Want to get a new console AND how the heck do I buy a Wii

[AstroManLuca]

So I haven't been a console gamer for a while, but I'm thinking of getting one again. The problem is that the current range of consoles is really hard to choose from. I'm mainly looking for advice from people who are familiar with these consoles and their game libraries so I can make a better decision.

Game types I like to play:
Racing (realistic or arcadey are both good)
Sports (esp. football and hockey)
Fighting
Multiplayer/Party games (many people on one TV, good for get-togethers)

Games I'm meh about:
Platformers
Adventure/RPG

Games I really don't care about:
FPS (that's what PCs are for)
RTS (I suck at these even on a PC)
Sandbox-style action games (GTA and clones)

Based on the above, I don't think the 360 is that well suited to me because so many of the games for it are FPSs, and I can't play those on a controller at all. On the other hand, the 360 does have the best multiplayer setup, as well as a great library of sports and racing games. The PS3, obviously, has Gran Turismo, which in itself is a big draw for me.

But I think the Wii would be the best, since I'm already a PC gamer. That's where I would do most of my online multiplayer gaming. And I'm getting less and less into sim-type racing games, and more into the easier arcade stuff.

With that in mind, then, how the hell am I supposed to actually buy a Wii? You know, for $250? It seems impossible, and I don't know how Nintendo sells so many when they're constantly in such short supply. Do you all just wait out in front of Target or Best Buy on Sunday mornings? I am not buying the Toys R' Us $500 bundle featuring two games I might want to play and three I probably never will. That would be especially bad because there are probably a lot of people who DO buy that, and then try to offload their extra games to eBay, thus flooding the market with those games and driving prices down.

Suggestions are all appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: AstroManLuca
Based on the above, I don't think the 360 is that well suited to me because so many of the games for it are FPSs, and I can't play those on a controller at all. On the other hand, the 360 does have the best multiplayer setup, as well as a great library of sports and racing games. The PS3, obviously, has Gran Turismo, which in itself is a big draw for me.

The Xbox brand is still getting a bad rap as a FPS only console but that isn't true with the 360. Guitar Hero, Rock Band, Scene-It, XBLA games, Viva Pinata: Party Animals (the party games are meh but my son and I like the racing portions), the Lego Star Wars games, etc. There are a good number of multiplayer games that aren't FPSs. If you like Gran Turismo, you'll like Forza 2. There's also plenty of non-hardcore racers like Burnout: Paradise. (Note: many of these games are on the PS3 too)

But I think the Wii would be the best, since I'm already a PC gamer. That's where I would do most of my online multiplayer gaming. And I'm getting less and less into sim-type racing games, and more into the easier arcade stuff.

With that in mind, then, how the hell am I supposed to actually buy a Wii? You know, for $250? It seems impossible, and I don't know how Nintendo sells so many when they're constantly in such short supply. Do you all just wait out in front of Target or Best Buy on Sunday mornings? I am not buying the Toys R' Us $500 bundle featuring two games I might want to play and three I probably never will. That would be especially bad because there are probably a lot of people who DO buy that, and then try to offload their extra games to eBay, thus flooding the market with those games and driving prices down.

Suggestions are all appreciated. Thanks!

Sign up for WiiAlerts.com. You'll get an email and/or a text message every time a Wii becomes available online. Amazon is probably the best bet as it is not a bundle.

You can also try checking stores out on days like Tuesdays and Thursdays when they get new shipments in.

 

[AstroManLuca]

They get shipments on Tuesdays and Thursdays? Huh, interesting. When would I go in, though? Before work? Lunch break? Afterwards?

I'm wondering because I've been hearing that the best way is to go in on Sunday. But I could always try tomorrow as well. Why not?

As for the 360, the other point against it is reliability. Oh, and cost. The Wii is quite a bit cheaper, so I can afford more games/accessories.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: AstroManLuca
They get shipments on Tuesdays and Thursdays? Huh, interesting. When would I go in, though? Before work? Lunch break? Afterwards?

I'm wondering because I've been hearing that the best way is to go in on Sunday. But I could always try tomorrow as well. Why not?

As for the 360, the other point against it is reliability. Oh, and cost. The Wii is quite a bit cheaper, so I can afford more games/accessories.

Sunday is a good time too if they advertise the Wii in their flyer. Check the cheapassgamer.com forums for upcoming ads.

I happened to be walking through a Target on a Tuesday once and they were pulling Wiis out of boxes for sale. It depends on the store though so you may want to ask.

edit: The Wii is listed in this upcoming Sunday's Target ad. So, that and WiiAlerts is a good place to start.

 

[GCS]

If BB has the Wii in their Sunday ad (like this past Sunday) then you need to be there waiting in line before the door opens on Sunday AM and you should get one. Same tends to be the case for TRU and CC. This may not be 100% full proof but seems to be the norm.

Good Luck!!

Greg

 

[Lamont Burns]

^^ Agree. BB ad said minimum 15, showed up and they had 85. The local system they used was fantastic too. No need to wait outside for hours, just get there a couple hours early and reserve it, then come back after opening and purchase. Nice for us folks fairly North in the US.

 

[AstroManLuca]

Couple hours early? When do they open? Do you just go in at, like, 4 or 5 AM and then come back at 8 or 9 or whenever it is they open?

 

[Spydermag68]

I have no idea why people are still complaining that the cannot find Wiis. When I bought mine I walked into Wally-World and picked it up. No problem it was sitting in the glass case, after work on a Friday night.

 

[AstroManLuca]

Maybe everyone's looking online only? I've certainly heard a few reports of people just walking into a store and buying one, without any camping, pre-ordering, or bundle pricing. But if you're buying online, you really have virtually no options.

I'll just head over to some stores after work for a few days and if I'm lucky I'll get one. Otherwise I'll wait outside Best Buy this Sunday.

 

[onlyCOpunk]

I walked into a Harvey Norman (Australia and NZ) and bought one on impulse randomly and got one.

It just all depends I think. I'm sure specialty stores like Gamestop take reservations on them, I don't know why they wouldn't. Also I thought the larger stores give rainchecks, I dunno if that's a thing of the past or not.

I also don't know how Nintendo could sell so many with such limited stock. Simple economics I presume.

 

[Queasy]

FYI - Best Buy does not have the Wii listed in their upcoming Sunday ad per Speedy of CAG.

That leaves Target as your only likely option for Sunday as the Wii IS listed in their upcoming Sunday ad.

 

[Plumcuda1]

Salesman at Wal-Mart told me they are having Wii's in their flyer for this weekend ... So no Wiis in stock til then. They usually are in my local store on Wednesdays, other stores on tuesday, and CC on Sunday ..... Yeah I have too much time on my heads.