23 November 2011

I need a Wii, how to buy one in Canberra?

| Deref
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I’m thinking of buying the kids a Nintendo Wii for xmas, but I know nothing about them. Shopbot lists them selling for about $200, but I have no idea whether that’s a good deal or whether the listing has everything I need for two players.

I’d be grateful for advice about what to look out for and what to be wary of, as well as any recommendations about where, and where not, to buy.

Thanks in advance.

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rogueideas said :

Don’t waste your money. Games are limited compared to ps3 and xbox, graphics are pathetic and game play frustrating and basically pointless. Get your kids these crazy things called bikes, trampolines, tents, swing sets etc. You get my point. Wii will stifle their imagination and see them become dependent on gadgets for their entertainment. Their learning will become severly retarded and result in them thinking that thinking occurs only within a virtual environment. Don’t get me wrong, electronic game play has it’s place but I teach kids everyday that are stuffed without Google, their phones and Facebook. Ask them to brainstorm, research and problem solve with their ‘brain’ and they increasingly cannot due to technology. It’s the old classic case of give a kid a toy that comes in a big box and they’ll end up playing in the box as it promotes individual imagination which we’ve used for millions of years – the gadgets dilute the need for us to do that. Anyone that tells you Wii is great is easily pleased. Ours was given as a gift and is gathering dust. My daughter reverts to games on ps2! Condition is she plays after cubby, swings and tramp. And that’s my 2 cents worth!

Just for the record, both kids have bikes and a trampoline and both have black belts in karate. Elder daughter, for whom I’m buying this, got high distinctions throughout her BSc at the ANU as well as in French, in which she’s now fluent, having been working in France for a year before starting her honours year in immunology. #2 daughter is on her gap year having saved up for and just come back from several months in Europe before she starts her study at ANU next year. Well-adjusted and well-rounded kids, I’d say – probably not the types who’ll end up brain-dead “‘tards” playing computer games all day. 😉

As I said, #1 daughter played it as a complete break from her long hours of study, and it’s her persistence and application that I’d like to reward with this small gift.

rogueideas said :

Don’t waste your money. Games are limited compared to ps3 and xbox, graphics are pathetic and game play frustrating and basically pointless. Get your kids these crazy things called bikes, trampolines, tents, swing sets etc. You get my point. Wii will stifle their imagination and see them become dependent on gadgets for their entertainment. Their learning will become severly retarded and result in them thinking that thinking occurs only within a virtual environment. Don’t get me wrong, electronic game play has it’s place but I teach kids everyday that are stuffed without Google, their phones and Facebook. Ask them to brainstorm, research and problem solve with their ‘brain’ and they increasingly cannot due to technology. It’s the old classic case of give a kid a toy that comes in a big box and they’ll end up playing in the box as it promotes individual imagination which we’ve used for millions of years – the gadgets dilute the need for us to do that. Anyone that tells you Wii is great is easily pleased. Ours was given as a gift and is gathering dust. My daughter reverts to games on ps2! Condition is she plays after cubby, swings and tramp. And that’s my 2 cents worth!

I still don’t get where the “Tard” gene came from in the older generations. 2 cents is worth nothing.

🙂 Thanks UrbanReality and Belles for that clear and comprehensive info. It definitely sounds like Wii is what I need. A hardcore gaming machine would be a waste for a family of casual gamers like us, and Zelda is definitely a must.

Thanks again, everyone!

If you daughter loved playing Zelda then the wii is the way to go.
Yeah there are many other advantages to the different consoles, but as a chic (who has played console games since I was a kid) I have found that the wii is the most fun for multiple players.
Most of the games are not too complicated and the whole family can join in, friends can play and you can have a blast with it.
I will agree that xbox 360 and the PS3 have other components to them, but if you are buying for the fun of the games and the opportunity for more than one person at a time to play then I would suggest that you continue with your plan to buy a wii.
This is also coming from a standpoint of somebody who also owns a PS3 (I must admit I am a sucker for GT5) an xbox360 (hasn’t been touched for 2 years) and a PC that I game on.
Being christmas be on the lookout for bundle deals (usually you will get standard wii set and a couple of games, you may also luck into extra controllers and nunchucks) through the different shops – JBHifi, Target, Kmart, BIGW, WOW sight and sound, Hardly Normal or online stores (though online depending on supply and demand you may not get it in time). Skip stores like Game and EB they are overpriced and generally their staff look down on people who don’t know anything about games (or try to rip you of for something you don’t need)
Also I suggest that you either A) buy a ton of good batteries (cheap ones last a grand total of about 5 minutes before they need replacing) or B (Highly Recommended) Buy reachargable batteries or a recharging pad, such as this one http://dicksmith.com.au/product/YG0371/wii-induction-remote-charger-quad (we have one of these and they are great, also have a rechargable battery pack for the wii fit board that is made specially for it)
Hope that all helps 🙂

