To Wii or Not to Wii?
Thursday, August 28, 2008 Posted by Christina
That is the question.Last week I encountered the perfect storm at Target: A Nintendo Wii, a Wii Fit, and my frugal nature collided.
I was caught between my childhood passion for video games, my need to get off the couch, and my inability to part with $330+.
You see, when I was a kid, I was in love with the original Nintendo. I spent a whole summer addicted to the thing. And my mom was addicted, too.
This summer my mom (and next door neighbor!) bought a Nintendo Wii. Several weeks later, she got a Wii Fit, and after playing with her, oh boy, do I have some serious Wii envy! It is so much fun!
Fortunately for me, up until last week, I had never seen a Wii or a Wii Fit for sale in any of my local stores.In fact, they've been darn near impossible to find anywhere.
But that changed last week. I happened to be walking by the Nintendo aisle at Target, and they called to me from the display case.
I called my husband about four times on the cell phone, and had a mini anxiety attack as I contemplated whether or not I should purchase the thing.
The actual cost of the Nintendo Wii ($250) isn't all that bad - especially compared to other gaming systems. But I really wanted the Wii Fit, an extra controller, and an extra nunchuck. Add it all up, and we're talking a $400 purchase!
My husband was supportive of whatever I decided. And he also knows me well... His words to me, "If you're just going to obsess about it for the next 6 months just get it now and be done with it. We've been good with our money and we can afford it. It's fine by me."
But in the end, I couldn't do it. Between the kids, running the household, writing this blog, enjoying time with my husband and pursing my other hobbies, I just don't know when I would find time to play. I also fear that a Wii Fit may just end up like my giant collection of exercise videos, my treadmill, and my handweights.... dusty and ignored.
I think if the kids were old enough to play (my oldest is 3), I would feel differently. I can imagine a time where the Nintendo Wii could be a great family pastime - playing virtual tournaments and so on.
So for now, I will play Nintendo Wii at my mom's and use that time to better evaluate whether the Wii is a worthwhile purchase for our family.
It was definitely a hard decision for this frugal gal!
August 28, 2008 6:57 AM
Good for you! I went through something similar last week with some clearance cookware.
Honestly, though, I've never regretted not spending money. But I usually have a great deal of buyer's remorse whenever I spend money on large, unnecessary purchases. Just keep in mind, the Nintendo Wii will always be there should you ever fall into a dark depression caused by non-buyer's remorse. You can always pick it up later if necessary. :)
In the case of my cookware, I was bummed for a day, but by the next morning I was happy to put the money into savings.
August 28, 2008 7:01 AM
Goodmorning. I'm new to your blog, but thought I would pipe in on this anyways.
We bought our kids the wii for Christmas (along with wii play which gets you another game and the extra controller, cheaper than buying just a controller, and most games do not need a second numchuck), and then bought wii fit when it came out and have never regretted it. It gets everyone from small kids to senior citizens up out of their seats having a blast and is worth every penny. It has been great for gatherings where people are happy to play or watch and everyone has lots of fun.
August 28, 2008 9:17 AM
I just have to stay away from stores at this point, tooo tempting. Way to resist!
August 28, 2008 11:06 AM
I must say, we have a wii and love it. It is expensive butI think it's worth it. It's so fun, even people that don't ever play video games will play it. I'm one of those people that will normally only play games like Tetris and Mahjong, but I have tons of fun playing the wii with my son and fiance. Some of those games really work up a sweat which I think is great on some of those cold Minnesota winter days! No kids bouncing off of the walls? Totally worth it!
August 28, 2008 1:46 PM
Stay strong and don't give in! You've got better things to spend your time on, continue to enjoy at your mom's and consider it a game you get to play outside of your home.
August 28, 2008 1:55 PM
*ugh* Hubby REALLY wants a Wii. I can see that having it would be fun, but the cost...not so much! I'm glad that theres at least 1 other person who has avoided the allure of the Wii!
August 28, 2008 3:23 PM
I agree with Jenny - I got a Wii for mother's day, and the Wii fit for my birthday, and our family loves it! I have a six year old, and we have all bowled, danced and just have had some good old fashioned fun! I think it is worth the splurge!
Liz