we prefer video games
Where do I start?
JP’s $500 Gaming Start Up
This is probably the question I get asked the most: “I want to have gaming in my library, but I have a limited budget and don’t know where to start”.
Well, here’s my answer regarding how to spend your $$$:
Wii console, $200
Wii Play (+”free” remote), $50
Wii Sports Resort (+”free” Wii Motion Plus attachment), $50
Mario Kart Wii, $50
2 extra Wii remotes, $80
3 extra Wii Motion Plus attachments, $60
8 pack of rechargeable AA batteries, $10
You will be equiped with four 4-player capable games, Wii Sports, Wii Play, Wii Sports Resort, and Mario Kart Wii, as well as have rechargable batteries, cases, and a console. You probably can’t get more bang for your buck as far as basic library programming goes.
Once you’ve got your program going and you are looking to expand your game library, check out JP & Justin’s Top 5 Games Every Library Should Own.
Now that Wii Fit Plus includes a kind of “drop in” mode, I think it’s a strong contender for a basic Wii package. It used to be difficult to use Wii Fit casually, even though its balance games were great fun, but now it’s easy. I can’t comment on liability issues since I’m not a librarian (I’m an ESL instructor), but it really is a lot of fun–both two-player and singly. Sword-fighting, snowball fights, the first-person Mario-esque thing, the marble-tilt game, etc…surprisingly good stuff! It’s also only $20 if someone already has the Balance Board accessory.