Sign on Options
Theme:
To Dark

Wal-Mart Wii preorders sell out

Megaretailer briefly offers "Nintendo Wii Customer Choice's Bundle" before running out of stock.

Cash-flush gamers who got up early this morning and perused the Wal-Mart Web site got lucky. For several hours today, the megaretailer's online store offered a so-called "Nintendo Wii Customer Choice's Bundle," which offered the next-gen console packed in with a series of accoutrements for $533.56.

Normally, the basic Wii package costs $249.99, but Wal-Mart's atypical pricing scheme lists it as $249.82 solo. It includes the Wii console, "Wiimote controller," a Nunchuk attachment, Wiimote wrist strap, power cord, standard A/V cable, sensor bar, two AA batteries, and stands for the console and sensor bar.

The Nintendo Wii Customer Choice's Bundle comes with the aforementioned package and appears to add a second Wiimote, and Nunchuk, as well as 2,000 Wii points to buy online games. It also comes with the choice of four games from the list below:

Ant Bully
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Barnyard
Call of Duty 3
Cars
Chicken Little: Ace in Action
Elebits
Excite Truck
Far Cry Vengeance
The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy
Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Madden NFL 07
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
Need for Speed Carbon
Open Season
Rayman Raving Rabbids
Red Steel
SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature From the Krusty Krab
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent
Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam
Trauma Center: Second Opinion

Though Wii games have not been officially priced, most retailers list both first- and third-party titles for the console as having a suggested retail price of $49.99 each--but Wal-Mart has them at $49.82 a pop. By that calculus, four games (4 x $49.82 = $199.28 at Wal-Mart), a console package ($249.82), an extra Wiimote ($39.82 at Wal-Mart) and Nunchuk ($19.82 at Wal-Mart) cost a total of $508.74.

[UPDATE] At its Wii press event in New York City, Nintendo announced that Wii points would costs $0.01 cent each. By that calculus, a 2,000 point card should cost $20, meaning the Wal-Mart Wii bundle is at a $4.82 mark-up. Because Wal-Mart is selling the 2,000-point card for $24.82, the total rises to $533.56.

At the end of the day, though, the cost of the Wii Customer Choice's Bundle was irrelevant. By early afternoon, it was sold out.

251 Comments

  • Ferto_89

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 6:47 pm GMT

    dam i guess the wiis are not sold out by december 15 or something

  • AFWorm

    Posted Nov 13, 2006 8:56 pm GMT

    Most impressive!

  • _Sam_

    Posted Nov 10, 2006 12:39 pm GMT

    I never by anything from Wal-Mart, so I wasn't planning on getting a wii from them, so I'm not disappointed

  • Matt_Talbot

    Posted Nov 9, 2006 8:06 am GMT

    WisdomLink

    You know.. i just found this out... lol looks like im not the only one that saw this move by Wal Mart

  • WisdomLink

    Posted Nov 8, 2006 9:27 pm GMT

    that's a good deal for a system,extra wiimotes, addons, and four games(which are priced at $50 per but cheaper when bundled)....wait walmart is trying to play it off as a cheaper than separate purchase deal...I'll order those points elsewhere but it was a preorder so it really doesn't matter. Bundles are suppose to be cheaper but this is low move to make cash while tricking consumers into thinking they'll save by buyin the bundle pack...

  • Matt_Talbot

    Posted Nov 7, 2006 8:00 am GMT

    Ok, i still do not see why people have a problem with the price, have you even watched that this damn thing does and what it comes with in its enterity?

  • darknight570

    Posted Nov 6, 2006 9:24 pm GMT

    I wish that I could have gotten on that bandwagon. Wait a what they are paying over the amount they should?! I don't think I read this right.

  • Matt_Talbot

    Posted Nov 6, 2006 7:19 am GMT

    What do you mean Welkster? Could you elaborate?

