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Pricing a Wii
May 31, 2008

Thinking about a Wii for your library? Here is what it will cost along with recommendations for must have accessories and games. If you are still on the fence about the appropriateness of a Wii for a school library, you can find 10 arguments for why a Wii should be part of your library collection here and here. To summarize, a primary task for school libraries is to select materials that support and extend the curriculum. The Wii is an excellent resource for supporting the Physical Education curriculum as PE teachers create students who are active throughout their lives.

Don't forget the other primary goal for school library materials; from the ALA Workbook for Selection Policy Writing, libraries should select "Materials reflecting the interests and needs of the students and faculty served by the media center." Having just returned from the annual conference for the School Library Systems Association of New York, I can certainly attest to the Wii "reflecting the interests and needs" of those present! The Wii Fit was quite popular, and I heard a number of my colleagues discussing going out to buy a Wii for themselves or their library systems.

So what will it cost?

Base Components	Price
Wii System (includes 1 Wiimote, 1 nunchuck and Wii Sports)	$250
3 additional Wiimotes ($40 each)	$120
1 additional nunchuck	$  20
Total for base system	$390
Recommended Accessories	Price
Wii Fit game w/Balance Board	$  90
Silicone cover for Wii Fit (for cleaning)	$  20
2 rechargable battery stands that hold and charge 2 Wiimotes ($35 each)	$  70
Total for accessories	$180
Games to Grab First	Price
Mario Kart - classic racing game for 4	$  50
We Ski - use the balance board with 4	$  30
Guitar Hero - 2 w/2nd guitar for $70	$  90
Total for games	$240
Grand Total	$810

Or, if you can wrangle a $500 startup grant go for these:

$500 Startup Wii System	Price
Wii Base System	$250
3 Controllers	$120
1 Nunchuck	$  20
Mario Kart	$  50
Another game or 2 based on reviews	$  60
Total	$500

Posted by Chris Harris on May 31, 2008 | Comments (0)