411 Games Product Review: Nyko Wand+

Posted by Adam Larck on 09.07.2010

Nyko has added Motion Plus features into its Wand controller. However, is it a better option than a Wii Remote? Find out inside.



In 2009, Nyko finally put the first third part controller out for the Wii called the Wand. The Wand was supposed to be a cheap alternative to the Wii Remote that offered everything the Remote did.

Now that the MotionPlus add-on has been released for the Wii, Nyko has updated the Wand to have the MotionPlus built into it. Calling the new controller Wand+, it’s still being offered as a cheaper alternative than buying both a controller and MotionPlus. Does cheaper equal better though?

In the case of the Wand+, it really seems like it. The Wand+ calibrates like other games requiring the MotionPlus, and has the full 1:1 movement tracking games such as Red Steel 2 and Wii Sports Resort need. While the controller may weigh slightly heavier than a normal Wii Remote, the controller is lighter than the combined Remote/MotionPlus, and is the same size as just a regular Remote.

During my time with the games I played that need MotionPlus, I noticed no difference between the controllers. The Wand+ functions exactly like the Remote/MotionPlus does. After calibrating it, the controller follows your motions great.

Getting away from talking about the MotionPlus addition, the controller has a bit more of a square look than a normal Remote. Except for the + and – buttons, most buttons have a square look to them. In addition to this, the D-pad has a square built into it to try and make it smoother moving around in games that need the controller to be held horizontally. However, given how few Wii games actually use the D-pad, this feature may not be noticed or needed by most people.

Another feature that’s different on the controller is that the B button on the back is made of rubber for better grip by fingers when using it. It does feel nice while using to shoot, but the button seems to have a harder click when using it then compared to a regular Wii Remote. While it still functions just as good, it’s just noticeable that the click is louder than a normal Remote.

When compared to a regular Wii Remote, the controller offers a louder sound coming from the controller, along with a better rumble. The power button is located on the right side instead of the left like on other Remotes, and the Nunchuk and any other features that may be added to the Remote can be plugged in as well at the bottom of the Wand+.

While all of these things may be good points for the Wand+, probably the best selling point for the controller is its price. Costing only $39.99, the controller cost the same amount as the Wii Remote without the MotionPlus, and is $15 cheaper than the controller/Motion Plus bundle that can currently be bought.

The 411:

The Wand+ does exactly what it says it does: provides MotionPlus support without actually needing a MotionPlus add-on. For Wii gamers needing just the add-on, they may want to get the MotionPlus to save a bit of money. However, Wii owners needing to get a new controller ought to check out Nyko’s new Wii controller. For the same price as a Wii Remote, players can get a controller that will last for a while as more games start needing the MotionPlus.

Graphics	0.0
Gameplay	0.0
Sound	0.0
Lasting Appeal	0.0
Fun Factor	0.0
Overall	8.0   [ Very Good ]