Buy Wii Controller Online

Getting an extra Wii controller or Wiimote for your Wii Console can greatly enhance your time with your Wii. Like most things, games on the Wii are so much more fun when played with friends, so making sure that you have all the controllers you need ahead of time is a great idea. Buying them online is usually the best option, because you have the most control over the style and type of controller. And since there are so many different types of controllers for the Wii, buying online and learning a bit about what there is will lessen the chance that you have to make returns later.

There are several different types of controllers for the Wii. The most commonly used and that which comes with the Wii would be the Wiimote. The Wiimote will be the primarily used controller for just about every main game on the Wii, with a few exceptions. There is also the Wii Remote Plus that is discussed in the following section. The second most common controllers is what Nintendo calls the Nunchuk. The Nunchuk cannot be used by itself, but is connected to the Wiimote and then used with the other and and in tandem with the Wiimote. It is a very good idea to have one Nunchuk per Wiimote, so with games that require both, you will still be able to fully utilize your number of controllers.

The other controller that can only be used by plugging into a Wiimote is the Classic Controller. This controller is more akin to other game consoles or older Nintendo systems and allows for more traditional game playing for things like side scrollers or games that don't require motion input, but simply button presses. Only specific games can use the classic controller, and for most it is optional. Having one on hand is a good idea, especially for the older generation of gamer, but usually is not necessary for the most recent games.

The Wii Motion Plus adds extra and more detailed motion detection to the Wiimote. If you have an older or original Wiimote, you can buy a small extension that will give your controller this added capability. There are several games that require this more advanced technology, and so it is wise to make sure you have them. Otherwise, many popular games will be unplayable. Nintendo has also released the Wii Remote Plus with everything built in so you don’t have to go buy the MotionPlus part separately. If you are buying an extra Wiimote, you might as well get the newer one with the Plus built in and not have to worry about compatibility issues later.

The last controller that can be used with the Wii are the older generation Gamecube controllers. This includes first generation, Wavebird, and all other 3rd party controllers that were designed for the Gamecube. Because the Wii is backwards compatible with Gamecube games (meaning it can play the old Gamecube discs) they have made the old Gamecube controllers compatible with the Wii. The Gamecube controllers are actually required to play any Gamecube game on the Wii. You will not be able to use the Wiimote or even the Classic Controller with Gamecube games. So if you end up coming across an old game that you want to play, make sure you have a Gamecube controller around. I personally recommend the Wavebird, as it is wireless and you won't have to stand or sit extra close to your console or TV and can sit or stand at the normal distance that you've been accustomed to with the Wiimote.

Are there any 3rd party Wiimotes? Are they any good? Nintendo is well known for making very good hardware and as with most first party hardware developers, the original is usually the best. However, there are other options that are available that may offer a better price or different functionality. It is certainly worth checking out the other options before you decide, but don't let a lower price tempt you too much.  If you want quality, you probably want to stick with the original.