  • Welkster

    Posted Nov 4, 2006 1:58 pm GMT

    Wow I hope eb games online preorder dosen't turn out like this but a eb employee told me today that the online preorders will be bundle packs XD

  • promano3

    Posted Nov 4, 2006 11:04 am GMT

    No value on the bundle? That ain't no good...the only worth of the Wii bundle is just for preorder reasons. Which is why it's sold out. Haha...0_o

  • NintendoWarrior

    Posted Nov 4, 2006 5:25 am GMT

    lol suky bundle, any bundle that doesnt give a value: SUKY

  • Matt_Talbot

    Posted Nov 3, 2006 7:48 am GMT

    To me, i don't think it has to do with the graphics, if it has no real gameplay, the graphics aren't worth sh**, so thats why i like the Mario games, they have great gameplay, and have some poor graphics when you look at games today.. but hey, everything has its prime. So i would buy some more retro games if they made more of those, but they never will again. T_T Anyway.. sure the WII has great Graphics, but finally they have a console that has Great Gameplay and GREAT graphics, took them long enough.. anyone here agree with me?

  • hemakm3

    Posted Nov 3, 2006 6:35 am GMT

    Nice.

  • SpruceCaboose

    Posted Nov 3, 2006 4:55 am GMT

    To the person who said he didn't own an HDTV and that most people do not, These syetems will be the systems for the next 5+ years, and while most people currently do not own HDTVs, this makes the first year that HDTVs outsold standard TVs. This trend will continue. I for one anticipate my next TV purchase to be HD, as that is what makes sense given the current climate of an all-digital push, and with High Def movies and game systems. Nintendo, while it will do well, kind of shot itself in the foot a bit by not at least supporting some form of HD. I would buy one, and I probably will, but it seems odd that with the growing trend in HD, they would choose not to at least add some HD support. Oh well. Love my 360, and will probably enjoy the Wii.

  • Zonelezz

    Posted Nov 3, 2006 12:50 am GMT

    lol wow

  • bigcrusha

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 11:36 pm GMT

    Uuuh aaah... impressive deals. The Wii just keeps on getting better and better!!!!

  • MrHappyBizzar

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 9:26 pm GMT

    The people who are bashing the Wii for not having the best graphics need to realize that not everyone in the world has an HDTV, in fact, I'd say that the vast majority do not. The 360 and PS3 will not look nearly as impressive on a TV that's not HD. Yes, it's capable of doing more graphically but unless the consumer can utilize that who cares what it CAN do?

  • linmukai

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 6:29 pm GMT

    Graphics are nice but get a lot more attention than they deserve. Gameplay is what has people playing old games that are ugly by today's standards but are in fact miles ahead of many modern games in gameplay and fun, not to mention nostalgic value for some. We've reached a point where the difference between good looks and cutting edge looks is an incremental thing that will be overshadowed by gameplay everytime for those who are discriminating enough to look past flash for real content, quality and fun. I owned PS2 before and liked it but didn't have time for that and my PC games. I miss console gaming though and would love to grace my living room with both a Wii and PS3 for the games they will offer. My kids still play N64 games together with friends and when I watch them laughing and having fun racing Mario Karts or playing Mario Party and other great games I think now that is what gaming is about. It's funny that I wound up giving 3 Gamecubes as gifts for Christmas the year they were new but I never got one :-(

  • elozl

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 6:00 pm GMT

    dd99 got to my brain with his comment, i already pre paid mine but according to the graphics i was a little disapointed because for a moment i was thinking about the looks instead of the games, but i now am sure that what i did was the right choice and of course when ever i want to see a monster on graphics, it will only be on my pc... long live the Wii

  • jerm1403

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 4:34 pm GMT

    People that say the wii will dissapoint us are totally wrong. I am totally conscious it doesnt have the best graphics, but it satisfies my expectatives; I mean, do I really need to see every single hair in the guy´s arm or I can be happy with a good realistic look alone?
    I get what i need for only $250, so stop buddering.
    And no one is forcing you to buy the wii, so post in other comment boards!!!!!

