the best wii accessories reviews

Wii Cooking Kit

2009-02-04T21:05:00.003-05:00

Wii Cooking Kit

Product Description
This Wii Cooking Kit is a virtual chef's dream. One holder is shaped in the mold of a frying pan while the other is a combination of a spatula, a knife and tongs, so you can fry, flip, cut and stab any one of your favorite dishes. For the handle with the multiple utensils, just keep the one that you wish to use erect while sliding the others to the side of the handle and you are ready to go. In the handle a cut-out mold that cradles your Wii remote so that you are ready to point and cook.

VIDEO REVIEW -Wii Cooking Mama Cook Off - Wii Cooking Kit

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR REVIEW OF THIS ITEM

Rock Band 2 Triple Cymbal Expansion Kit

2009-01-17T18:14:00.009-05:00

Rock Band 2 Triple Cymbal Expansion Kit

5 out of 5 stars

Rock Band 2 Cymbals work, as advertised, and are a great supplement to the overall drum system.

I am a little bit perplexed about the negative reviews stating that they are "too sensitive" or that it was difficult to put together.

After reading said reviews, I timed myself to see how long it would take to put all 3 together. The result was 9 minutes and 23 seconds with no difficulties.

As for the "too sensitive" part, I tried 5 different songs and alternated between drum pad and cymbal use. Both pads and cymbals still responded with single hits, no missed hits, and no "double" hits. I suggest that if you are experiencing double hits, it might be that the cymbals are not screwed down tight enough and the wobbling could introduce more than one hit.

As for my own personal experience, Rock Band 2 Triple Cymbal Expansion Kit is well-made and has already enhanced the overall experience. They are by no means a necessary addition, but they are certainly a fun one. What makes them even more fun is that they can be used in the drums' "free style mode" where all 4 pads play as different sounding drums with 3 different sounding cymbals. It's not a professional drum set, but you can certainly play it like one and it sounds great. Hit the "-" sign and you can play different drum kits programmed into Rock Band 2.

From an experienced gamer, I highly recommend this product and rock on!

Review from Amazon - Rock Band 2 Triple Cymbal Expansion Kit

VIDEO REVIEW - Rock Band 2 Triple Cymbal Expansion Kit

Wii Play Poms

2009-01-17T17:24:00.005-05:00

Play Poms

5 out of 5 stars

We got Play Poms this afternoon. There are two adapters for wiimotes and one for a nunchuck.

Some reviewers have mentioned having problems with gameplay when the pompoms are attached to the wiimotes. We cannot scroll though the game options using the white glove (wiimote motion) when the wiimotes are attached to the pompoms, but the game is fully operational with the pompoms attached to the wiimotes when the wiimote buttons are used to scroll through songs, stages and outfit choices.

My kids both score better when using the Play Poms. They think that it feels more realistic than using just the wiimotes. Plus the swishy noise drives the our cats crazy - a bonus!

Review from Amazon - Play Poms

VIDEO TRAILER - Play Poms

All Wii Accessesories

2009-01-17T17:17:00.000-05:00

Official Wii Speak Microphone

2009-01-10T14:17:00.005-05:00

Official Wii Speak Microphone

5 out of 5 stars

We bought 4 Official Wii Speak Microphones to talk with family around the US. Works like a charm with the Wii Speak Channel. We have been able to talk in a conference call situation between all with great clarity for hours with little or no breakups during the chat. Highly recommended if family and friends have Wii's.

Review from Amazon - Official Wii Speak Microphone

VIDEO REVIEW - Official Wii Speak Microphone

Nyko Wing and Intercooler

2009-01-10T13:57:00.009-05:00

Wii Wing Wireless Controller & Nintendo Wii Intercooler

5 out of 5 stars

Teamed with the Virtual Console, the Wii Wing Wireless Controller gives players the option of downloading older, Nintendo classics onto their Wii system. Just plug in the dongle adapter to the bottom of the Wii remote and hit the sync button. Syncing up to the system may take a couple of tries, but it does work. Next, just hit the power button and wait for the blue light to illuminate. After it pairs up, the player is in business. The D Pad and sticks were right on the money. Surprisingly the sticks were nothing but sweet perfection.

Styled after the older controllers and ergonomically correct, the controller is powered by (2) AAA batteries. Recharging is via a USB port. The Wii Wing Wireless Controller can also operate without batteries as long as a connection is kept via USB port.

Nintendo Wii's most glowing feature is its capability to play the older games from earlier consoles. Without a doubt, the Wii Wing Wireless Controller is another perfect accessory for Wii enthusiasts young and old alike.

AND

Before buying this Nintendo Wii Intercooler, my Wii would overheat and shut down after an hour of play. Very frustrating! The kids were nagging me to send it in for repair but I dreaded the process and the expense. Then I stumbled upon this little gadget and it's the best $15 I've spent all year. The Wii hasn't overheated once since we got the fan, and it's on for 6 or 7 hours at a time. All you have to do is plug it into the back of the Wii and you're done. Don't listen to the complaints of it being too loud. The only time we notice the noise is when the house is completely quiet, and even then, it's just a whirring/humming noise. During game play you can't hear Nintendo Wii Intercooler at all. I highly recommend this to anyone who has overheating problems with their Wii.

