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MiniMote
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Score: 73%
Developer: Snakebyte
Device Type: Controller
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Function:Controllers continue to be a big part of how people show their unique identity on game consoles. Mostly the custom controllers are just cosmetic, but a few have unique features that set them apart. The snakebyte MiniMote is unique in that it is a tiny, working replica of the standard Wii-mote. The working pieces of the standard remote are all here, just in a smaller package. We tested a blue model, but other colors may eventually be available. The color and the placement of lights along the bottom of the snakebyte MiniMote makes this something that will stand out before kids even realize it is crafted for their smaller hands. Adults or older children may even find themselves drawn to the snakebyte MiniMote for its sheer portability. Imagine a fully functional Wii Remote that is about the size of a large pepper shaker, and you get the idea. |
| Performance:The first question we had after a visual inspection was whether the placement of the (1) and (2) buttons would have any impact on our gameplay experience. Rather than being placed vertically along the length of the controller, the snakebyte MiniMote chose to put these numbered buttons side by side. When you hold the snakebyte MiniMote sideways, in the classic NES-style that is common for download titles, this puts the numbered buttons on the vertical, instead of side by side as they would be normally. With something like Kirby's Epic Yarn that makes frequent use of both buttons, we had no trouble adapting. The D-pad was a different story, because it falls in the normal spot but felt less responsive than on Nintendo's hardware. The motion controls don't take advantage of MotionPlus, so you can't get the fine control that comes bundled in with some aftermarket versions of the Wii-mote, like Nyko's Wand. Otherwise, all the normal functions are here, including the plug out to use the Nunchuk, the built-in speaker, and the rumble. |
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Features:
- Reduced in Size by 25%
- Designed for Both Kids and Adults
- ECO Mode for Extended Battery Life
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Drawbacks & Problems::As mentioned about the lack of MotionPlus and the D-pad, snakebyte MiniMote feels in every way like an inferior knock-off of its Nintendo cousin. Even the vibration has a rough feel to it, and actually buzzes the controller in a way that your house-mates will notice across the room. We don't think the gesture control was on par with larger controllers, but it was good enough to satisfy kids playing most games targeting younger players. Getting into more complex games, we'd imagine the kids are older and come equipped with bigger paws, so snakebyte MiniMote won't be as important. The only reason to use this for an adult or older child is just the novelty factor. That said, if you have a younger gamer in the house, snakebyte MiniMote provides the means to expand your system without sinking as much money into a fancier peripheral. Especially if arcade, NES-style gaming is what your child does 80% of the time, snakebyte MiniMote provides all the functionality needed in a package that will be instantly endearing to younger players. |
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-Fridtjof, GameVortex Communications AKA Matt Paddock |
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