UrbanReality12:25 pm 24 Nov 11

Deref said :

Now it’s starting to get complicated. 😉

The driving consideration was Legend of Zelda, though no doubt there are other games that she’d like, too. But if I understand correctly, Zelda isn’t limited to the Wii – is that right? Neither of the kids is into videogaming in any serious sense (and neither am I), so it wouldn’t be sensible for me to spend substantially more money for something that may be technically better and have more available games, but which won’t get used.

Maybe it’d be better for me to ask them. It’d spoil the surprise, but at least they’d get the one they wanted.

Zelda is limited to the Nintendo range, so basically Wii and 3DS which is a portable handheld system. The Wii is excellent for causal, family gaming which sounds what your looking for. The other consoles are more expensive, designed to play more graphic intense and hardcore games. If you want hardcore gaming you can easily play them on the computer. The Wii was designed to be different and provide fun for the whole family.
A new Zelda (Skyward Sword) game has just come out for Wii, and there is an older game available as well (Twilight Princess). Kmart currently has a deal for $148 for The Wii, controller and Mario Kart, and you would need an extra controller (make sure it is a motion plus) which sells for around $50 at Dicksmith and then the new Zelda game at around $79.

I don’t know how other consoles compare, but we love our Wii for party games too.

@Deref- Wii would not even play dvds’, or CDs, go along with your kids and look at a range of games available for other consoles.
Based on my observations, PS3 has more games for kids (even student girls), however, Xbox 360 offers some awesome titles too – Sims, Viva Piñata, Left for Dead I and II (oops) 😀

Truth is that you can’t go wrong with Nintendo for christmas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFlcqWQVVuU

Now it’s starting to get complicated. 😉

The driving consideration was Legend of Zelda, though no doubt there are other games that she’d like, too. But if I understand correctly, Zelda isn’t limited to the Wii – is that right? Neither of the kids is into videogaming in any serious sense (and neither am I), so it wouldn’t be sensible for me to spend substantially more money for something that may be technically better and have more available games, but which won’t get used.

Maybe it’d be better for me to ask them. It’d spoil the surprise, but at least they’d get the one they wanted.

Lazy I said :

arescarti42 said :

While we’re on the subject, anyone got a Gamecube they want to sell me?

Interested to know why you wouldn’t just use the Wii to play Gamecube games? Only benefit you get with a real Gamecube is the ability to use the Gameboy Payer add on. Collections sake?

The console you should be chasing is a Dreamcast 😉

It’s actually just a cost consideration, there’s only a few GC games I need it for. I’m not a huge fan of the Wii controllers, so by the time I bought a Wii and a couple of GC controllers for it the cost would be probably 3-4x the cost of a second hand GC.

DUB said :

Deref said :

EvanJames said :

“Need” a Wii?

Re other consoles, the kids are grown up, but elder daughter LOVED playing Legend of Zelda on her Gamecube as a break from her uni studies so I thought it’d be good to get her the latest version. I assumed (assume?) that it only runs on the Wii, so that was why I limited myself to that console. Is my assumption correct?

Wii just to run that one game?? No, it runs on Nintendo DS too, but, since your daughter is a uni student, really, consider getting another console, she’ll appreciate it more.Go and check out games for other consoles. She may like Ratchet and Clank series (PS3 only).