Reviews from Amazon - Wii Wing Wireless Controller & Nintendo Wii Intercooler

VIDEO PREVIEW - Wii Wing Wireless Controller & Nintendo Wii Intercooler

Wii For Dummies Review

2009-01-03T12:40:00.005-05:00

Wii For Dummies, New Edition

5 out of 5 stars

At first, I thought this book was only for people who bought the Wii as their first video game console. Wii For Dummies is definitely aimed at them and includes great information for first time users. There are chapters on how to set up the system (with troubleshooting tips), how to use the controller, and how to choose games, all written in simple, easy to follow instructions. The chapters assume the reader doesn't have any video game knowledge and holds their hands through processes such as reading the ESRB ratings and reading reviews of new games.

However, even with the writing for a new user, there are still nuggets and useful information for more experienced readers. For instance, the section on Channels in the Wii is extremely helpful, uncovering information I didn't know about the console. The list of websites specifically optimized for the Wii and setting up a specific Channel for Wii Fit was information I didn't know and found really fun. The book also includes suggestions for games on both the Virtual Console and Wii for all types of play: party, solo, and in between.

I think the most useful parts of the Wii For Dummies, New Editionfor both new and experienced players are the suggested resources that are included in each section. Links to websites that cover kid-friendly games, links to mainstream video game review sites, and tips to find out new information on the console are invaluable for the book and teaches the reader where to find information the book can't cover. It's definitely a good primer about how to become informed about video gaming in general.

I found Wii For Dummies, to be chuck full of useful information that both applies to the Wii and gaming in general. The writer does a great job of writing simple to follow instructions that are entertaining and witty. Sometimes I read a section I already knew just to see his funny take on it. I definitely would recommend the book for users who just got the Wii and don't know exactly what to do with it or as a gift for a relative or friend who is not a gamer. For more experienced players, I would still recommend it for all the great content on using all of unexplored features of the console.

Review from Amazon - Wii For Dummies, New Edition

Wii Fit Board Cover Review

2009-01-03T12:19:00.005-05:00

Wii Fit Balance Board Silicone Sleeve

5 out of 5 stars

After seeing some of the reviews, I was afraid that Wii Fit Balance Board Silicone Sleevemight be flimsy, but I ordered it anyway as the price made it worth a try compared to some of the other covers. When I first took it out of the package, it did indeed look like it might be flimsy, but I took my time placing it on my balance board - and it was not hard to install at all! I use my Wii Fit for at least 30 minutes every day and have not had any problems with the Wii Fit Balance Board Silicone Sleeveat all. It stays firmly in place and even provides a little cushion and extra "grippage" as I work through yoga, strength exercises, aerobics, and balance games. I usually workout in my bare feet (I'm the only one using the board), but have worn sneakers a few times without any ill effect to the cover other than scuff marks, which clean up easily. The color is paler and more translucent than it appears in the photo - and I am very pleased with the way it looks. The most important thing is that it does a great job of protecting and preserving the balance board.

ALSO - Wii Fit Rechargeable Battery Pack for Balance Board

Review from Amazon - Wii Fit Balance Board Silicone Sleeve

VIDEO REVIEW - Wii Fit Balance Board Silicone Sleeve

Fitness Bundle Review

2009-01-03T11:51:00.006-05:00

Wii Fit sold separately.

Wii 5-In-1 Fitness Bundle

4 out of 5 stars

I really did need everything in this Wii 5-In-1 Fitness Bundle
, well maybe not the socks, but the rechargeable battery, the silicone cover, the yoga mat and the storage bag are great accessories for the Wii Fit.

VIDEO REVIEW - Wii Fitness

Boxing Gloves Review

2008-12-29T01:01:00.004-05:00

Wii Boxing Gloves

5 out of 5 stars

All you need to do is just slip in your Wiimote and nunchuck in each glove and you’re done. Wii boxing is difficult to master and it's exhausting ... boxing on WiiSports is the best!

These Wii Boxing Gloves raise the game to a higher level. They make boxing so much easier and much more fun.

Review from Amazon - Wii Boxing Gloves

VIDEO - Wii Boxing Gloves in action

Points Card Review

2008-12-28T23:09:00.005-05:00

Wii Points Card

5 out of 5 stars

First things first: the Wii Points Card allows you to purchase classic video games from the NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, and Turbo Grafix 16 consoles and download them onto your Wii console. Nintendo has many great old games available already and is adding more regularly (generally about once a week).

Basic information: 100 Wii Points roughly equals 1 dollar. You should never pay more for a Wii Points Card because you can buy the points directly from Nintendo at a rate of 100 to the dollar. On the flip side if you can get these cards cheaper (and sometimes you can buy them at a bit of a discount) you get a great deal.

