Wii Game Controllers and Accessories

In an attempt to create games and the controllers that are used with them to be welcomed by people of all ages, Nintendo comes up with their Wii game controller and revolutionizes the gaming industry.

Nintendo decides to marry the already-proven and accepted layout and use of the TV remote control with the functionality of the gamepad, with buttons for use by the thumb and fingers while holding it.

Add to this the ability to capture the game controller movement in 3D space and you have the formula for all kinds of games that mimic the use of so many real word objects. For example, Wii has a large library of sports games that make use of raquets and clubs.

The game controllers are also useful when a game needs to monitor where in space someone's hands might be. The game controllers also have the ability to measure "pointing".

Other controllers include a steering wheel, brakes and guns. The wheel makes use of the full game control of the Wii controller, with the controller simply snapping into the center of the Wii wheel. When the wheel turns, the controller turns with it, sending the axis position signals to the Wii system.

Pros and Cons of the Wii Game Controller

The general verdict is that the controller is easy to hold and operate, fairly light and because it is wireless, it doesn't get in the way, even with the strap around the wrist (important to do, since there have been numerous reports of people playing Wii tennis and losing control of the game controller which flies across the room, striking other objects and people). The controller even has on it additional inputs to which a gamer could connect other devices, like Nunchucks.

Features of the game controller that people don't like deal mostly with the construct of the unit, in that it takes a long time to power up, and that it has a shorter battery life than it should.