  • GameBeaten

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 4:12 pm GMT

    Must have Wii.

  • bottomdollar

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 3:58 pm GMT

    encryptkeeper has a point. Along with the new games, A LOT of people are very strong about the old "new" titles that are gonna come along with the Wii, PS3, and 360. Everybody loves and loved the concept of Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat 3 coming on to the 360, my wife want a Wii for the simple fact for Donkey Kong Country, I wouldn't mine playing some BattleToads/Double Dragon myself. And lets no get on it if Nintendo or Microsoft come to an agreement and put games like GoldenEye 64 and Jet Force Gemini on one of their backwards compatitable console, and then with online play... Thats something to think about. And Sony ALWAYS make sure that you can go back and play previous titles from the gigantic library of first and third party games. So look to the future gamers, the future is... GAMES from the past that we can play and can pave a way for better games for the future...

  • cfamgcn

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 3:47 pm GMT

    I hope a price drop soon =P

  • dd99

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 3:32 pm GMT

    antonioscordo
    "I really don't care that much about the graphics. They will look some better (2X processor, 2X ram of GCN) and 480P with the right cables. But for me, button mashing is getting old, real old. I want a new way to interact with the games, and I can't wait. If it wasn't for the new control scheme from nintendo, I wouldn't be getting any new console this go around as I have a very high end Gaming PC (600 Gig HD, Dual Core 64 bit AMD, 2 gigs ram, 2 Geforce SLI graphic processors) When I want something with stellar graphics, I'll use that. When I want something different, I'll use the Wii."

    I feel exsacly the way you do, I want something different. I have all the graphics on my pc, so why buy it agan?

  • j_vega07

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 2:58 pm GMT

    bottomdollar
    That couldn't be more right dude................thats the way true gamer thinks!!!!!!!! Hear that Fanboys!!!!!

  • Matt_Talbot

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 2:11 pm GMT

    Im a sucker for Retro Games xD

  • encryptkeeper

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 1:46 pm GMT

    I still don't understand why people are complaining about the Wii's graphics when there are so many retro gamers out there. I know people who are shaking at the thought of playing the old games on their tv's again. And yes, that proves I do know an enourmous amount of geeky people. But the truth is, if people want old games with crappy graphics because of how good they STILL are, then chances are very good that they won't cry when they don't have games that are all 1080p. Besides, I just read an article on DailyTech that the PS3's 1080p doesn't look ANY better than 720p, except for COD3. Sorry Sony, looks like you're going to lose this round to Microsoft AND Nintendo. They really just shouldn't have tried so hard to make the *best* console, they didn't have the best one last go around with the PS2 and did fantastic. They just need good games, and people aren't excited about Sony's new lineup until MGS4 comes out. Now that's a title I want to play, but nothing else so far for you Sony. People are already saying the Sixaxis really isn't very good.

  • bottomdollar

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 12:45 pm GMT

    Ahhhh, so the early birds got the worms but the late ones got a bundle. Sounds like a good way to rake in the money Wal-Mart! Anyway, I see sooo much anger and hatred between Nintendo, Sony, and Playstation fanboys, kinda saddening. Everyone is going to get the system they like or a variety of the 3 or all 3 for that matter. Everyone is being creative, Nintendo with the Wii-Mote and the Virtual Console, Sony with Blue Ray and that great idea which I just found out that they are going to let people pitch ideas for games and to pick up and play (I think its www.playstation.com/beyond) and of Microsoft the the extra HD component and their lively Xbox Live Arcade line up. Whatever you choose, know that what YOU want, who cares how "over powered" the PS3 will be or how "underpowered" the Wii is... Let Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft fight over our dollar, which will make them be more creative in the long run and bring even bigger and better things (although the Nintendo Wii seems to be down right intuative). But my point is, just go wait in the line for the system you want, bring it home and SHUT UP. No matter what you say in the end, everybody is going to get what they want (although PS3 ppl are probably gonna have to wait a wee bit longer, which is not a bad thing, let Sony work out all the bugs and get a PS3 next year when they will run fine?