What's available: There are new games being released all the time. I have a wishlist a mile long for these games, but some of my favorites include Zelda, the original Castlevania, Ninja Gaiden, Donkey Kong Country, Golden Axe, Super Mario Brothers and Super Mario World, and Mario 64. Again--almost every week there's something new. A current list is available on Nintendo's website.

Game Cost: The cost for classic games varies a little but is fairly uniform. NES games start at 500 points (at this time there is only one game that I'm aware of for the NES that costs more). Most Super NES, Genesis, and TG 16 games cost around 800 points, and N64 games run about 1000. Considering a nostalgia trip used to sometimes cost as much as the original game (the original Zelda used to run about $50, and that's if you had an old Nintendo to run it on) these games are a great deal.

Why buy the Wii Points Card?: I purchase most of my points directly from Nintendo without using these cards. So what purpose do they serve? Simple--they're great for gifts. I love that these come in 2000 point increments--it means my friends and family have a cheap gift idea for me and can give me something I'll really enjoy rather than trying to pick out a game for me themselves. And of course if you've got a gift card or discount for your favorite retailer you can pick them up cheaper. It's a great alternative to just buying the points on your Wii.

Overall the Wii Points Card is a great way to get your hands on some classic games. You may prefer to buy them directly on the Wii (as I do), but keep this option in mind when special occasions roll around and people are asking what to get you!

Review from Amazon - Wii 2000 Points Card

VIDEO REVIEW - Wii Points Card

Light Sword Review

2008-12-27T23:13:00.006-05:00

Wii Light Sword

WiiSaber software turns your wiimote into a light saber ... Do you own a Wii Light Sword? Please leave comments here for others to view. There aren't enough reviews out for this product at this time.

VIDEO - Wii Light Sword

What recession?

2008-12-27T18:58:00.003-05:00

—Wii fuels Amazon’s “best ever” holiday sales : What recession?

Online shoppers helped Amazon rake in its best holiday sales season in 14 years—with nearly 73 items ordered per second on Dec 15, its peak day—per a company press release. Amazon called out the Wii specifically in terms of its holiday success, saying: “the Nintendo Wii dominated the top sellers in video games and hardware including the Wii console, the Wii remote controller and the Wii nunchuk controller.”

Illuminated Drum Sticks Review

2008-12-27T18:18:00.006-05:00

TAC Illuminated Drum Sticks

4 out of 5 stars

TAC Illuminated Drum Sticks are a fun little addition to the rockband setup - When you strike with the stick the lights glow then fade with each strike, so it gives a nice interactive light show when playing drums. They aren't overly bright so they don't distract from the game, but they are bright enough to notice.

Unlike the previous reviewer, I didn't have an issue installing the batteries - it came with a clear instruction sheet that shows you have to insert them between the metal clips inside the stick tube.

The overall construction seems decent, but they don't feel indestructible either - I'd be wary of striking with extreme force. TAC Illuminated Drum Sticks are certainly solid enough for normal aggressive play though, and they are a tad bit heavier than the standard sticks - something to note if you get tired quickly playing the drums.

For $20 this is definitely a luxury item and not a necessity, but if you are really into Rock Band or drumming in general, these are a fun purchase.

Review from Amazon - TAC Illuminated Drum Sticks

VIDEO - TAC Illuminated Drum Sticks

Wireless Sensor Bar Review

2008-12-27T17:57:00.007-05:00

Wii Wireless Sensor Bar

5 out of 5 stars

Some reviews mentioned that Wii Wireless Sensor Barlet you get further away from the TV. We have a 18X25 living room. With the original sensor bar, we had to sit in the middle of the room or it wouldn't work very well. With this sensor bar, we are now able to sit all the way across the room on the sofa and it works perfectly.

Yes Wii Wireless Sensor Baris a little larger, has a blue light, a timer, and so on. But at least for us, those are all minuscule with being able to get a much greater distance away from the TV. Well worth the money and definitely much better than the original one that came with the Wii.

Review from Amazon - Wii Wireless Sensor Bar

VIDEO REVIEW - Wii Wireless Sensor Bar

DDR Hottest Party 2 Review

2008-12-26T20:08:00.014-05:00

Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 2 with Dance Mat

4 out of 5 stars

I've owned Dance Dance RevolutionHottest Party 2 for about a month now -- what a great buy!

I bought the game as a way to provide exercise without having to go to a gym. It definitely does the trick for cardio. I breath heavily, I sweat, and I feel lighter on my feet.

I'm a big guy, and I was worried that this might make ddr the wrong choice for me. Not so - there is an option to turn off "jumping" in Dance Dance Revolution 2. After doing so, I find it is pretty low impact. That is, unless you've twisted your feet in knots and have to hop a bit to make sure you don't miss an arrow.

I've never been a great dancer, and I doubt Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 2 will fix that. (I've only made it to "basic" mode after a month.) Basic is plenty to get your heart pumping though. No particular expertise required.

Overall, this is a great game and definitely worth the cost.