There’s plenty of awesome games on Wii, it all depends on what kinds of games the person is into. A Wii would be a great choice IMO, there are more games to play with friends too (you need a couple of extra wiimotes with motion+ and accompanying nunchucks for that). The other systems are definitely prettier on the screen and have similar genres to Wii games too but need peripherals to be a bit more interactive (i.e. Kinect etc). If she is a bit older she may really like a portable system so she can play it anywhere?

arescarti42 said :

While we’re on the subject, anyone got a Gamecube they want to sell me?

Interested to know why you wouldn’t just use the Wii to play Gamecube games? Only benefit you get with a real Gamecube is the ability to use the Gameboy Payer add on. Collections sake?

The console you should be chasing is a Dreamcast 😉

Deref said :

EvanJames said :

“Need” a Wii?

Re other consoles, the kids are grown up, but elder daughter LOVED playing Legend of Zelda on her Gamecube as a break from her uni studies so I thought it’d be good to get her the latest version. I assumed (assume?) that it only runs on the Wii, so that was why I limited myself to that console. Is my assumption correct?

Wii just to run that one game?? No, it runs on Nintendo DS too, but, since your daughter is a uni student, really, consider getting another console, she’ll appreciate it more.Go and check out games for other consoles. She may like Ratchet and Clank series (PS3 only).

EvanJames said :

“Need” a Wii?

The thread title, as I submitted it, was “I need a Wii” – a small attempt at humour. 😉

But thanks, guys – that’s all fantastic information. You rock.

Re other consoles, the kids are grown up, but elder daughter LOVED playing Legend of Zelda on her Gamecube as a break from her uni studies so I thought it’d be good to get her the latest version. I assumed (assume?) that it only runs on the Wii, so that was why I limited myself to that console. Is my assumption correct?

Don’t waste your money. Games are limited compared to ps3 and xbox, graphics are pathetic and game play frustrating and basically pointless. Get your kids these crazy things called bikes, trampolines, tents, swing sets etc. You get my point. Wii will stifle their imagination and see them become dependent on gadgets for their entertainment. Their learning will become severly retarded and result in them thinking that thinking occurs only within a virtual environment. Don’t get me wrong, electronic game play has it’s place but I teach kids everyday that are stuffed without Google, their phones and Facebook. Ask them to brainstorm, research and problem solve with their ‘brain’ and they increasingly cannot due to technology. It’s the old classic case of give a kid a toy that comes in a big box and they’ll end up playing in the box as it promotes individual imagination which we’ve used for millions of years – the gadgets dilute the need for us to do that. Anyone that tells you Wii is great is easily pleased. Ours was given as a gift and is gathering dust. My daughter reverts to games on ps2! Condition is she plays after cubby, swings and tramp. And that’s my 2 cents worth!

qbngeek said :

arescarti42 said :

While we’re on the subject, anyone got a Gamecube they want to sell me?

Only if you can trade me a N64 http://www.geek.com/articles/games/converting-an-n64-to-a-handheld-portable-device-in-pictures-20110727/

Dayam, that’s one hell of a mod. I would but I don’t have one, and also the N64 is past the obsolete stage and is now a bit of a classic, so they actually sell for quite a lot more than Gamecubes.

arescarti42 said :

While we’re on the subject, anyone got a Gamecube they want to sell me?

I have one I might be willing to part with 🙂

Really? I’ve been hitting up allclassifieds for a while, but people only seem to be selling the Wii and DS. Send me an email at vampirepiggyhunter@gmail.com if you’re interested.

http://www.ozbargain.com.au

I’ve been trawling this website for years, always check THERE first (in the search) or daily posts.

Welcome to the dark side everybody, good luck resisting the bargains….

Wily_Bear said :

Whilst I agree the Wii is probably not the best console for older kids, it is particularly suited to a younger demographic. I received one with a Tv some years ago, it proved an immediate hit with my younger kids- both girls. I think the primary reason is that Nintendo is very aware that girls like games also, so they cater to their preferences, and are appropriate to younger kids. An added advantage is that the games generally require movement, so you don’t have to be quite as concerned about them being zombies. Everything in moderation though

Would you believe that it is great for younger kids OR adults? There are some really adult only games they have released that are *really* entertaining, sex violence and adult themes. Like No more heroes 1 & 2, house of the dead overkill, metroid latest one and there is a black, white and red game that is mainly based around gratuitous violence. So much fun.

