Wii console games were one of the most popular games worldwide back in the late 2000s. Most people still love Wii games, which has led many gaming fans and collectors to look for Wii games to this day.
If you tried to buy a Wii game recently, you were probably wondering why Wii games are so expensive even when the games are old. I did some research, and here is what I found!
Why Are Wii Games So Expensive?
Wii games are expensive because Wii games are hard to find since Nintendo does not manufacture them anymore. Therefore, any Wii game sold online will have a high resale value for collectors and gamers to buy. Rare, exclusive, deluxe, or mint condition Wii games are often more expensive than regular Wii games.
Are you interested in learning more unique facts about what impacts the cost of Wii Games? I assembled a list of information below, so keep reading!
1. Nostalgia
Most people want to play Wii games today because they played Wii games when they were children.
However, this feeling of nostalgia is a huge reason why Wii games are more expensive than the Wii games used to be.
Further, academics have found that people are more willing to spend money on nostalgia based on what they saw in repeated consumer behavior.
Usually, any adult who has fond memories of a particular product will likely purchase the product again as an adult.
According to academics, nostalgia helps people cultivate memories that make them feel connected to their inner child.
Therefore, people are willing to pay for a product that can rekindle any child-like feelings and memories.
For instance, Pokemon and Mario Kart are some of the most popular games globally, and many people played these games as a child.
As an adult, they will likely feel accomplished and nostalgic when they repurchase the games.
2. Rarity
Another reason why Wii games are expensive is that Wii games are not made anymore.
In fact, it is believed that Just Dance 2020 was the last Wii game that was made, which was created six years after the Wii console was discontinued.
Therefore, there is only a limited amount of Wii games in circulation. Moreover, finding a Wii game in good condition will be more difficult, making mint condition Wii games more expensive.
Usually, collectors and gaming fans will want to find original copies of Wii games.
That said, this is why there are cheaper copy games of Wii games on the market, but they are not authentic Wii games.
3. High Demand
As stated earlier, there are only so many Wii games available since they are no longer being manufactured.
Since people still want to play Wii games, there is a high demand for Wii games with a very limited supply.
4. They Are Durable Games
Nintendo, the brand that created the Wii, is known for making durable consoles and games, and the Wii was no exception.
That said, Wii consoles and games were known for being extremely durable and long-lasting.
For instance, most people call Wii consoles and Wii games “bricks” because of how long they last.
So, while the Wii was initially released back in 2006, many people have working Wii consoles and Wii games to this day.
5. Versatile
Wii games and consoles are expensive because they are very versatile. For instance, Wii consoles offer motion gaming and controllers.
Moreover, every Wii game is compatible with any type of Wii console.
That said, this means that even newer Wii games can be played on standard Wii consoles, making Wii games a one-time investment for most people.
6. Collectables
Typically, items considered collectibles or a “collector’s edition” tend to be more expensive.
Since Wii games are no longer produced, almost every Wii game worldwide can be thought of as a collectible.
Further, collectibles are why Wii games tend to be expensive since people often search for these Wii games for many years.
Once the collector finally finds the game, they are often very willing to pay a hefty price for the Wii game.
7. Exclusivity
Wii games are not being made anymore, which makes Wii games an exclusive item for many gaming fans.
So, any item deemed exclusive is more expensive because people believe that exclusivity adds value to the item.
8. Kind Of Wii Game
When Wii games were still being produced, there were exclusive or deluxe versions that cost more than the standard game.
That said, these exclusive or deluxe Wii games are often harder to find, making them more expensive.
For instance, a standard Wii game could cost around $50. However, the deluxe version of the game can go up to $200 because of the limited features the game has.
9. Resale Value
Typically, the resale value of Wii games is the main reason why they are expensive.
Also, since Wii games are so hard to find, each game has a significant resale value, especially if the Wii game is in good condition.
10. Streamers
Surprisingly, gaming streamers can be a considerable reason Wii games are so costly.
For example, many streamers on various platforms, such as Twitch or YouTube, play games online for people to watch.
Moreover, many of these streamers know that their audience loves nostalgia, and the streamers will use this to connect with their audiences.
As such, the streamer will likely play old games like Wii games.
Thus, the audience may be tempted to buy the Wii game to connect with their childhood and with the streamer, which can drive the price of Wii games up as the demand rises.
11. The Average Price
Another reason why Wii games are expensive is that Wii games were not cheap even when the games were being produced.
For example, Mario Kart Wii games cost $20 before, which means the current value of the game is at least $50 now.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on why Switch games are so expensive, why Minecraft is so expensive, and why Rock Band is so expensive.
Conclusion
Wii games are expensive for various reasons, but the main reason is that Wii games are not being produced anymore.
Still, many people love to play Wii games, which means the resale value of Wii games is high.