Review from Amazon - Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 2 with Dance Mat

VIDEO TRAILER - Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 2

Rock Band 2 Review

2008-12-26T19:31:00.007-05:00

Wii Rock Band 2

5 out of 5 stars

I managed to get my hands on Wii Rock Band 2a bit early, and spent the entirety of the evening playing. What a drastic improvement over Rock Band 1 on the Wii! This is identical to the Xbox 360/ PS3 versions of the game, and I was even more impressed than I anticipated. I was having a blast before I even had a chance to play a single note: The character creator tool was a welcome bonus! You create a band and members, and then you hit the road. It was a really satisfying experience! This is really the first time that a Wii game has been truly competitive with other Next-Gen console games.

The World Tour mode is now available locally or online, and there are also challenges and battle-of-the-bands. There was a "Wii pre-release" battle available for the select few who managed to snag the game early, and I was able to compete head to head with other bands (there were only 3 other bands online since the game was not yet available @ most stores).
There are sure to be plenty of lengthy reviews, so I will just note some of my observations:

*Band Members - once you create your band-mates using the Character Creator, when you play a gig, there they are! I knew this feature was present, but I had no idea how exciting it would be the first time my character (who happens to look JUST LIKE ME!) appeared on stage! It was really satisfying! This feature was really well done. My first order of business was to create characters for my wife and all our friends. Whenever they come over and play from now on, they can use their characters. Also, these characters can be moved around, dropped etc. Also, whenever you select a character to play a gig with your band, they get a "cut", earning that character money which can be used to buy clothes, accessories, instruments, etc. Of course, my wife blew all her money on some designer jeans, some pink driving gloves, and some shoes before she even played one gig! Typical... =)

*Online - Some of the online features haven't been enabled yet, but I was able to play in the online battle of the bands. I was playing during a weather storm, and my internet connection was suffering. I had a hard time checking my email from my computer in fact! But, much to my surprise, Wii Rock Band 2 chugged along, and I didn't see any problems with the online interface. The whole game is played "connected", so you don't have to keep logging on and off if you switch between local and online play. The interface was really polished and well done, unlike other Wii games that seem to tack on the online portion after the fact. A+++.

*Updated instruments - The new guitar and drum look and feel really good. The drums are sturdier, and also the pads are quieter. Other than that, not much of a change here, but I had no complaints about the previous generation of instruments.

*Music - This game seems to have a much more varied mix of music. Much like when I began playing RB1, I only knew a handful of the songs that I initially was able to play. A few of the songs that I initially played were somewhat familiar, but some were way off the radar for me. Still, what I have heard so far is great! As you may already know, there is a Music Store built in the game where you can use Wii points on your system to buy new songs, so there will be no shortage of great music to be played! I was also surprised to see that details about the band and even album art appear on the song selection screen. The interface is really clean and polished; it really doesn't feel like a "game" at all. There is really no end to Wii Rock Band 2 replay value. There are already close to 500 songs available in the DLC catalog (and all of this will come to the Wii shortly), and new songs are added weekly. Guitar Hero: World Tour can't even begin to compete in this area!!!

Do yourself a favor and go buy Wii Rock Band 2. I loved RB1 on the Wii, and really didn't think I was missing out on much... as it turns out, the additional features in RB2 are really astounding! The solid game play of Rock Band 1 is there... the great music game is completely intact. RB2 adds the "Band" experience: Touring, Band-mate selection, losing fans if you quit a "set" prematurely, battle of the bands, never-ending amounts of fresh content to play, expansive leader boards and band data, even the ability to order posters and figurines of your band!!! Rock Band 2 for the Wii delivers!!

Review from Amazon - Wii Rock Band 2

VIDEO REVIEW - Wii Rock Band 2

USB Microphone Review

2008-12-25T00:02:00.005-05:00

Wii Logitech Vantage USB Microphone

5 out of 5 stars

Wii Logitech Vantage USB Microphone works great with the WII and allows more than one person to sing at the same time.

This mic are cool!
My boogie mic was damaged, so I need another one. This one is better! This one see so cool with my wii. A perfect combination!!

My daughter received Wii Logitech Vantage USB Microphone for her birthday. I have heard no complaints. Only that she will not share w/brother because it is her game. As a former "video queen", I need to start playing these Wii games, so I can give a first hand account of product.

PLUS This mic works flawlessly for my Xbox 360 for use on Rock Band. Rock on!

Review from Amazon - Wii Logitech Vantage USB Microphone

VIDEO - Wii Logitech Vantage USB Microphone

Wii Zapper Review

2008-12-24T22:29:00.004-05:00

Wii Zapper with Link's Crossbow Training

5 out of 5 stars

The combination of the Zapper and Link's Crossbow Training is well worth the $20 I paid. Wii Zapper (which is only a plastic shell for the Wiimote and the Nunchuck) is very sturdy and amazingly well-conceived. The instructions are quite clear on how to insert the Wiimote and the Nunchuck into the Zapper.

Of course the ergonomics of Wii Zapper are odd, with the trigger (the Wiimote B button) being forward vs to the rear like a rifle or shotgun trigger. However, it's a compromise that Nintendo decided it had to make based on its tests on prototypes. That, and the fact that the infrared component of the Wiimote must be to the front.

