A Nintendo Wii Created Just For The Queen Is Up For Sale Again
A year ago, a one-of-a-kind, 24K gold-plated Nintendo Wii—which had been specially made for Queen Elizabeth II—went up for auction on eBay, but failed to sell for the reserve price of US$300,000 when the listing was unexpectedly shut down by the site.
Now, it’s back up again on auction house Goldin, where the current top bid sits at a more attainable US$3,000.
For those unfamiliar with the console’s backstory, the extravagant Wii had originally been created by software developer THQ as a publicity stunt to promote its then-new game, BIG Family Games.
The company had hoped the Royal Family would take on the challenge of its 24 classic family games, ranging from lawn darts to bocce, on this specially commissioned device, but was rejected due to the Palace’s strict policy on gifts.
When THQ shuttered in 2012, The Royal Wii fell into the hands of a collector before being bought over by the current owner.
While the console isn’t in mint quality, with the listing noting it has “minor handling wear” and “scattered chips to the gold plating,” you’ll still walk away with the incredible story behind this golden Wii, along with one controller and a copy of the fabled BIG Family Games.
As of the time of publication, bids are still open. Who knows? You could soon have a shiny new mantlepiece next to your television.
