The Wii: Which Controller?
The Wii has led a gaming revolution since its release, turning many well established gaming elements on their head, not least of which is the controller. The Wii is famous for the now iconic Wiimote and Nunchuk, heralding a new age of gaming interactivity. However, the prospect of utilising a new control system after years upon years of the joypad can be a little tricky.
For example, the Wii's initial "Wii Remote"(or "WiiMote") may be excellent for first-person shooters and racing games, but does not handle so well with genres such as fighting, where the player is often forced to quickly pull off a series of complex actions in a short amount of time.
So, in total, there are four controller setups: WiiMote, WiiMote & Nunchuk, GameCube Controller, and Classic Controller.
The WiiMote was the original setup. Its a one-hand motion-sensing controller that is often used for puzzle and party games, as well as racing games and some sports. For each of these, the controller is held in a different position.
The Wiimote is essentially utilized as an extension of oneself and to mimic your own movements. For example, in sports games one would swing the Wiimote in the exact way one would a real racket, or for bowling the player would mimic the action of throwing the ball and the remote would respond.
The Nunchuk is a control stick attachment that also features motion-sensing. Whilst the nunchuk is used to essentially steer the player, the Wiimote is utilized to cover the majority of actions, including looking, aiming and shooting.
Other games featured on the Wii favour a more classic style of control, and in this the Wii borrows the Gamecube controller from Nintendo's earlier console. This (and the classic controller) are generally favoured by the more die hard lovers of the classic gaming style.
Yet another option in a Wii controller is the "Classic Controller". The Classic does not feature motion-sensing, but does have dual control sticks (rather like that of the Playstation) as well as basically all the button configurations that the Gamecube controller features. As with the GameCube controller, the Classic is not wireless.
With plans to utilize new technology to make even those controllers still bound to wires into wireless appliances, Nintendo will succeed in mastering the plethora of controllers they offer to the public.
So whether you prefer the comfort of the familiar or the excitement of the new, The Wii's controllers offer you whatever you want!