The bundled game, "Link's Crossbow Training" is multifaceted and exactly what's needed to give the player practice using the Zapper. AND, the game is a lot of fun all by itself.

The bottom line on this is that the combo of the Zapper plus the game Link's Crossbow Training is a must-have (at least for me) and worth the price. Highly recommended.

Review from Amazon - Wii Zapper with Link's Crossbow Training

VIDEO REVIEW - Wii Zapper with Link's Crossbow Training

Wii Net Connect Review

2008-12-24T21:34:00.009-05:00

Wii Net Connect

5 out of 5 stars

I got Wii Net Connectfor my Wii since it was cheaper than setting up a wireless network, and cheaper than the USB Wii Dongle (which costs about as much as a Wireless Router),

I plugged Wii Net Connectinto the back of my Wii, plugged in an Ethernet cable hooked up to my wired router and 2 minutes later I was downloading updates for my Wii.

I have not had any issues with Wii Net Connect, but one thing that might be of concern is that the cat5 Ethernet cable doesn't "lock" into place. It fits snugly, but a tug on the cable can remove it from the adapter. This might be considered a safety feature, since if your foot accidentally snags on your cable it will pull the cable out instead of pulling your Wii off your entertainment stand.

Review from Amazon - Wii Net Connect

VIDEO - How to Set Up Wired Wii Net Connect

VIDEO - How to set up Wireless Wii Net Connect

Perfect Shot Gun Review

2008-12-24T21:13:00.005-05:00

Wii Perfect Shot Gun

5 out of 5 stars

I own the product (unlike the other reviewer) so let me tell you that Wii Perfect Shot Gun is the Wii gun peripheral that has set the standard as the highest in it's class. The Zapper is plagued by it's design to be held with 2 hands to shoot, while this gun can be held with just one hand and you have the option of plugging in the nunchucks for games that require it.

When testing the game with Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles, it is very easy to aim with and the game feels much more fun with the gun (in my opinion this is how Resident Evil:UC was meant to be played). The remote slides in and it is held in place so you don't have to worry about the remote slipping off. For those wondering, there is no slot for the nunchuck (like the Zapper) only a slot for you to connect it so that you can hold onto it with your other hand. It feels like your holding a real gun and it has a sturdy feel to it (of course the color scheme might not represent a real gun, but guess that's a minor drawback and really I think the color scheme is fine as it matches with the Wii). Also Wii Perfect Shot Gun
is priced fairly when compared to other guns available and the other guns are not as good as you can tell from the reviews (exception would be the Zapper since it does come with a game).

I recommend Wii Perfect Shot Gun to anyone who doesn't have a Zapper yet (or for those who have a Zapper and is looking to upgrade or is in need of another gun for multi-player) and has the following games: Medal of Honor Heroes 2, Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles or Ghost Squad and any upcoming games such as House of the Dead 2 & 3 and/or any shooting game supporting the Zapper (not recommended for any other games such as Metroid Prime 3)

Note: The gun features a spring kick back (which is non existent in the Zapper). This feature is important as you can fire more rapidly. Before putting your remote in make sure you take off the wrist strap as it will not fit. Not recommended for game play sessions over 1 hour as your trigger finger will get tired.

Update: Any games that are compatible with the Zapper will use the 'Z' button on the nunchuck instead of pressing 'A'. For those wondering this does not mean you can play Resident Evil 4 or Metroid Prime 3 with the Perfect Shot as it is not "Zapper Compatible" (please check the back of any game box to make sure the game is Zapper compatible or not).

Review from Amazon - Wii Perfect Shot Gun

VIDEO REVIEW - Wii Perfect Shot Gun

Guitar Hero III Review

2008-12-24T18:32:00.002-05:00

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Bundle

5 out of 5 stars

I've never played the previous games in this series but Guitar Hero III is addictive! The Wii remote is easy to tuck into the guitar and the tutorial is pretty easy. Instead of strings you have a bar you push corresponding to how fast the notes move. I've never strummed guitar, my husband has. And I'm thrashing him at this game!

You work you're way up from a garage band, earning money along the way that you can spend in the games store for goodies like new outfits, real songs from around the world, and extra characters. Your current playlist is good with songs everybody knows even if their a poptart. You may even get asked to do an encore! My one gripe is their aren't that many chick songs, at least not on the levels I've played.

If you can find a second guitar remote you can rock head to head, which I plan to do with the spouse. I'll need to find a pink faceplate though. The makers said they'd have alternate fronts, so here's hoping. The guitar/remote is about the size of a eukalalie but still manages to make you feel very boss and you'll suddenly find yourself moving with attitude to the rhythm.

Stop reading and go play Guitar Hero III!!!