Mothy said :

For the kids? If anyone under 10, go with the Wii, and get as many controllers as you can (i.e. 4). Fun for the whole family to be had on Wii Sports Resort – my nephew still owns me at the 3 on 3 basketball and has some nasty smack-talk for a 9 year old.

Leave the other consoles for when they start coming home from Little Jonny’s place wanting to play some online First-Person-Shooter or they start whining about needing “high end graphics”.

When doing comparisons of pricing, be sure that you’re not being ripped off by some unscrupulous operators selling you a system where the controllers don’t have the “Wii Motion Plus” built into the controllers – look for the blue circle around the base of the controller like in the JB Hi-Fi catalogue linked above at comment #3.

qbngeek said :

It will go into the collection with the others such as my N64 (need a second one now), Master Sytem, 2x Master System II, 3x Gamecubes, Megadrive, NES, SNES, Various Gameboys and most the other consoles and handhelds that have come out in the past 20 years.

Ah, a nostalgia collection indeed! I still remember my first console – a Sega Master System Plus.

Nice collection, I wuv my consoles 🙂

arescarti42 said :

While we’re on the subject, anyone got a Gamecube they want to sell me?

I have one I might be willing to part with 🙂

Whilst I agree the Wii is probably not the best console for older kids, it is particularly suited to a younger demographic. I received one with a Tv some years ago, it proved an immediate hit with my younger kids- both girls. I think the primary reason is that Nintendo is very aware that girls like games also, so they cater to their preferences, and are appropriate to younger kids. An added advantage is that the games generally require movement, so you don’t have to be quite as concerned about them being zombies. Everything in moderation though

“Need” a Wii?

For the kids? If anyone under 10, go with the Wii, and get as many controllers as you can (i.e. 4). Fun for the whole family to be had on Wii Sports Resort – my nephew still owns me at the 3 on 3 basketball and has some nasty smack-talk for a 9 year old.

Leave the other consoles for when they start coming home from Little Jonny’s place wanting to play some online First-Person-Shooter or they start whining about needing “high end graphics”.

When doing comparisons of pricing, be sure that you’re not being ripped off by some unscrupulous operators selling you a system where the controllers don’t have the “Wii Motion Plus” built into the controllers – look for the blue circle around the base of the controller like in the JB Hi-Fi catalogue linked above at comment #3.

qbngeek said :

It will go into the collection with the others such as my N64 (need a second one now), Master Sytem, 2x Master System II, 3x Gamecubes, Megadrive, NES, SNES, Various Gameboys and most the other consoles and handhelds that have come out in the past 20 years.

Ah, a nostalgia collection indeed! I still remember my first console – a Sega Master System Plus.

There’s a new wii release anyway, expected around march 2012

Watson said :

(And I hacked mine so I don’t have to pay for games – I know, I know, but kids are so fickle and games so expensive.)

+1

http://www.wiihacks.com/recommended-faqs-guides-tutorials-only/

shirty_bear said :

qbngeek said :

my son hasn’t touched the Wii since we got the Kinect.

Sounds like there’d be a cheap 2nd-hand one out Qbn way, then …

Heh heh, nope.

It will go into the collection with the others such as my N64 (need a second one now), Master Sytem, 2x Master System II, 3x Gamecubes, Megadrive, NES, SNES, Various Gameboys and most the other consoles and handhelds that have come out in the past 20 years.

qbngeek said :

One thing I forgot to mention is that the Wii U comes out next year to replace the Wii, so it will be superseeded almost immediately.

Which would explain the $150 bundles everyone (well, KMart & JB at least) have at the moment. You were looking at nearer double these $$ a year ago.

qbngeek said :

my son hasn’t touched the Wii since we got the Kinect.

Sounds like there’d be a cheap 2nd-hand one out Qbn way, then …

Thoroughly Smashed said :

Watson said :

(And I hacked mine so I don’t have to pay for games – I know, I know, but kids are so fickle and games so expensive.)

In my day I played what I was given and damn well enjoyed it! Uphill both ways in the snow etc.

lol My 6yo has been playing Donkey Kong for several months now. And still hasn’t unlocked the bonus level! But that was probably the 10th game she tried.