  • antonioscordo

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 12:30 pm GMT

    "The poor souls that buy it will be let down. Regardless of the constant claims that "graphics don't matter", they will expect the games to look better. Particularly those that haven't paid attention to specs for the various machines. They will judge by looks."

    I really don't care that much about the graphics. They will look some better (2X processor, 2X ram of GCN) and 480P with the right cables. But for me, button mashing is getting old, real old. I want a new way to interact with the games, and I can't wait. If it wasn't for the new control scheme from nintendo, I wouldn't be getting any new console this go around as I have a very high end Gaming PC (600 Gig HD, Dual Core 64 bit AMD, 2 gigs ram, 2 Geforce SLI graphic processors) When I want something with stellar graphics, I'll use that. When I want something different, I'll use the Wii.

    As for the comments about looks . . . red delicious apples have been breed for their look. Unfortunately, taste has suffered as a result. There are many other kinds of apples out there that don't look as good, but they taste so much better.

  • degrassirulez

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 12:26 pm GMT

    Why don't EB Games/Gamestop have online pre orders?

  • bart8558

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 11:44 am GMT

    Ugh... I dont want to buy four games off the bat... and living in a college town i was counting on Walmart...

  • Tok3d

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 11:22 am GMT

    I know this sounds like im complaining, but im sick of the ppl that come here saying that "people who buy wii will be let down" (changing the topic by the way) just because they are microsoft or sony fanboys. Just stick with your own over-powered overly expensive system and shut up, because next gen video games are not just about looking pretty and sticking a whole bunch of diffrent disc drives into the console!

  • JYGFluffy212

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 11:20 am GMT

    Damn Wal-Mart is just beating the competition

  • Berserker_2

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 11:10 am GMT

    The article claims that the Wii is a next-gen console. The poor souls that buy it will be let down. Regardless of the constant claims that "graphics don't matter", they will expect the games to look better. Particularly those that haven't paid attention to specs for the various machines. They will judge by looks.

  • antonioscordo

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 10:46 am GMT

    Hey, if you've already got aWii lined up, pre-order your games at Overstock.com . . .they are a buck cheaper than walmart. They have very cheap shipping... AND if you have a Upromise account set up for your kids, and go through Upromise.com to get to Overstock, you get 5% from your purchase back into your kids account. I preordered an extra classic controller, and 7 or 8 games. Paid only $2.95 for shipping, and got nearly $25 back into my kids future college account.. I acutally had the games pre-ordered via EBGames, but cancelled the order and placed it with overstock. I saved a bundle on the shipping, didn't have to pay 8% NY sales tax, and got that 5% into my kids account. Overall about a $40 savings. Enough to include the Metal Sug Anthology.

    My Wii Launch line-Up
    Wii - Pre Ordered
    Extra Controller, Extra Nunchuk, 2 classic controllers, 2000 points cards, Zelda TP, Monkeyball, Rayman, Elebits, Metal Slug, and Marvel Ultimate Alliance.

    And on deck -- Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Paper Mario.

  • japanesegoth

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 10:33 am GMT

    "the wii cost 50$ to much HELL NO! it has ps2 hardware its 100 dollars to much"

    haha. you silly person. the ps2 is the weakest of that gen. and it's still more expensive than gamecube. furthermore you're just being pwned by sony into buying blu-ray..

  • japanesegoth

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 10:31 am GMT

    haha...aren't bundles usually made to give you a bit of a discount for buying more stuff? that's so dumb and it makes no sense walmart.