Review from Amazon - Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Bundle

VIDEO REVIEW - Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Bundle

Frontman Guitar Review

2008-12-24T18:17:00.001-05:00

Wii Frontman Wireless Guitar

5 out of 5 stars

The Wii Frontman Wireless Guitar for the Wii is an excellent choice if you want a cheaper, good second guitar for your Guitar Hero. It comes already put together. I could not see that the neck detaches (I was too busy playing instead of looking at the neck). Apparently, there are two different color choices. I received the yellow guitar with white and black pick guards. The other option is a white guitar with black and purple pick guards. There is currently no option for color choice on Amazon - what you get is what you get.

The guitar is comparable to the original, the Wii Frontman Wireless Guitaris slightly bigger and slightly heavier. The buttons and strum bar are tight and I feel like it is better quality than the original. The strap feels like it is a bit shorter, but not a big problem. In all, I think I like it better than the original! I would suggest getting it as the second guitar for the co-op mode.

Review from Amazon - Wii Frontman Wireless Guitar

VIDEO REVIEW - Wii Frontman Wireless Guitar

Wii Nerf Sports Pack Review

2008-12-24T17:40:00.002-05:00

Wii Nerf Sports Pack

5 out of 5 stars

I bought this set mainly for my girlfriend who loves Wii sports but sometimes has trouble visualizing which way the wiimote has to face to get the intended reaction. Wii Nerf Sports Pack solved that problem.

I've seen other sets like this available but chose to avoid them (i didn't like the manufacturers). The nerf material in this set is what sold me...its soft yet still firm and it feels great in your hands (not too light or too heavy).

Make sure you give your self even more room to play now.

Review from Amazon - Wii Nerf Sports Pack

VIDEO REVIEW - Wii Nerf Sports Pack

Wii Charge Station Review

2008-12-24T17:11:00.004-05:00

Wii Charge Station

5 out of 5 stars

Picked Wii Charge Stationup the other day....suffice to say they are selling like hotcakes at the Gamestops across the country.

This is a definite purchase for a Wii Owner:

Included in the package is:
Charging Stand
2 Rechargeable Battery Packs
2 Rubberized Battery Covers (Necessary to use)

After unpacking the unit....you see that the rechargeable battery pack slides inthe the Wii Remotes battery compartment with a snap and has a protruding part with the 4 metal contacts for the charging station.....this is why the use of the rubberized battery compartment covers is mandatory as the covers have the hole for access to the battery contacts.

Placing the controllers with everything installed into the Wii Charge Stationinitially worried me as I wasn't sure if I had to remove the Wrist Straps.

Thankfully...you do not have to....there are small grooves on the left and right of the stand for you to lay the Wrist strab connection through.

Charging of the 2 remotes from install took approximately 3-4 hours.....and everything works like a charm and it looks great.

If you have a Wii....buy it....[...] with batteries....not too bad :)

Review from Amazon - Wii Charge Station

VIDEO REVIEW - Wii Charge Station

Wii Nunchuk Controller Review

2008-12-24T16:58:00.003-05:00

Wii Nunchuk Controller

5 out of 5 stars

In martial arts, nunchucks are a pair of short wood rods connected with a chain that ninjas whirl around their bodies :) With the Wii, the Wii Nunchuk Controlleris a single controller held in your off hand.

The nunchuck is not the main controller unit for the Wii. The Wii primarily uses the Wii Remote, shaped like a TV remote, for its functionality. The Wii Nunchuk Controlleris for use in the "other hand" (i.e. your left hand if you're right handed) just for a few games. It plus into the bottom end of the Wii Remote with a cable that's about 2 1/2 feet long. Most of the time, you leave it unplugged and sitting by the console.

For example, in the sports pack that comes with the Wii, only one of the five games uses the nunchuck. This is the boxing game. You use the Wii Nunchuk Controllerto hit with your off hand, just as you use the Wii remote to punch and jab with your primary hand.

The Wii Nunchuk Controllerhas the same motion sensing technology as the Wii remote does, so that you can move your hand around and the game knows what you are doing. The buttons are much simpler - there is a Z big trigger button, a smaller C trigger button above it, and then a joystick up on top. For some games, no buttons are used at all.

The cable length is designed so you don't trip yourself with it :) It's long enough that if you held your hands apart, you could easily ride even a wide-handled bike. It's not long enough that you could put both arms straight out to the left and right, though. I've never had any problems with the cable length hindering me. None of the games require you to have your hands far apart. In boxing, for example, your hands are always near each other and there's plenty of cable length even when you're jabbing.

The Wii Nunchuk Controllerdoesn't need its own power - it plugs into the Wii remote controller when it's in use. So there's no worry about charging up or batteries.

I would definitely have at least one functional nunchuck for my Wii, and if you're really into multiplayer two-handed games like boxing matches, then having two would be important. However, for most gamers, one will probably suffice!

Review from Amazon - Wii Nunchuk Controller

VIDEO REVIEW - Wii Nunchuk Controller

Wii Remote Controller Review

2008-12-24T16:24:00.001-05:00

Wii Remote Controller

5 out of 5 stars

The Wii Remote Controller
is shaped like a standard TV remove, and has motion sensing ability. You wave it around, and your on-screen character waves their wand!