If you’re going to buy a Wii, I’d advise to get an extra (genuine) Wii-mote and nunchucks for both. As for the cheapest, you should find the best price in the mountain of pre-chrissy junk mail that should already have your mailbox heaving at the seams. Be wary of the deals that throw in games, because they can often include pretty cruddy titles.

Or as others have said, consider an xbox 360 and Kinect sensor – unlike the Wii and PS3 you don’t need to buy extra controllers for additional players because it tracks body movements. Downside is that the 360 doesn’t have the variety or volume of cutesy fluffy games available for the Wii.

arescarti42 said :

While we’re on the subject, anyone got a Gamecube they want to sell me?

Only if you can trade me a N64 http://www.geek.com/articles/games/converting-an-n64-to-a-handheld-portable-device-in-pictures-20110727/

Obviously my price info seems to be a bit old, but I got mine the day they were released and use it about twice a year. They are great for the kids however.

One thing I forgot to mention is that the Wii U comes out next year to replace the Wii, so it will be superseeded almost immediately.

How old are the kids? PS3 or X360 may be a better option and PS3 doubles as a Blu-ray player. They also both double as media centres, especially with X360 gaining ABC iveiw, SBS on demand and Youtube in two weeks. PLus Kinect is much more fun for the kids, my son hasn’t touched the Wii since we got the Kinect.

While we’re on the subject, anyone got a Gamecube they want to sell me?

Thoroughly Smashed1:51 pm 23 Nov 11

Watson said :

(And I hacked mine so I don’t have to pay for games – I know, I know, but kids are so fickle and games so expensive.)

In my day I played what I was given and damn well enjoyed it! Uphill both ways in the snow etc.

Solidarity said :

They only come with 1 Nunchuck and controller, so for 2 player you’ll need another set. Don’t buy aftermarket controllers either, they suck compared to the Nintendo ones…

You might want a rechargable battery pack too as they suck down AA batteries quick.

+1 on the controllers (though buying cheap nunchucks is ok). Best not to buy controllers secondhand either as the motion sensor thingy is fairly fragile.

Charger and battery packs can be bought cheaply from some Hong Kong Ebay seller. Not much to it, so small risk.

They only come with 1 Nunchuck and controller, so for 2 player you’ll need another set. Don’t buy aftermarket controllers either, they suck compared to the Nintendo ones…

You might want a rechargable battery pack too as they suck down AA batteries quick.

I bought mine on Ebay. There’s some listed on allclassifieds.com.au too. Unless you really want a new one, in which case BigW or one of those places often have special deals.

(And I hacked mine so I don’t have to pay for games – I know, I know, but kids are so fickle and games so expensive.)

They are less than $150, because no one wants them-no hdmi, limited range of games and they are way overpriced.
Go with Xbox 360 or PS3 instead. Both offer range of games for all ages, not overpriced, online gameplay (PS network-free ), 360- Xbox live, worth the money, BF3 team play is far better experience on Xbox live….
That is just my opinion. Own all consoles (but gave away that lame Wii).

JB Hi-Fi has the console + Mario Kart for $148
http://www.jbhifi.com.au/games/nintendo/wii/
If it’s for christmas, look out for deals that throw in a couple of games. JB will probably be the ones to look out for.

$200 is about right for retail in Australia. They may be slightly cheaper at Costco, or you may be better off paying $250 for a limited edition with a game or two in it.

You will get one Wii mote in the box, you will need to buy another for a second player. You can buy them online cheaper than in stores, see below.

I recommend getting some wiimoney (or whatever they call it now) and use it to buy some of the games off the wiistore (on the consoles main screen). some of them are really cheap and can provide hours of fun.

DO NOT buy any games from an Australian retail store as we get ripped off. Games that are US$60 in the US are regularly $110 here. EB games are the worst with pricing, Game and JB can be alright if you want the game right now but are still expensive.

I recommend ozgameshop.com or play-asia.com. Both are reputable and have lots of faithful followers in the gaming community. Both have great customers service and will not take off with your money or do nefarious things with your credit card details. Ozgameshop is my choice because they have free shipping to Australia and they are part of a much bigger UK online business and have a solid reputation.

stonedwookie1:26 pm 23 Nov 11

ive seen em around for 150 try big w or somewhere like that

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