When Nintendo released their new Wii system late last year, everyone was curious to see what the deal was with the long one-handed remote that was to serve as the console's main controller. It's definitely more useful and handy than the traditional game controllers, and it looks a lot like a standard TV remote control. So just how good is the Wii remote, with all of its motion detection capabilities and interactive play?
Responsive to every move you make, the motion detection feature of the Wii remote sets it apart from any other controller every made. The design of the Wii remote definitely has everyone in mind, from beginner to expert. Anyone who has ever used the Wii remote would probably agree that Nintendo hit the nail on the head with this design. You must just remember to secure the remote to your wrist with the strap so that it does not slip from your hand when you're playing a game.
Unlike game pad controllers that either were limited by the length of their cords or the wireless versions that had problems relaying the information even from the smallest distance away, the Wii remote is wireless but uses short-range "Bluetooth" technology to communicate to a sensor placed affixed somewhere near the television being used. Even though the optimal distance from the controller is 16 feet, you can go as far as 30 feet and still be able to play. It's almost a moot point because it'd be hard to see the screen from that far away.
The Wii remote is very flexible and can be used by both right-handed and left-handed people. For games that require jumping and fighting, holding the remote vertically works best. It can be turned horizontally, like the original gamepads, to simulate a steering wheel for a driving game. There's almost no maneuver that you can't execute with your Wii remote.
Nintendo designed several accessories for the Wii remote, although not all of them have been put to market. The nunchuck has a C button and trigger button, and can be used for many games, and comes in and oblong shape. The nunchuck plugs into the remote for communicating with the game, and it is held in your free hand. This attachment also comes bundled with the Wii console. The classic controller is the other attachment that Nintendo has made available. It is only used with the virtual console games that are purchased with special "Wii points". Virtual games are great because they make the selection of available games so much bigger.