This isn't an add-on controller - this is the actual, standard controller that most if not all games on the Nintendo Wii use as their primary control unit. There is also a "nunchuck" that can be used in your off hand, but many games don't use the nunchuck.

The aim of the Wii was to make gaming as simple and intuitive as possible for the casual non gamer. Pretty much every person with a TV is comfortable using a TV remote. You point, you click. The Wii Remote Controller
works in the same fashion. The motion sensors know what you are doing with the remote. If you're playing a baseball game, you swing at the ball. If you're playing a bowling game, you bring your arm back and swing it forward. Everything "makes sense". A sword swing? A light saber battle? Just move your arm and the character does the same thing.

There are only two buttons that really matter. There's an A button on the front that you push for most operations. There's also a trigger underneath that is the B button. Depending on the game, they will have you use one or the other button. There are also a few other buttons for more complex gaming. There's a D-pad. A "home" button lets you go instantly back to the main Wii menu if you're tired of playing. There's a plus and minus button, a 1 and 2 button. There's even a power button. You don't have to walk over to your Wii any more to turn it on or off. Just hit the power button on the remote and you're all set.

The remote runs on two AA batteries, so there's no USB plugging in or charging up, as with the other systems' remotes. You do get a wrist strap, though, so the Wii Remote Controller
doesn't fly out of your hands while you're doing a super powerful golf swing.

There's even a speaker in the remote! This is great if you're playing a game against another player. Say I'm boxing my boyfriend and I am the winner. *My* remote says that I triumphed, to me. Neat!

I definitely love the Wii Remote Controller. It's light, it's super easy to use, it's intuitive and I can just pop batteries into it when it runs out, instead of having to wait for a recharge. Highly recommended. Just note that if you want to play a game that needs a nunchuck as well, that you have to buy that separately.

Review from Amazon - Wii Remote Controller

VIDEO REVIEW - Wii Remote Controller

Wii Music Review

2008-12-24T16:09:00.001-05:00

Wii Music

5 out of 5 stars

I love the recent string (no pun intended) of musical games coming out from Guitar Hero to Rock Band. Problem is, those kits are flippin' expensive and I'm not too keen on storing either plastic guitars or bulky drum sets. Don't get me wrong, I own them anyway but lugging them to a friend's house is no fun task.

Enter Wii Music.

Wii Music is pantomime meets Rock Band. The bulk of the game revolves around the player mimicking gestures to simulate sound according to the actual song being played as the notes are hit automatically unless the player's timing is off. The player does this up to six different instruments to simulate melody, bass, percussion etc. When the player is done, he or she can make a CD jacket to label the track and make a music video of it. On top of this, there are three minigames.

1: Wii Conductor. Move your arms similar to a conductor to make an orchestra go.
2: Hand bells like the ones some people use in Christmas musicals or church services.
3: Music quiz thingy similar to the memorization game on Wii Play.

That's it! Wii Music, in a nutshell, the entire game.

While the game itself is simplistic, that is also the idea. Nintendo, in it's grand scheme of marketing to the casual gaming audience, has created a very simple, yet elegant, game to allow the player to easily mimic music without real lessons or going nuts while trying to play Through the Fire and Flames on Guitar Hero 3. In doing so, Nintendo has appealed to anyone who desires a musical experience but either A) doesn't have the time to master easy, medium, hard, and extreme mode and/or B) does not have at least $80 to spend on a Guitar Hero set. All that is needed is at least one full Wii remote and nunchuck set although more sets with more players make it more fun.

While up to six instruments may participate in a song, only four players can go at a time although this does not mean the player can record tracks for all six instruments. This means four people at a time can go nuts with over 60 instruments including cowbell (which we all know we need more of), a DJ turntable, recorder, flute, sitar, and much more.

Wii Music is very addicting. My graduate students friends are playing the game in my apartment as I type this, not only having a blast but hogging the darn TV in the process. They're hooked on Ode to Joy, which we arranged with sleigh bells, a flute, and a clarinet. When working on my thesis for more than five hours at a time gnaws at my brain, I love saddling up the Wii and playing Twinkle Twinkle on the piano.

Now, with all the goodies in Wii Music there are a few drawbacks especially with the sound and selected songs. Unlike Guitar Hero, Wii Music's musical selection is mostly derived from the public domain track list. This means it's very generic songs like Twinkle Twinkle, Yankie Doodle, Ode to Joy, and Swan Lake. This constitutes the bulk of the soundtrack. There are a few good licensed songs like September by Earth, Wind, and Fire along with Loco-Motion. The real songs that everyone bought Wii Music to play are the Nintendo mixes like Legend of Zelda and the Mario Bros Theme Song. Unfortunately, there are only seven Nintendo songs and of that only three are any good (the aforementioned two and F Zero Mute City).

The soundtrack could have been soooo much better even with more licensed songs by Nintendo such as Castlevania, Star Fox, Metroid, and Paperboy. Anything would've been better than the ragtag bunch of songs from Europe that were used. Not to mention they could've used some greater public domain songs like Greensleeves or Battle Hymn of the Republic.

