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Wand
Score: 96%
Developer: Nyko
Device Type: Controller


Function:

Nyko's Wand is an alternative to Nintendo's packaged Wii controller that not only handles all of the functionality of the first-party device, but it can also be had at a cheaper price.

The Wand makes a few alterations to the Wii-mote's design like bigger D-pad, (A), (1) and (2) buttons and a softer grip over the battery case, but for the most part, the device behaves just like a standard Wii-mote.

Another slight alteration, that while subtle seemed pretty effective, was the fact that the controller's Home button was actually recessed, making it harder to accidentally tap that button while reaching for the (+) and (-) ones and breaking any flow you might have while in the middle of a fight or otherwise intense part of a game.

There is another benefit to the Wand besides the lower price point and bigger buttons, and that is the promise of Trans-Port Technology. While there have been a wide variety of shells and cradles to slip your Wii-mote into since the system's release, they pretty much all fall into one category. They hold the Wii-mote in place and either use the port at the bottom of the controller to send Nunchuck-like signals to the game, or they simply expose the buttons but allow you to easily hold the controller in whatever manner is best for the game (i.e. a steering wheel, a tennis racket). Nyko's Trans-Port Technology seems to take things a bit farther by using some extra contacts built into the Wand to digitally send various Wii-mote signals. A good example of this is the gun attachment that doesn't just expose the (B) button as the trigger, but provides a real-feeling trigger that sends the (B) signal to the controller and the game... theoretically this will make the gameplay feel much better, but since we don't have any Trans-Port accessories as yet, we can't really report on the quality of this feature.


Performance:

Nyko's Wand stands up well and seems to be just as responsive as the first-party controller. I didn't notice any differences in battery life or interactions with various peripherals. In fact, I thought I would catch this slightly-differently-shaped Wii-mote replacement in how well it fit in those various controller cradles and shells I mentioned above. Instead, the Wand fits snugly in everything from the steering wheel that came with Mario Kart, to the lightsaber knockoffs put out by ThrustMaster. What I felt was best, and can only be expected, was how well the Wand worked with the Nyko Charge Station. In fact, the Wand had a much more solid feeling fit on the Charge Station, which always required a bit of wiggling in order to get the contacts seated properly.

Features:
  • Full Compatibility with All Wii Software
  • Trans-Port Technology Allows for Use of Custom Shells and Accessories
  • Accelerometer for Full Motion Control Gameplay
  • CMOS Camera for Pointer/Cursor Functionality
  • Play Wirelessly up to 20 Feet Away From the Console
  • Enlarged Buttons and Re-designed D-pad Allow for Convenient Horizontal Play
  • Powerful Speaker Provides Instant Audio Feedback
  • Full Rumble Support
  • Unique Aesthetic Design
  • Rubberized Battery Cover for Optimal Grip
  • Padded Silicone for Additional Protection and Safety

Drawbacks & Problems::

I can't really think of any complaints for the Wand. It behaves as advertised, and if nothing else, doesn't do anything worse than the first-party Wii-mote. The only issues that could really be found are how the rearranged and shaped buttons fit in the various protective sleeves out there.

There is one other detail I feel needs mentioning. It appears that early versions of this product had problems using Nintendo's Wii MotionPlus. Nyko reports that this is due to the Wand using the wrong firmware. If you get the Wand and you find that the MotionPlus isn't behaving as expected, use the link below to find out how to contact Nyko about the issue. At the time of this writing, they will be able to upgrade your firmware at no cost to you.

Like I said above, I don't see any real faults in the Nyko Wand. Provided the Trans-Port Technology works as advertised, and you don't end up having problems with the MotionPlus, the Wand is the perfect, cheaper, replacement to the standard Wii-mote. Though, if you are willing to spend a few more dollars, then you might want to check out Nyko's Wand+ which has the MotionPlus capabilities built in. We hope to report on the Wand+ soon, so keep your eyes peeled for that review.


-J.R. Nip, GameVortex Communications
AKA Chris Meyer

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