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How to Buy a Wii at Retail Price

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How to Buy a Wii at Retail Price

Tips on how and where to buy a Nintendo Wii game console. The Wii is still a hot gift item this year and supplies are limited. I was able to buy a Wii without having to wake up crazy early or stand in line for hours (though I did both of those things learning how to get one). It is also possible to buy a Wii online, though you may have to purchase a bundle and not just the base Wii package.

The Strategy

The Goal:
Obtain a Wii at retail price.

Requirements:
A car or other means of transportation.
Money.
Time.

Things that will make it easier:
Internet access.
Cell phone.
Accomplices.
A friendly demeanor.

The Plan:
First, get to know the resources around you. What stores carry the Wii? Check http://www.ps3seeker.com/wii/ for possible Wii locations near you. Not all possibilities are listed so check my links module to find other store locations near you.

Secondly, check the store hours.

Third. Visit the stores. If you are lucky you might find a Wii, but this visit is for reconnaissance. Try to figure out who the manager is if possible. Be nice to any employees. Ask questions such as:
"Did you get any shipments of Wiis today?"
"When was your last shipment?"
"Do you have a waiting list?" (most stores do not)
"Have a lot of people been asking about Wiis?" (you might want to not make this one a question so much, maybe even more of a sympathy statement to lead to more conversation).

Fourth.
Hopefully armed with shipment information, come back to the stores prior to shipment time. If a manager is present you might ask about shipments. If not and only counter staff is around they may or may not know what goes on in the back room. Hang around even if no Wiis are visible, they may be getting them ready to put out.

Tips:
The EB Games stores get their shipments from UPS. Fed Ex delivers to Toys R Us. Other stores may get shipments from either service.

Stores that sell Wii Consoles

EB Games
EB Games, Electronic Boutique, and GameStops are essentially the same stores. When I finally got my Wii it was from an EB Games.
Target
Department store.
Toys R Us
Toy store. I almost got one here.
Best Buy
Electronics and Appliances store.
Walmart
Department store.
Frys Store Hours and Locations
Note: This is not the official Frys website but I found it much easier to find information on specific stores here than at their official site, which is geared towards buying online.
Circuit city
Electronics and Appliances store.
Kmart
Department store.
Sears
Department store.

Tracker Site Links Plexo

1

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http://www.ps3seeker.com/wii

Site I used to find my Wii. Type in your zip code more...0 points

2

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http://www.itrackr.com

Tracking site which can give you text alerts to yo more...0 points

3

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xpBargains Wii Tracker

Find the best place to buy Nintendo Wii, stock che more...0 points

Wii Want More!

Visit my other Squidoo page for Wii Gadgets and Games.
Also stop by my gamer and geek shop

More Wii Shirts


Wii Fighting Fists!



For the gaming family!

See more Wii shirts, stickers, etc here:

Buying a Wii Online

My friend was able to order one using
http://wiialerts.com

"Finding a Wii (or Any Product) at MSRP doesn't get any easier! We track all major online stores for Nintendo Wii availability and instantly alert you by Email and Cell Phone. Take a few minutes and setup our free alerts. You can even buy one for each of your friends! "

My First Wii related purchases...

I picked up an extra Wiimote and Nunchuck during my Wii hunt

These are the first 3 things I bought for my Wii, purchased the day I was 9th in line and the store only had 7. I have not regretted any of these additional purchases and highly recommend them.
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For those multi-console gamers...

Wii60



More shirts, hats, etc in the works!



EDIT:
Here's another winner:


See more here!

Wii Stuff on eBay

In case you give up looking and... one day these prices will be closer to retail

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Wii Games

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Reader Feedback

  • grayth Feb 4, 2009 @ 7:53 am | delete
    awesome stuff really put together well with great information thanks
  • Lauryn Jan 11, 2009 @ 7:47 pm | delete
    I got cheated on ebay hope this can help me out
  • Krista Nov 28, 2008 @ 4:07 pm | delete
    After just missing the last ones on Amazon, I had no problem purchasing a Wii at EB Games - I was going to purchase it online (pre-orders for Dec. 5 delivery), but my local EB Games (locations linked on their site) had many Wii's in stock. They aren't gouging the prices either. So it was nice to run down there and pick one up today. Costco will be getting Wii's in on Dec. 15 FYI.
  • WoWKing Aug 13, 2008 @ 9:24 am | delete
    Good stuff. Keep up the good work.
  • JJEff Jun 20, 2008 @ 5:50 pm | delete
    i got mine for $242.50 on ebay. you just gotta keep looking. i kept checking periodically almost all day and eventually found one for about retail ( $10 shipping). it wont work quickly probly, but faster than waiting for a store to have one then someone else takes it from you.

    happy wii hunting and helpful hints!
  • yayyaya Mar 17, 2008 @ 3:24 pm | delete
    thnx! I got my wii in matter of days, it's awesome.
  • SemperFidelis Mar 11, 2008 @ 4:27 pm | delete
    Nicely put together mate! :o)
  • GoGreenWithGREENCulture Mar 7, 2008 @ 7:51 pm | delete
    Probably the easiest way to get a Wii at retail is to know somebody that works at a video game store (or perhaps any store that sells video games). Even if you know somebody who knows somebody who works at one, you can try that option. That's how I got mine easily. It's nice to have connections!
  • BlogdesignGuy Feb 29, 2008 @ 7:52 pm | delete
    To think that it is so difficult to still find Wiis is amazing to me. I got mines last year, but I waited about 5 hours in the freezing cold to get it. Nice lens.
  • thomasz Feb 12, 2008 @ 9:36 pm | delete
    Interesting lens. Nice info.
  • Williamnihillart Jan 7, 2008 @ 7:31 am | delete
    Thanks for the tips!
  • Kershaw Dec 16, 2007 @ 5:54 pm | delete
    Great lens,very useful info!
  • kershaw Dec 13, 2007 @ 7:07 pm | delete
    Great site!! #1 in Video Games dang Impressive...
    Love the way it's all laid out,user freindly!
  • thedogatemyhomework Dec 12, 2007 @ 10:14 am | delete
    What about this? I found a Wii months ago for Christmas and my kids have shown no interest. Is Ebay the best place to sell it off?
  • copelandc2002 Dec 8, 2007 @ 11:21 am | delete
    Great information! Thanks a bunch. I especially love the t-shirts, that Wii are family one is awesome.
  • Squidoophile Dec 2, 2007 @ 12:39 pm | delete
    great lens , I now have accomplices and internet connection, waiting for the others!
  • shopperholic Oct 22, 2007 @ 9:31 pm | delete
    Gotta love the t-shirts
  • Albert Oct 8, 2007 @ 6:35 pm | delete
    I've been trying to buy a wii for so long and yours was one of only two sites that actually helped me get one. I can't believe it's still sold out! I couldn't find one anyone in all of central Maryland! Thank you!
  • Fricka May 27, 2007 @ 10:19 pm | delete
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I review and compare 3 Fitness Games I own for the Wii

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