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Review: Wireless Nunchuck Adapter

Published: Fri 29 Aug, 2008 | 21 Comments
Tags: Wireless Nunchuck, Wii, Futuretronics

The Wii Remote and Nunchuck combination is perhaps the most visceral control method found outside of an arcade.  However, there is one small problem: the two devices are tethered together by a cord, and a rather short one at that. 

 

Nothing breaks the immersion more than having the sudden, jarring resistance of the cord stretched to maximum capacity.  How can anyone enjoy flailing around the Wii Remote like a sword if every movement feels like the gods want Achilles to win.

 

Well it seems a few companies understand this pain, and have released a variety of solutions.  One is Nyko's wireless nunchuck (not officially available in New Zealand) and the other is Futuretronics wireless adapater for the nunchuck.

 

Unlike Nyko's effort, Futuretronics' version is not a standalone nunchuck and will require you to own an existing nunchuck.  It is powered by two AAA batteries (not included) and requires a bit of fiddling to get the nunchuck into the unit itself.  Wrapping the cord in the holder proves to be a bit more effort than it should be.

 

Once you have it connected, however, it's clear sailing from there.  The unit easily finds the dongle that attaches to the Wii Remote, and despite the wireless signal (2.4~2.5Ghz), there is little lag in response.  It works, more or less, like it shold.

 

There are some advantages to this setup, and some disadvantages.  The advantages are relatively obviously.  Not being tethered to the Wii Remote means that the nunchuck can be held by the thigh while the Wii Remote is being waved through the air.  It was especially satisfying during a round of Bleach: Shattered Blade, and The Force Unleashed will obviously be far more enjoyable with the absence of a cord.

 

Another advantage is when it comes to games like Mario and Sonic or Wii Boxing.  The lack of cord really allows for a more realistic experience in a variety of the games -- in Mario and Sonic, for example, it allows for a more realistic running motion.  The shape of the unit is also an advantage in this area, as it has some extra weight at the bottom that makes holding the nunchuck a little more stable.

 

There are, however, a few disadvantages.  Firstly, the shape of the unit makes it a little weird to hold when trying to push the C and Z buttons.  The use of AAA batteries also means that replacing them is not as cheap as it could be if buying AA batteries.

 

Lastly, the dongle that attaches to the end of the Wii Remote prevents it from working with other Wii attachments, such as the Wii Laser Sword.  (A shame, as the combination for The Force Unleashed would have been surreal.)  Additionally, it's unknown at this point whether it will be compatible with the Wii MotionPlus unit, meaning that any games that make use of the new peripheral could mean returning to the tethered setup.  A disappointment.

 

Overall, for $40, the advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages.  Those looking for extra freedom when playing the Wii should definitely look at picking one up.  Just don't count on the unit being future-proof with all Wii peripherals.

 

Rating: 3/5

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