The next con is the sound itself. While the majority of the woodwinds and drums sound magnificent, several other instruments do not. The most notable bad sounding instruments are the trumpet, saxophone, violin, and viola. Don't even get me started on the more... interesting instruments like the cheerleader, the black belt, cat and dog suit, and the rapper. Those wacky things seemed to have carried over from Mario Paint despite a 15 year gap. While having an all-male cheerleading squad sing the Legend of Zelda theme song was disturbingly amusing, I would never be so bold as to show that in public.

The only other cons are basic Nintendo ones such as the use of weird instructional characters. The Maestro instructor looks and talks like a more flamboyant homosexual version of Beaker from the Muppets. The other issue is how the remote distinguishes movement for the cursor and that of the instrument itself. It can get very annoying but I find that if I want to switch, just hold the remote in front of the TV for two seconds and the cursor switches over from the instrument.

All in all, Wii Music is a really fun game for the whole family and your friends if you've consumed enough alcohol... seriously. I give it a solid A- as it fully utilizes the Wii interface but lacks in some sound and musical selection issues. It's too bad you can't really go heavy metal... *sigh* party on Wayne!

Review from Amazon: Wii Music

VIDEO REVIEW - Wii Music

Mario Kart & Wheel Review

2008-12-24T15:43:00.002-05:00

Mario Kart Wii with Wii Wheel

4 out of 5 stars

I feel really torn about this review, because there are elements of this game that are really, really fun and elements that are the bland, boring results of some horrifically awful game design decisions.

Let's start with PROS:

The maps are well-thought and nicely implemented, and there's a reasonable amount of variety, especially when Mirror Mode becomes available.

Controls aren't terrible, even though the wheel can be a bit annoying at times, and the vehicles are all pretty nicely balanced. I can see the merits of using any one of them, really.

It's pretty addicting. My fiancé and I play Mario Kart Wii with Wii Wheel all the time, and haven't really gotten tired of it yet. Though the Battle modes aren't the same as in earlier games, they're still quite a lot of fun.

In fact, multiplayer in general in this game is a lot of fun (though more than two players requires a TV of at LEAST 50 inches, and sometimes the network can be a little spotty if you're playing online, especially when playing with someone on the other side of the continent). Mario Kart Wii with Wii Wheel is a great game to play with other people.

Which leads me to the CONS:

As with the offerings of most developers these days, the game is designed such that over half the playable content is locked, and you have to spend hours or days of your time unlocking it all to actually be able to play it. The concept in itself isn't really that terrible, and if implemented intelligently can add hours or days of fun and enjoyable gameplay. Unlike with, say, Super Smash Bros Brawl, however, Nintendo seemed to be in a frantic gallop to implement unlockables in Kart in the most annoying fashion imaginable.

See, in Brawl, there are multiple options for unlocking characters and content. That is, you don't have to sit there grinding for hours and hours by yourself -- you can play with one or more friends and all have a good time with the game while incidentally unlocking various things in the process. Not so with Mario Kart Wii: Unlockables are an exclusively single-player experience. Of course, since Kart seems to have always been oriented toward multiplayer -- and the Wii seems no different in this respect -- it just gets boring and annoying and frustrating to have to SIT THERE FOR HOURS BY YOURSELF UNLOCKING THINGS.

And this is my biggest gripe with the game. I adore playing it with other people, and like I said, it's a great multiplayer game. But whenever I sit down for a lengthy grind session to unlock the last few bikes and karts and characters, I can feel my interest in the game drain away and my frustration and rage explode like some kind of nuclear doomsday device.

It's not that I suck at video games, but the random chance that makes multiplayer races fun (like getting hit with FIVE BLUE SHELLS IN A SINGLE RACE) can result in your having to play the same sets of courses ten times apiece to unlock some bike. And when you're playing on your own, the whole "SKILL DOESN'T MATTER - RANDOM LUCK WILL EVEN THE SCORE" element of the game just becomes infuriating. It's fun when your friend does it, but when some computer does it, all they're doing is forcing you to ceaselessly replay the same courses by screwing you up and keeping you from placing first or whatever else it is you need to do to unlock whatever random object.

It quickly stops being fun when it's just AIs being jerks and needlessly robbing you of your time -- time that could otherwise be spent playing with a friend instead of marrying yourself to unlocking over half the game's content and in the process becoming so skilled a player that your friends don't even want to really play with you anymore because you always win.

In summary, good game, but really, really a step in the wrong direction with the unlockables. Next time, Nintendo should really consider throwing in some multiplayer alternatives.

Review from Amazon: Mario Kart Wii with Wii Wheel

VIDEO REVIEW - Mario Kart Wii/Steering Wheel

Wii Skin Review

2008-12-24T00:30:00.001-05:00

5 out of 5 stars

Bought several styles of these. My kids like them. They are not for protection at all, just for looks. We use them to tell whose controller is whose.

Review from Amazon

VIDEO - Nintendo Wii Remote Controller Skins