How to Get a Cheap Wii U System

The least expensive way to get some Wii U gear is to go pre-owned. The 8GB consoles are about $200 now. The larger 32GB consoles are about $275. The extra $75 is most certainly not worth it. If you're considering a used 32GB console, just buy a used 8GB system and pick up a good USB external hard drive to expand the console's storage. You can easily get a 1TB hard drive for about $60; this is far larger than 32GB and more space than you'll probably ever use on Wii U. I picked up an 8GB console and an extra controller for $190 after tax and haggling with the shop owner. Make sure to take the system out of the box and inspect it though. You don't want a cracked, scratched GamePad or yellowed plastic (yuck).

Note that both 8GB and 32GB consoles are so small you won't be able to download many full-size AAA games (zero on the smaller console, probably 3-4 on the 32GB machine) without picking up some external storage. If you buy retail discs only (no downloads except smaller indie titles) you probably won't need more storage than the bare 8GB console anyway.

If you're looking for a new console, the Premium 32GB set (currently $300) that comes with Nintendo Land is not my first choice, though the game is fun and the black console is really nice. The Basic 8GB set ($250) is an okay choice when paired with an external hard drive, but if you're buying new, you may as well buy a bundle:

• Wait for an undoubtedly-upcoming Super Smash Brothers bundle. I'm sure it will be a good deal.
• The Mario Kart bundle is the best deal Nintendo has had on Wii U so far: $330 nets you a 32GB Wii U plus a second controller and a copy of Mario Kart 8 and Nintendo Land. Unfortunately these sold out right away back in June and it doesn't look like Nintendo is shipping any more of them.
• The Zelda bundle has risen to $350 and comes with a 32GB console (the GamePad has custom Zelda-themed designs on it) and Wind Waker HD, but this set doesn't seem like the best value unless you're a huge Zelda fan.
• Older bundles with extra Mario or Luigi games are all round $300 and probably less desirable.

Once again, these bundles come with the 32GB console which can likely only hold 3-4 full-size AAA downloads so you might need an external hard drive eventually. I'm in the same boat with my 8GB console, though I plan to buy full-size AAA games on disc. If my available 2.7GB storage ever fills up with indie and virtual console games (unlikely, as my NES and SNES still work fine) I will look to spend less than $40 on an external hard drive, probably in the 120GB - 300GB range.