How Much is Queen Elizabeth’s Wii Worth? A Royal Gaming Artifact
The 24-karat gold-plated Nintendo Wii, commissioned by THQ for Queen Elizabeth II, has a fascinating and somewhat turbulent history, impacting its perceived and potential value. While the seller initially listed the console on eBay for $300,000, claiming expert valuations reached $1 million, the actual worth is subjective and depends heavily on finding the right buyer – a collector willing to pay a premium for its unique provenance and historical significance. As of current knowledge, there is no record of a sale taking place. Therefore, the Wii’s worth remains theoretical, contingent on market demand and the persuasiveness of its backstory.
The Golden Wii: A Tale of Royal Intrigue and Corporate Downfall
From Buckingham Palace to Bankruptcy Court
The story begins with THQ, a now-defunct video game publisher, creating the gilded Wii as a publicity stunt to promote their game, BIG Family Games. The intention was to gift the console to Queen Elizabeth II, hoping for a bit of royal endorsement and media buzz. However, the Queen never actually received or played the Wii. Palace sources suggest she enjoyed playing Wii bowling after watching Prince William try it, but she never had the golden one.
THQ’s fortunes took a nosedive, and in 2013, they filed for bankruptcy. The golden Wii, initially meant for royalty, was seemingly forgotten amidst the company’s financial woes. It remained in THQ’s possession until after the bankruptcy when it was acquired by Donny Fillerup.
Donny Fillerup’s Gamble: eBay and a Million-Dollar Dream
Fast forward to 2021, and the golden Wii resurfaced on eBay, listed by Donny Fillerup, an IT administrator and collector. Fillerup claimed to have purchased the console from THQ after their bankruptcy and possessed documentation authenticating its royal connection. He listed the Wii for $300,000, stating that experts had valued it at up to $1 million. The eBay listing generated significant media attention but, ultimately, did not result in a sale. The asking price, while ambitious, reflects the perceived value of the console as a unique piece of gaming history.
Factors Influencing the Wii’s Value
Several factors contribute to the potential (and hypothetical) worth of the golden Wii:
- Rarity: It’s a one-of-a-kind item, custom-made and never commercially available. This inherent scarcity significantly increases its value.
- Provenance: The connection to Queen Elizabeth II, even if indirect, adds a layer of historical significance and prestige.
- Material Value: The 24-karat gold plating contributes to its intrinsic worth, although the value of the gold itself is likely far less than the asking price.
- Collectibility: Video game consoles, especially rare or unique ones, are highly sought after by collectors.
- Condition: The condition of the console plays a crucial role. A pristine, fully functional Wii would command a higher price.
- Documentation: The presence of authenticating documentation from THQ significantly enhances its value and credibility.
- Market Demand: Ultimately, the Wii’s worth is determined by how much a collector is willing to pay. Interest in royal memorabilia and vintage gaming can drive up demand.
The Elusive Million-Dollar Price Tag
While Fillerup claimed expert valuations reached $1 million, it’s essential to approach such figures with caution. Appraisals are often speculative and depend on finding a buyer with a strong desire to own the item. The $1 million valuation likely represents the theoretical maximum the Wii could fetch under ideal circumstances. Realistically, a sale price closer to the initial asking price of $300,000, or perhaps even lower, is more probable. The value of the Wii is subjective and based on how much a collector would pay.
The Future of the Golden Wii
The Queen’s golden Wii remains a fascinating piece of gaming lore. Its future is uncertain, and its ultimate value will be determined by market forces and the passion of collectors. Whether it eventually sells for hundreds of thousands of dollars or remains unsold, its story serves as a reminder of the intersection of gaming, celebrity, and the pursuit of unique and valuable artifacts. It also reminds us of the importance of gaming history, a topic the Games Learning Society is dedicated to studying. You can learn more about the society’s work at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Wii
1. Did Queen Elizabeth II ever actually play the golden Wii?
No, despite being commissioned for her, there’s no evidence Queen Elizabeth II ever played the gold-plated Wii. The console was intended as a promotional item for THQ’s game BIG Family Games and was never delivered to her.
2. Who currently owns the golden Wii?
The last known owner was Donny Fillerup, an IT administrator who purchased it after THQ’s bankruptcy. As far as public knowledge goes, he still owns it.
3. How much did Donny Fillerup pay for the golden Wii?
The exact amount Fillerup paid for the Wii remains undisclosed. He acquired it after THQ’s bankruptcy, likely as part of an asset sale.
4. Why did THQ make a gold-plated Wii for the Queen?
It was a publicity stunt to promote their game BIG Family Games. THQ hoped to generate media attention by gifting the console to the Queen.
5. Was the gold on the Wii real gold?
Yes, the Wii was plated with 24-karat gold. This contributes to its material value, although the gold’s worth is a relatively small portion of its overall perceived value.
6. How rare is the golden Wii?
It’s extremely rare and considered a one-of-a-kind item. It was custom-made and never commercially available.
7. What happened to THQ?
THQ, the company that commissioned the golden Wii, filed for bankruptcy in 2013 and ceased operations.
8. How did Donny Fillerup acquire the Wii?
Fillerup purchased the Wii after THQ’s bankruptcy, likely as part of an asset liquidation sale.
9. How much did Donny Fillerup list the golden Wii for on eBay?
He initially listed it for $300,000.
10. Did the golden Wii ever sell on eBay?
To the best of current knowledge, it remains unsold.
11. What is the highest estimated value of the golden Wii?
Some experts have reportedly valued it at up to $1 million, but this is a speculative figure.
12. What makes the golden Wii so valuable?
Its rarity, provenance (connection to Queen Elizabeth II), material (gold plating), and collectibility contribute to its potential value.
13. Are there other gold-plated video game consoles?
While custom gold-plated consoles exist, the Queen’s Wii is unique due to its intended recipient and historical context. There are not many other gold-plated consoles.
14. What other games did Queen Elizabeth II reportedly enjoy playing?
Palace sources suggested she enjoyed playing Wii bowling after watching Prince William try it.
15. Where can I learn more about the history of gaming and its cultural impact?
The Games Learning Society is a great resource.