The Wii remote is the primary controller for the Nintendo Wii. Its main unique feature is its ability to sense motion, allowing the infamous on screen interaction in Wii games.
The Wii remote is an interesting device. On the plus side, it is innovative and brave, like nothing that's gone before it. The optical sensor inside it allows for extremely realistic and accurate use: it acts on screen exactly as it does in your hand, which is VERY impressive. This is true even if holding it with the sensor pointing 90 degrees away from the screen, which is mind boggling but great. It just shows how close we are to complete virtual reality games (exciting).
On the negative side, the shape is rather difficult to use easily - the grip you have to take only allows your thumb to navigate the main panel of buttons, which is more difficult than if it were your index finger. This, along with the cramped buttons, sometimes results in pressing (for example) the pause button during a game that you didn't mean to.
One really cool thing is the way you can add on all sorts of attachments to the remote, to play specific games: steering wheels, golf clubs, guns, snooker cues and much more can be added to help give you a better sense of the reality of the situation.
Priced at £30, it's not cheap. The best option is to buy Wii Play, where you at least game some games for the same price, but if you're looking to buy a 4 remote set up for 4 way games it's going to be expensive. The Wii console itself only comes with one remote, so you can add £30 to the price tag to get it up to scratch, which is a misleading shame.
All in all, this is an innovative product that has some frustrating points with the button placement, but still remains a brilliant control device for an equally brilliant games console.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Looks and the multiple ways to use it Disadvantages: Fails in it's primary use as the reponsiveness seems haphazard and the games don't help, Price
Advantages: Looks and the multiple ways to use it Disadvantages: Fails in it's primary use as the reponsiveness seems haphazard and the games don't help, Price