How Much is the Queen’s Wii Worth? Unpacking the Royal Gaming Artifact

The question of how much the Queen’s Wii is worth is not as straightforward as one might think. While the 24-karat gold-plated Nintendo Wii crafted for Queen Elizabeth II was initially a marketing stunt, its unique history and rarity have transformed it into a highly sought-after collector’s item. The short answer is that while it has an estimated value of $1 million according to experts, it was listed for sale at a hefty $300,000. This intriguing discrepancy makes understanding the real worth of this gilded console complex. This article explores the details of this royal gaming artifact and delves into its fascinating journey.

The Genesis of a Golden Console

A Marketing Ploy Fit for Royalty

In 2009, the now-defunct hardware brand THQ orchestrated a bold public relations campaign for their game, Big Family Games. They commissioned a one-of-a-kind 24-karat gold-plated Nintendo Wii to be gifted to Queen Elizabeth II. This gilded console, more than a simple video game device, was intended to be a striking symbol of both opulence and playfulness. However, Buckingham Palace, adhering to a strict policy, rejected the unsolicited gift due to security concerns.

From Rejection to Collector’s Item

After THQ filed for bankruptcy, the golden Wii found its way into the hands of collector Donny Fillerup, eight years later. He subsequently listed it on eBay in October 2021 with an asking price of $300,000, citing an expert valuation of $1 million. Although the auction received over 700 bids, it’s unclear if the sale was ultimately successful at that price. The fact remains that this gold-plated Wii has become a focal point for those interested in video game memorabilia and royal artifacts.

Unpacking the Value

Rarity and Historical Significance

The Queen’s golden Wii transcends a mere gaming console. Its value stems from several factors, including:
* Uniqueness: As a one-of-a-kind, 24-karat gold-plated console, it possesses unparalleled rarity.
* Royal Association: The console’s intended recipient elevates its significance. Despite not being used by the Queen, its connection to the British monarchy makes it a piece of both gaming and royal history.
* Marketing History: The console’s origin as a PR stunt by a now-defunct company adds another layer of historical context and curiosity.
* Collector Demand: Its rarity and association with both royalty and video games generate significant interest from collectors.

The Discrepancy in Valuation

The difference between the expert valuation of $1 million and the listing price of $300,000 highlights the complexities of valuing such a unique item. While experts might assess its worth based on material costs, rarity, and historical significance, the listing price reflected the seller’s desire to make a sale, rather than holding out for the absolute maximum amount. The final sale price (if it happened at $300k) is more indicative of the console’s actual market value.

Beyond the Golden Wii: The Regular Wii

It’s worth noting that the value of a regular Nintendo Wii has declined significantly over time. While a brand new original Wii sold for $249.99 in 2006, used ones are now often available for a fraction of that price, typically around $30-$50 for an original RVL-001 model in good condition with accessories. The Queen’s golden Wii, therefore, sits in a class of its own, completely separate from the regular versions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Did Queen Elizabeth II ever play with the golden Wii?

No, Queen Elizabeth II never used the golden Wii. Buckingham Palace rejected the gift for security reasons. It was intended as a publicity stunt by THQ.

2. What was the original purpose of the golden Wii?

The golden Wii was commissioned by the now-defunct hardware brand THQ in 2009 as part of a marketing campaign for their game, Big Family Games.

3. How much was the Queen’s golden Wii originally valued at?

Experts have valued the Queen’s golden Wii at $1 million, but it was listed for sale on eBay for $300,000.

4. Who eventually sold the golden Wii?

After THQ’s bankruptcy, the console landed in the hands of collector Donny Fillerup, who listed it for sale on eBay.

5. How many bids did the eBay auction receive?

The eBay auction for the golden Wii received over 700 bids.

6. Why was the gift rejected by Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace has a strict policy of not accepting unsolicited gifts due to security concerns.

7. Is the gold used on the Wii real gold?

Yes, the console is 24-karat gold-plated, which is a layer of solid gold.

8. How much did a standard Nintendo Wii originally cost?

The Nintendo Wii was originally launched in the United States on November 19, 2006, for $249.99.

9. What is the most rare version of the Nintendo Wii?

The Japanese version of the red Wii is considered more rare and collectible, because it came with a pre-installed copy of the NES Super Mario Bros 1, including 25 coins in the levels

10. Is the Nintendo Wii still being sold?

The Nintendo Wii was officially discontinued in 2013. However, the Wii Mini was sold until 2017, and a subset of online services was available until 2019.

11. Why has the value of a regular Wii decreased?

The value of a regular Wii has declined due to its discontinuation and the age of the console, along with a readily available supply of used consoles.

12. Can I still sell an old Wii?

Yes, many places like GadgetGone will purchase old Wiis, regardless of their condition. You can also sell on online platforms, or through retro gaming shops.

13. What happened to the rumor that all Wiis would self-destruct in 2023?

The rumor about Wiis self-destructing was a false meme. Nintendo did not announce any such event.

14. Is the Wii considered vintage?

While the Wii is old, it’s not necessarily considered vintage by all gamers. This is because the technologies it uses are not completely outdated, and many Wii games remain playable.

15. Did Queen Elizabeth II enjoy playing video games?

While there is no evidence that Queen Elizabeth II used the golden Wii, she was known to have bonded with Prince William over playing Wii Bowling.

Conclusion

The Queen’s golden Wii is more than a gaming console; it’s a unique blend of video game history, royal intrigue, and collector’s fervor. Although its original purpose was a publicity stunt, it has transformed into a highly sought-after artifact with a complicated and fluid valuation. While the $300,000 asking price might seem exorbitant, it reflects both the material value and the unique backstory of this rare and fascinating item. The discrepancy between the estimated value of $1 million and the listing price only underscores the intangible nature of its worth. Ultimately, the “worth” of the Queen’s Wii lies as much in its history and cultural significance as it does in any monetary figure.