An Introduction to the Wii Controller
Before I get to my review of Wii games, I wanted to put an orientation out there.
This is the Wii Remote and will be the primary controller.
Motion sensing features include:
- knows the distance from the screen
- knows exactly where the remote is pointing to on the screen
- knows it’s own position in 3D space
- knows it’s speed and direction when it’s being moved
The buttons are:
- power button (turns the Wii on and off)
- digital direction pad
- large A button
- B trigger on the back
- home button
- plus and minus buttons (I don’t know what these are for)
- 1 and 2 buttons
- built in speaker
- 4 numbered lights to show what player you are
The simplest games such as Wii Sports and Orchestra will use the motion alone and none of the buttons you see here. Slightly more complicated games will make use of the A button which your thumb lays over and the B trigger positioned under your index finger.
The Nunchuck
For more complicated games, you attach the nunchuck.
It’s simply an analog direction pad with two triggers on the back. It also knows it’s tilt, speed and direction.
The Classic Controller
Then there’s the classic controller for playing old NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Genesis and Turbografix 16 games. Keep in mind that Gamecube controllers will also work with Wii.
The Wii Light Gun
A very cool surprise is the return of the light gun, witch the Wiimote plugs right into. It wasn’t out for play, but it looked pretty cool. And yes, duck hunt was there.
All in all, I don’t think we’ve seen an array of 1st party controllers like this since the 80s. Add a Rob the robot and a PowerPad and we’re really talking.
Permanent Link
I’m all anxious for the Wii and everything, but if you ask me the controllers look a bit chinsy. They sorta look like they’re made of the same stuff as the Barbie tea set. Not that I had the Barbie tea set…and I never wet my pants. Not while sober at least.
No, the quality of the plastic was really good and the overall weight and feel of the hardware was healthy. I even had one person remark to me that it felt right in their hands. All in all, I’d say there are no worries there, although you can’t be 100% sure since these are all prototypes and real production is still a ways off.