How to Buy a Nintendo Wii During the Holiday Season

One of the hottest video game systems for the holiday season is the Nintendo Wii. But if you check your local stores, the Wii is extremely hard to come by. Here are some tips on how to score a Nintendo Wii for the holiday season.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• computer with Internet access
• newspaper
• patience

1. Consider buying a bundle. The manufacturer has made it very pricey to own a Wii, but some major retailers offer the Wii in a bundle pack. Instead of paying the normal price of $250 for the Wii system, you can purchase it “bundled” with extra remote controls, games and other accessories. This can run you well over $500 for the system, but it is a way to get one.

2. Check the Black Friday sales. A few electronic stores may offer the Wii as a Black Friday incentive. Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, and is usually one of the biggest sale days of the holiday season. Check the Black Friday ads on Thanksgiving day and see if any stores are selling the Wii. Then, prepare to get to the store early- maybe even hours before it opens.

3. Put your name on a waiting list. Many electronic stores will put your name on a waiting list for the next shipment of Wiis. You may not be guaranteed one before Christmas, though.

4. Check Ebay. Many Ebay sellers offer used and new Wii systems. Keep in mind that you will pay more for a Wii this way (after all, the seller wants to make money too). Also, check the seller's feedback rating before making such a large purchase on Ebay.

5. Consider waiting until after the holiday rush. Wiis were available before the holidays and they will be available again after the holidays. If you’re patient, you will be able to get your hands on one at a reasonable price if you simply wait until the holiday rush dies down.

Tips & Warnings

• Many stores advertise Black Friday items and only have a few in stock. Prepare to be disappointed if you are looking for a Wii, as the stores may only have a handful available. And most stores won’t issue a rain check for a Black Friday deal.

[Jorty]

on 12/5/2007 Thanks for your comments, Alex. I just read your article and found it very informative. I agree that Ebay is risky when buying ANYTHING. I emphasized that people should check the seller's feedback rating. I recently bought our Wii on Ebay and only paid $50.00 over retail for it. The seller included the receipt from Target where she bought it so I can even return it or have it for warranty purposes. I had a really great experience buying a Wii on Ebay and felt it was worth the extra $50.00 to get one in time for Christmas and also to avoid sepnding hours trying to track one down.
Thank you for commenting on my article- I'm glad people are at least reading it!