The Nintendo Wii was the hottest holiday item this year. Kids are going nuts over it, and it flew off the shelves this month. Did you get one as a gift? We know you're prowling around the internet looking for the best accessories and games (especially if your benefactor didn't read our earlier essential Wii accessories gift guide!), so we've got a list of the first five games and accessories you'll want to grab, and the best deals we could find for them online. Hope they're helpful!

Unfortunately, when you unwrapped that Wii you were just getting a starter kit. There are several things — some of them mere conveniences, others essential — you might still want to pick up. These are our top five priorities for new Wii owners who haven't bought anything besides the console yet.

Extra Wii remotes and nunchuks

You probably are looking forward to playing the Wii with family and friends. Unfortunately, the console only comes with one remote. A few games, including Wii Sports baseball and bowling, are playable by handing the controller off, but most require more than one. You'll want to pick up at least one extra Wii remote, and an extra nunchuk attachment (which is required for most of the more complex games) as well. Presently Amazon is selling Wiimotes for $36, slightly cheaper than the standard price of $40. You'll also be able to pick up a nunchuk for $18.

Wii classic controller

One of the most popular features of the Wii is the Virtual Console, a service that lets you download and play classic games originally released on older Nintendo systems like the Super Nintendo and the Nintendo 64, along with others like the Sega Genesis and the Turbografix 16. A lot of these games won't work with the Wii remote, though; you'll need to pick up a Wii Classic Controller. At most places it sells for $20, and the best deal we could find was $17.40 at BPAV. Not huge savings, but there you have it. You could also find a store that sells used gaming accessories and use an old Nintendo GameCube controller instead of the Classic Controller. That might come in a bit cheaper, but probably not by much.

Rock Band 2, with instruments

If you and your friends or family have dreamed of rock stardom, this is the game for you. This timing and rhythm-based game from MTV (loosely) simulates the experience of playing in a band, with real-world instrument-like peripherals as the game controllers. You can buy the full package on Amazon for $190, which includes the game itself along with guitar, drum, and microphone controllers. The game features music from a wide variety of popular music artists new and old, and gameplay supports up to four players: lead guitar, bass guitar, drums, and voice. Just keep in mind that the bundle only comes with one guitar controller, so if you want both a lead and a bass guitarist you'll have to spring for another.

Mario Kart Wii, with Wii Wheel

Mario Kart Wii is the latest in a hugely popular series of family-friendly, action-packed kart racing games. Like a lot of Wii products, it's awfully hard to come by — at least, if you want the Wii Wheel controller peripheral to come with it. Our most recent search revealed a few for sale at Buy.com for $86.54 with shipping included, but there's no telling how long that will last! Amazon has links to a handful of third party vendors selling copies that may or may not be used, but that are a lot cheaper (starting around $65).

Wii Fit, with Wii Balance Board

The hottest Wii accessory is also the hardest to come by. Wii Fit is an interactive exercise game featuring an electronic balance board peripheral which you'll also be able to use for some other games. If you want to stay in shape while having some fun, this is a great tool, but it's difficult to track down because demand is so high. Fortunately, we can direct you to a website that might be helpful in your quest. Wii Fit Tracker lists the order status for Wii Fit at major e-tailers, labeling them as either Sold Out, on Backorder, or In Stock. The prices are all over the place. While the suggested retail price is $90, you'll often see it for $100 or even $200 more. Tenacity will win the day!