money and purchase some great games, Nintendo has made its entire inventory of games available for download and play on the Wii. There are a lot of great bargains on the older games, some of which can be had for as little as $5!
Accessories anyone? Nintendo Wii accessories include memory cards, non-slip grips, console stands, carrying cases, game cases, and tethers to keep people from accidentally throwing the controller across the room.
Other Costs? I suppose if you wanted to get technical, there is the associated cost of electricity or the opportunity cost of spending several hours playing games when you could be doing something “productive.”
But the Nintendo Wii is one example of a gaming system that is productive. Play one for a few hours and you will realize that you are getting real exercise and probably relieving more stress than you thought possible. And even when you add all the costs together, those two benefits alone are worth it. 🙂
What is the total cost of a Nintendo Wii and some games?
Total cost of Wii: almost $1000.
This figure assumes the purchase of a Nintendo Wii system at $160 (which is currently the easiest way to purchase it), Dance Dance Revolution game pack ($120), Guitar Hero game pack ($170), 3 extra controllers (3 x $15), and 4 other games (avg of $40 ea = $160). Your costs can easily cross the magic $1,000 mark if you buy specialized controllers or other accessories.
The best part is, you can mix and match your gaming requirements, so you may end up spending much less than this for your system if you decide to buy one. If buying a Nintendo Wii is on your wish list this Christmas, I wish you the best of luck in finding one!
How Much Does the Nintendo Wii U Console Cost?
The Nintendo Wii U console is the next generation Nintendo Wii. The Wii U console was released about 5 years after the original Nintendo Wii and is still being produced.
It has additional features that make it a more modern and attractive gaming system for many people. It includes controllers, onboard computer storage, and the ability to stream videos such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more. you can see it on Amazon here:
Another Option: The Nintendo Switch
Nintendo has been at (or near) the top of the gaming world since the 1980’s. With the Nintendo Switch, they have further cemented that legacy.
The console has been received very well in the gaming community, both for its cutting-edge technology and critically-acclaimed games. (Just look at the Google reviews: The console has a 4.8-star rating with nearly 50,000 reviews.)
The Switch combines the ability to play on a TV or on-the-go. Additionally, players can utilize “Tabletop mode” to share the gaming fun with a friend.
The Switch isn’t cheap – it costs roughly $300. But, compared to competitors, this price-point isn’t abnormal.
Eden says
I bought mine at normal retail price in July. I paid about $340 for the Wii and an extra Wii-mote and two games (one game includes the Wii-mote.
I also bought Guitar Hero at regular retail price- only $90.
The Wii is actually the least expensive of the current generation gaming systems, though the graphics are rather poor by comparison.
Moral of the story- don’t wait until Christmas to buy a Wii!
Free From Broke says
I can’t speak about the actual gaming but it sounds like the Wii is revolutionary in the way they are able to market it and get people to spend so much!
Ryan says
I think Nintendo probably restricted production on purpose to create a higher demand on their product. This will guarantee each unit sells, and also create a sense of urgency to spend money on the items where Nintendo really makes their profits – the games and accessories. The profit margin is only about $50 on a Wii console. But games and accessories can be large moneymakers.
Mrs. Micah says
Wiis are really good, but I don’t think I’d pay $1000 for one. Or even $400. I’ll be posting about their supply and demand issues tonight/tomorrow. 🙂
Johnson says
The controller is actually $39.99 but I am selling my wii. I personally don’t like it and figure it is an investment.
Ryan says
I went by the prices I found on Amazon.com because that is something everyone can go by across the US. As far as an investment goes – if you can turn it and make some money, more power to you! I have a feeling that in a few months they will be very easy to find though, so I would sell it soon!
Danny Tsang says
I bought my Wii at $249 retail price. I actually bought two at the same time and resold the other at $350 brining my cost to $149. After factoring in resale value after I get tired of it…Say $100, my cost to own it is only $49 plus an additional controller and games. Say I keep it for 5-7 years it comes out to a few bucks a month.
For every toy that you buy, there is a smarter way to do it if you get creative. Games and accessories can be purchased used and they can also be resold when you get tired of them. The depreciation you suffer is simply a cost for that entertainment.
Ryan says
Hi Danny,
Selling the other one for a quick profit is a great way to reduce your cost. I have a friend who did the same thing. My goal was to let people know that when you add up everything, it is much more than the $250 for the console. You need a few games and accessories to truly tap its potential.
Nick says
i am planing to get one but i don’t know where to get one
Nick says
never mind i found a place
cbear says
i hope i get a wii this christmas all my friends ve it and it is so awsome!
cbear says
opps i ment my friends have it not ve it. lol!
Ciara says
Last I saw, the wii console was still $249. at Micro Center. They’re online, if you don’t have one in your city.