[Source Kotaku]

No Wii For The Kids: Hidden Costs Compel Console Return

It could have happened to any man with any console. But for Chris O'Brien, newspaper columnist, it happened with the Wii. The father of two bought his kids a Wii for Christmas, but returned it. Too many hidden costs.

The San Jose Mercury News columnist recently explained the sticker shock that had him returning his $199 Wii and all the stuff he felt he had to buy along with it.

Hmmm. One controller + two kids = eye-gouging fights Christmas morning. I knew I needed another one, which cost $49.

Then I began looking for a couple of games to go with it. I knew we'd be paying a bit more for these. But as I looked at some games we wanted, like "Lego Rock Band," I realized that I needed other controllers, like a microphone, drums or guitar. These could run another $100 or more if I got all of them. So I passed and didn't get any games, figuring they could just play the games that came with it for now.

As I examined the box, I realized that I had forgotten that the Wii could also be connected to the Web. The problem here was that our cable modem is in the kitchen (don't ask) and the TV is in the living room. Guess that's a headache I'd have to figure out later.

As I was finally checking out, the cashier asked if I wanted any batteries. "Batteries? For what?" I wondered. She explained that the controllers ran on batteries. Gulp. I grabbed a package of rechargeable batteries, for about $30.

Having spent about $90 more than I expected, I had a few knots in my stomach on the way home and was kicking myself for not doing my research. Bad columnist. Bad.

He talked to his wife about it and returned everything.

If you want to know how O'Brien's Wii-less Christmas went, read the rest of his column. Gaming consoles may be dropping in price, but they never are as "cheap" as the price tag says, no?

O'Brien: Why we didn't get a Wii [San Jose Mercury News]

I only post this because of the hilarity of the moron who wrote this.

YOU MEAN I HAVE TO BUY MOAR STUFF!?!?!?

You have to wonder if he gets pissy when he buys a car or anything else with any "hidden" costs.

Where's Nelson Muntz from the Simpsons when you need him? I need a "Ah-haa"!

I understand the battery thing, but extra controllers are a hidden cost? O_o

lol What's funny is wait til you buy the diffrent controllers

Hmm, I guess you both have a point.

For someone who isn't used to the idea of a console, compare it to say a DVD player. With the latter you only have to buy movies, with the former you're looking at a not inconsiderable expense for say batteries, extra controller, motion + * 2, and nunchuck which can work out to be as expensive as the console itself.

He is right. Especially the controller setups for Wii are really expensive. I can understand that price will scare away a lot of less enthusiastic people from buying game consoles.

I hope he's not singling out the Wii for this.

Although if Nintendo found that packaging at least two controllers helps sales, they will do it.

1. Dad had a panic attack trying to figure out all the extra gizmos he needed beyond the console, such as rechargeable batteries, extra controls, games and attachments.

Should have bought a PS3.

Rechargeable batteries packed in probably would be a good idea at some point.