Did Queen Elizabeth Have a Gold Nintendo Wii? The Royal Gaming Saga
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The short answer is no, Queen Elizabeth II never actually owned or used the gold-plated Nintendo Wii. While the story of a 24-karat gold Wii gifted to the Queen is a delightful tale, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction. THQ, a now-defunct video game publisher, created the special console as a marketing stunt to promote their game, BIG Family Games. However, Buckingham Palace, adhering to its strict policy against accepting unsolicited gifts for security reasons, rejected the golden Wii. The console’s journey from a promotional item to a coveted collector’s piece is a fascinating story in itself, showing how gaming culture can intersect with historical figures.
The Genesis of the Golden Wii: A Royal Marketing Ploy
THQ’s Ambitious Gift
In 2009, THQ, looking to make a splash in the video game market with BIG Family Games, conceived the idea of gifting a one-of-a-kind, 24-karat gold-plated Nintendo Wii to Queen Elizabeth II. The intention was purely promotional, hoping to garner media attention and boost sales of their family-friendly title. The gold Wii was a physical manifestation of this ambition, a symbol of their desire to reach a broader audience, even the Royal Family.
Buckingham Palace’s Rejection
Despite THQ’s grand gesture, Buckingham Palace politely declined the gift. The Palace website states, “for security reasons, the Correspondence Team are unable to accept any unsolicited gifts which are sent to The Queen.” This protocol, understandable given the Queen’s position and security concerns, meant the golden Wii never made it into the royal residence.
From THQ’s Vault to eBay: The Wii’s Winding Path
THQ’s Bankruptcy and the Wii’s Obscurity
In 2013, THQ faced financial difficulties and ultimately declared bankruptcy. With the company’s demise, the golden Wii seemed to vanish into obscurity. The console’s whereabouts remained unknown for several years, becoming a piece of gaming lore rather than a tangible item.
The Reemergence on eBay
In 2021, the golden Wii resurfaced, appearing on eBay. The seller, Donny Fillerup, an IT administrator, claimed to have acquired the console from THQ after their bankruptcy. Fillerup stated he possessed all the necessary documentation to prove the Wii’s authenticity as the one made for the Queen. He listed it for a hefty price of $300,000, hoping to attract a serious collector.
The Potential Value of the Gold Wii
While Fillerup’s asking price was significant, some experts speculated that the gold Wii could fetch even more, potentially reaching up to $1 million with the right buyer. Its unique history, combined with the inherent value of the gold plating and the novelty of its intended recipient, made it a highly desirable item for collectors.
Queen Elizabeth and Wii Bowling: Separating Myth from Reality
The Queen’s Alleged Love for Wii Bowling
While the Queen never possessed the gold Wii, reports suggest she did enjoy playing Wii Bowling with her grandchildren, particularly Prince William. According to The Mirror, she found the game entertaining and even developed a competitive spirit. This anecdote, whether entirely accurate or slightly embellished, contributed to the popular image of the Queen as a relatable figure who embraced modern technology. Games can play an important role in bringing family together, offering a shared and fun experience for all. You can read more about the importance of games at GamesLearningSociety.org.
The Queen as a Gamer: A Matter of Speculation
Whether the Queen was a dedicated gamer is a matter of speculation. The stories about her playing Wii Bowling suggest a casual interest, but it’s unlikely she was deeply involved in the video game world. Nevertheless, the image of the Queen enjoying a game of bowling resonated with the public, adding a touch of levity to her otherwise formal persona.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mystery of the Queen’s Golden Wii
1. Did Queen Elizabeth actually play Wii games?
Yes, it’s widely reported that Queen Elizabeth enjoyed playing Wii Bowling with her grandchildren. While there’s no confirmation of her playing other Wii games, Wii Bowling seems to have been a particular favorite.
2. How much is the Queen’s Golden Wii worth today?
That’s a tricky question! When it was listed on eBay in 2021, the asking price was $300,000. Some experts suggested it could be worth up to $1 million to the right collector. The actual current value depends on market conditions and the willingness of a collector to pay a premium for its unique history.
3. Why did THQ make a gold Wii for the Queen?
THQ created the gold Wii as a marketing stunt to promote their game, BIG Family Games. They hoped the novelty of gifting a gold-plated console to the Queen would generate media buzz and increase sales.
4. Was the Golden Wii really made of 24K gold?
Yes, the Nintendo Wii was reportedly plated with 24-karat gold, making it a truly luxurious and unique piece of gaming hardware.
5. What happened to the Golden Wii after the Palace rejected it?
After being rejected by Buckingham Palace, the golden Wii remained in THQ’s possession until the company went bankrupt in 2013. It was later acquired by collector Donny Fillerup.
6. Who currently owns the Queen’s Golden Wii?
The most recent information indicates that Donny Fillerup owned the golden Wii and attempted to sell it on eBay in 2021. The current owner after the sale is unknown.
7. Is there any other gold-plated gaming console?
Yes, there are other examples of gold-plated gaming consoles, often created as luxury items or promotional pieces. For example, there are the Nintendo Wii Supremes which is made using solid 22-carat gold, weighs over 2.5kg and takes six months to craft.
8. Did the Queen own any other special gaming consoles?
There is no evidence to suggest that Queen Elizabeth owned any other special or custom-made gaming consoles. The gold Wii remains the most prominent and well-known example of her connection to the gaming world, even if she never actually owned it.
9. What was the original price of a standard Nintendo Wii?
The Nintendo Wii originally launched in the United States on November 19, 2006, for US$249.99.
10. Is the Nintendo Wii considered a valuable collector’s item?
Standard Nintendo Wii consoles are not particularly valuable due to their high production numbers. However, special edition versions, factory-sealed consoles, or those with autographs can be worth more to collectors. And of course, a gold-plated Wii is in a different league altogether.
11. Why are some Wii games so expensive now?
The price of certain Wii games has increased due to several factors: they are no longer being manufactured, some had limited production runs, and increased demand from collectors seeking to acquire specific titles. This finite supply coupled with growing demand has driven up prices in the secondary market.
12. Where can I sell my old Wii?
You can sell your old Wii on various online marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, or specialized electronics trade-in sites. Many local game stores also buy used consoles.
13. Was there a black Nintendo Wii?
Yes, Nintendo released a black Wii console in North America on October 23, 2011. It was bundled with a black Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk, along with the game New Super Mario Bros.
14. What is the rarest color of Wii?
The Japanese version of the red Wii is considered more collectible due to the pre-installed copy of NES Super Mario Bros 1 with special modifications.
15. What other sports did the queen like?
Queen Elizabeth was known to enjoy sports like tennis, horseriding, and, of course, Wii Sports bowling.
Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of the Golden Wii
The story of the Queen’s Golden Wii is a captivating blend of marketing ambition, royal protocol, and gaming culture. While Queen Elizabeth never actually used the console, its existence serves as a reminder of the pervasive influence of video games and their ability to capture the imagination, even within the highest echelons of society. The golden Wii remains a unique piece of gaming history, a symbol of a royal connection that, while indirect, continues to fascinate enthusiasts and collectors alike.