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CostHelper.com > All Electronics > Game Consoles > Nintendo Wii

How Much Does a Nintendo Wii Cost?



 
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About:

The Nintendo Wii, which first debuted in 2006, features wireless motion-sensor controllers. The system broke records in December 2009, selling more units in a single month than any other game system in history.

The Wii was designed to attract a wider demographic than its higher-priced competitors, the Xbox 360 and Playstation3, and appeals to more nontraditional gamers in addition to those considered typical gamers. The Wii console's library of games offers easy-to-learn games that make the console popular in senior centers and other unexpected places.

The Wii is the only system that comes standard with motion controllers, which allow players to swing like it's a bat when playing baseball or use it as a magic wand in a magical wizarding game. Of all three major consoles, the Wii is by far the least expensive. In addition, it has the lowest-quality graphics.

Nintendo offers popular console exclusive games including Mario Kart, Super Mario Galaxy, Legend of Zelda, Metroid Prime and Donkey Kong Country. The next generation, Wii U, is expected in 2012, so expect dropping prices on current models.

For manufacturer information about this product, go to Nintendo.

Prices For Nintendo Wii (console only)

(Prices as of 04/5/2012)
Nintendo WiiSource
$150MSRP
$150Best Buy
$150Game Stop
$150Wal-Mart

Prices For Nintendo Wii bundles

(Prices as of 04/5/2012)
Super Mario bundleMario Kart bundleFitness bundleSource
$285MSRP
$150Best Buy
$200$150Game Stop
$199$237Wal-Mart

Additional Costs:

$20-$50Disc games
$5-$20WiiWare
$40 Wiimote
$40 Wiimote
$20 Nunchuck
$8-$15Racing wheel

Specifications:

Media TypeCD, Wii games, GameCube games
Disk CapacityMemory card
Graphics Quality480p
Online ContentWiiWare
ColorsWhite, Black, Red, Blue
Other FeaturesWi-Fi access
Streaming movies: Netflix
Backward compatibility: GameCube games
Warranty1 year, limited

Best-Selling Games

1. Just Dance 3$24
2. Mario Party 9$48
3. Zumba Fitness$27
4. Skylanders Starter Pack$49
5. Just Dance 2$22
(List as of 04/9/2012) , Source: Amazon

Best-Selling Accessories

1. Skylanders Spyro's Adventure: Cynder$9
2. Skylanders Spyro's Adventure: Chop Chop$9
3. Skylanders Spyro's Adventure: Whirlwind$9
4. Wiimote Plus - black$29
5. Skylanders Spyro's Adventure: Flameslinger$9
(List as of 04/9/2012) , Source: Amazon

What People Are Saying:

The Nintendo Wii revolutionized gameplay with its motion-sensitive controllers and found a way to get families off the couch and exercising. Attachments and games like the Wii Fit have been praised for their focus on fitness gaming. The Wii console provides free access to online services, which is lauded by reviewers. The Virtual Console, which provides access to games from past consoles including Super Nintendo, original Nintendo, Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis, has "major nostalgia appeal," according to Cnet. And while PS3 and Xbox are barely backward compatible, all those old GameCube discs will work on the Wii. A noted downside is that Wii controllers will eat up batteries (although rechargeable batteries and charging stations are an available option). Also, the Wii does not read DVDs and the graphics quality is far below its competitors.
  • Cnet.com: "Emphasis on fun gameplay make the ultra-affordable console hard to resist."