  • jmac777

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 10:19 am GMT

    Thats cool...Walmart I think will still have units in store at launch though for those who didnt preorder

  • kira_leingod

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 10:17 am GMT

    FLAME ON !!!!!
    omg you guys sucks so much for dissing wii. its like omg man, supercool hadoken. "OMG handbanana NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" (carl from aqua teen) so go play that xbox 180 you nintendog hateing queermoes

  • encryptkeeper

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 10:00 am GMT

    Oni's comment...
    This is the same Nintendo that keeps re-releasing the DS/DS lite in different colors? Wii is just a GameCube with a new novelty controller. BTW, A second Wii-mote & nun-chuck is gonna cost around $60 and $20 for Wii Classic Controller. Yeah Nintendo would never try to nickel and dime their customers to death like everyone else.

    Yeah, I agree with you, Nintendo shouldn't be able to make money in a capitalist environment. And for the last time, the Wii is not just a Gamecube with a different controller. If you think that, then you'd have to believe the same thing about all the other consoles. Why? Because each of the new consoles is stronger, with a new controller. The Wii just didn't see as much of a jump as the others in terms of power. Case friggin' closed.

  • encryptkeeper

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 9:56 am GMT

    Thanks bucky

  • fireboy1414

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 9:55 am GMT

    i tryed but i was too late...

  • reallaughingman

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 9:53 am GMT

    guys dont worry ill be here on e-bay selling wiis for everybody willing to buy...

  • gamepunk86

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 9:49 am GMT

    man wat a rip. stupid walmart

  • Hitman4Hire

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 9:44 am GMT

    "aashkii
    I gotta preorder myself a Wii before it's too late. If I missed out on this, hopefully Sam Goody will have Wii preorders after Walmart runs dry."

    If you preordered at Sam Goody, you arent going to be getting one. Sam Goody just flat out lied about preorders and junk. They will get, at most 2 PS3s, andmaybe 5 Nintendo Wiis.

  • ArchAngel2284

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 9:37 am GMT

    interesting, i guess

  • buckybuckster

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 9:35 am GMT

    Will the Wii sell out in it's first week...of course. Wil the PS3 sell out in it's first week...yes. However, I think there is to much focus placed on how well either system will perform in it's launch for while the good press from a stellar performance out of the gate has its benefits, in the end, it has little if any bearing on it's longevity. The games will be the ultimate judge of that.

    Take a look at the Dreamcast. It set an all time launch day record for electronic entertainment devices, and we all know how that ended up. Wait until Christmas '07 to get a better indication on who the real winners and losers will be.

    As a side note, we should be seeing Wii and PS3 kiosks popping up within the next week and a half to 2 weeks max. I was told by my PS rep that out store may not get a PS3 kiosk until the beginning of 2007 because they were in extremely short supply.

  • sieg6529

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 9:30 am GMT

    if 2000 Wii Points (sure to join HP, AP, and MP as WP) buys you 2 N64 games, this could be a good way to update your collection.

  • ChucklesMginty

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 9:28 am GMT

    Man, I live in England and there are loads of pre-orders in Game,HMV,Woolworths anywhere. they've still got pre-orders left. Game has been doing pre-orders for a month and they still have some left (I think I havn't seen for a while) I got mine two weeks after they started and I'll be there on launch day I'll be surprised if there's anyone there getting theirs . There's very little hype here in England.

  • Oni

    Posted Nov 2, 2006 9:11 am GMT

    leapfrog91
    "Nintendo isn't trying to be close minded, media, super computer, price gougers like Microsoft and Sony (if that makes sense)."
    This is the same Nintendo that keeps re-releasing the DS/DS lite in different colors? Wii is just a GameCube with a new novelty controller. BTW, A second Wii-mote & nun-chuck is gonna cost around $60 and $20 for Wii Classic Controller. Yeah Nintendo would never try to nickel and dime their customers to death like everyone else.

Subscribe to GameSpot's YouTube Channel

Hot Stories

Newsmakers

Featured Stories

Submit News

Got tips? Send them in!