Hey friend, here‘s the real deal on what your used Wii U is worth in 2026
So you‘ve got a Nintendo Wii U sitting around collecting dust and are wondering what it might fetch on the open market these days. Well as your gaming guru, let me give you the full lowdown on what to expect if you sold that sucker.
In a nutshell, that Wii U you paid $300+ for back in 2012 is probably only worth about $100-150 now depending on the model.
I know, sad right?
But don‘t fret, let‘s take a deep dive into the current Wii U resale market so you can get the maximum return. Grab some snacks and put on those glasses, class is in session!
Wii U Selling Prices – What You Can Realistically Expect
Let‘s start with the cold hard numbers. According to recent sales data, here is the going rate for a used Wii U based on console version and included accessories:
- Wii U Basic Set (8GB storage): $100-$130
- Wii U Deluxe Set (32GB storage): $130-$150
As you can see, the Deluxe model sells for a bit more, likely thanks to the extra on-board storage and inclusions like the charging stand and Nintendo Land game. Units in pristine condition or that come with things like extra controllers and games can sell for a premium.
But how did the Wii U end up becoming basically worthless just 10 years after launch?
Well, in a sentence – lackluster sales.
The Wii U sold only 13.6 million units lifetime compared to over 100 million for the original Wii. Beyond just low sales numbers, it failed to resonate with either hardcore gamers or the casual audience.
This chart says it all:
| Launch Year | Total Sales |
|---|---|
| Wii (2006) | 101.63 million |
| Wii U (2012) | 13.56 million |
Talk about lack of demand – no wonder the used prices are so low these days!
Alright, back to getting top dollar for your console…
Best Places to Sell Your Used Wii U
When it comes to offloading your used gaming gear, you‘ve got options. Here are your best bets for selling a Wii U system:
- eBay – Still the king for selling to the largest bidding audience. Expect to pay 10% of sale price.
- Facebook Marketplace – Easy way to sell locally in your community. No fees either.
- Craigslist – Old reliable local classifieds, can‘t beat free listings.
- GameStop – Major retailer offers cash or store credit for used consoles.
- Decluttr – Leading buyback site buys Wii Us and other electronics. Free shipping!
I‘d recommend trying Facebook and Craigslist first if possible, keeping more of the profit is obviously ideal. But eBay and Decluttr will give you the largest pool of buyers nationwide if needed.
Wherever you list, make your Wii U shine by taking awesome photos, testing thoroughly, and accurately describing condition. And pack that puppy up nice and safe – you don‘t want shipping damage cutting into your profit!
Individual Wii U Game Values – Mario Kart Still Gold
Of course you can also sell Wii U games separately to really maximize profits. Let‘s check some current going rates:
- Mario Kart 8 – $25-$35
- Super Smash Bros – $15-$25
- Super Mario 3D World – $15-$20
- Nintendo Selects titles – $10-$15
- Zelda: Breath of the Wild – $40-$50
Nintendo exclusives like Mario Kart 8 still fetch decent used prices years later thanks to strong ongoing demand. More niche titles sell for under $10 now, so bundle them for the best return.
I‘d recommend selling your Wii U with 3-5 of the best games included. Sweeten the pot for buyers – they‘ll pay more for a ready-to-play bundle than the console alone.
The Wii U Eshop Shutdown – All Good Things Must Pass
Now for some unfortunate news – the Wii U Eshop closed permanently on March 27, 2023. No more buying digital games or DLC. The end of an era!
While you can still redownload previously purchased content and play existing games, it‘s clear the Wii U‘s days are numbered. Nintendo will likely shutter the online multiplayer servers fully sometime in the next year or two.
So if you‘ve got a Wii U lying around unused, now is definitely the time to unload it and get some cash back while you still can! Don‘t wait until it‘s completely useless.
Is the Wii U Still Worth Buying in 2024?
For retro gaming fans, the Wii U can still deliver some nostalgic fun at a bargain price. The family friendly Nintendo exclusive games hold up great, especially for younger kids.
But for most gamers, the Nintendo Switch blows the Wii U out of the water:
- Way newer and better games than the Wii U
- True portability for mobile gaming
- Cutting edge graphics and performance
- Active eShop for buying digital
Unless you really need something cheap to entertain your kids, I‘d take a hard pass on buying a Wii U in 2024. The value just isn‘t there.
Instead, take that cash and put it towards a Switch or Switch Lite!
Let‘s Recap – How to Get the Most from Your Used Wii U
Alright friend, let‘s do a quick recap so you can get top dollar for your old pal Wii U:
- Expect to get around $100-$150 depending on model, accessories, and condition
- Check eBay, Facebook, and Craigslist first for the most money
- Take great photos and be honest in item descriptions
- Include popular games like Mario Kart with the system for more value
- Wipe the console to remove personal data before selling
- Act fast while the Wii U still has some demand left!
And there you have it – everything you need to know to sell your Wii U for maximum return. Now go on and get that cash money! Let me know if you have any other gaming console questions.
Your pal,
Jason