A Guide to Popular Nintendo Wii Accessories and Peripherals
Last updated October 30th 2009
The success of the Nintendo Wii console has brought with it a swathe of different peripherals and add-ons. We've compiled a brief summary of every major add-on, with the aim of clearing up any confusion about what each accessory does.
Wii Balance Board
The Wii Balance Board is an accessory that allows the Wii to simulate skateboarding, snowboarding, yoga, push-ups, and a whole range of other physical activities. It is extremely popular, and has been a best-seller across the world.
In use, the Balance Board is placed on the floor with the player standing on top. It works by testing how the player distributes their weight across the board, calculating their centre of balance and weight along with other attributes.
The Wii Balance Board is sometimes mistaken for Wii Fit. Whereas the Balance Board is the hardware, Wii Fit is simply a game that works with the Balance Board.
Wikipedia has more information and a photo of the Balance Board. You can also visit the Wii Balance Board price comparison on our site.
Wii Fit (and Wii Fit Plus)
Wii Fit is a games suite released by Nintendo. It contains about 50 home fitness programs and activities that work exclusively with the Wii Balance Board. It has been a huge success, and is one of the best-selling games for the Nintendo Wii.
Wii Fit comes bundled with a Wii Balance Board and only works in conjunction with the Balance Board.
Wii Fit Plus is an updated version of the Wii Fit software. While the balance board remains unchanged, the Wii Fit Plus software includes many new home fitness programs and activities. Wii Fit Plus was released on the 30th October 2009.
Those who already own a Wii Balance Board (usually bought with an old version of the Wii Fit software) can buy Wii Fit Plus in a game-only ("Solus") version.
Wikipedia has more information on Wii Fit. There's also a Wii Fit price comparison page on our site.
Wii MotionPlus
The Wii MotionPlus is a new device that attaches to the bottom of a Wii Remote. It greatly enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of the Wii Remote when measuring movement and positioning.
The Wii MotionPlus only works with games that are MotionPlus compatible. It does not work with any other titles. As the MotionPlus was only recently released, this means that currently very few games take advantage of it.
A free MotionPlus comes bundled with the "Wii Sports Resort" game.
Wikipedia has more information and photos of the Wii Motionplus. As always, we have a full Wii MotionPlus price comparison page on our site.
Wii Nunchuk
A single Wii Nunchuk comes bundled with every new Nintendo Wii console. The Nunchuk is held in one hand, with a thumbstick to control movement in games and a motion-sensor capable of tracking physical acceleration. It is used, for various purposes, in many games released for the Wii.
The Nunchuk attaches to the bottom of the Wii Remote (this does not prevent the attachment of the Wii Motionplus). Purchasing additional Nunchuks is sometimes required for multiplayer games.
Wikipedia has additional information on the Wii Nunchuk. A Wii Nunchuk price comparison page is also available on our site.
Wii Remote / Controller
The Wii Remote (sometimes called the Wii Controller) is the standard controller that comes bundled with the Nintendo Wii console. Additional remotes can be purchased for use in multiplayer games.
The capabilities of the Wii Remote are fairly well-known, so we'll leave it to Wikipedia to explain more. A Wii Remote / Controller Price Comparison is also available on this site.
Official Wii Wheel
The Official Wii Wheel is a simple plastic attachment that slots around a Wii Remote. It's designed to give a better simulation of driving in arcade racers such as Mario Kart.
While not required for playing any game, a number gamers prefer using the attachment as it provides a more intuitive experience that holding the basic Remote.
A free copy of the Wii Wheel comes bundled with some copies of Mario Kart. Two price comparisons be made, either for the standalone Wii Wheel, or for the Wii Wheel bundled with Mario Kart.
This concludes our round-up of Nintendo Wii peripherals and accessories. If you have any further questions please contact us, or post a comment on our Games Blog.
Other pages that may be useful include our guide to Nintendo Wii bundle deals and our price comparisons of Nintendo Wii products.