Friday 24 October 2008

Understanding The Four Types of Wii Controllers

It is understandable that newcomers to the Nintendo Wii console may be confused by the variety of controllers available. The reason for this happening was, in part, because the motion-sensing technology the console excels in is not so well suited for some games.

For example, the Wii's initial "Wii Remote"(or "WiiMote") may be excellent for first-person shooters and racing games, but does not handle so well with genres such as fighting, where the player is often forced to quickly pull off a series of complex actions in a short amount of time.
So, in total, there are four controller setups: WiiMote, WiiMote & Nunchuk, GameCube Controller, and Classic Controller.

The WiiMote was the original setup. Its a one-hand motion-sensing controller that is often used for puzzle and party games, as well as racing games and some sports. For each of these, the controller is held in a different position.

In racing games, the controller is held sideways with both hands and twisted back and forth to control the racing vehicle onscreen. In sports, the controller is held in various positions which mimic real life. For example, in bowling, the controller movement is very similar to the movement of one's hand and arm while bowling at the lanes. The tennis game requires holding the controller upright to serve the ball, and flicking the wrist to return the ball.

The Nunchuk is a control stick attachment that also features motion-sensing. An example of its features is in that of the common first-person shooter: you look, aim, and fire using the WiiMote in your right hand, while you steer with the Nunchuk in your left hand, and lift the Nunchuk slightly to reload your weapon. The Nunchuk is also used in boxing, manipulating the left hand punches while the WiiMote controller manipulates the right hand punches.

Some Wii games are compatible with the GameCube controller. Some examples include Super Smash Brothers Brawl and Mario Kart. These are traditional type games that do not lend themselves well to the new Wii controller. The GameCube controller is not wireless as are the WiiMote and Nunchuk.

Yet another option in a Wii controller is the "Classic Controller". The Classic does not feature motion-sensing, but does have dual control sticks (rather like that of the Playstation) as well as basically all the button configurations that the Gamecube controller features. As with the GameCube controller, the Classic is not wireless.

However, this is going to change very soon because the Nyko company will very soon be releasing their wireless version of the Classic Controller. Reviewers with preview models have generally praised this new edition to the Wii controller family.

The Nintendo's variety of controllers insure there are many ways to play and enjoy games on the Wii.


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