-Hey, what's going on everyone?
I'm Jeff Bakalar for CNET.com, and today, we've got a first look at the Nyko Wand Plus controller for the Nintendo Wii.
Now, Nyko first debuted the Wand controller at CES 2009, and they introduced something called Transport Technology, which basically allows for Wii button controls and commands to be sent through the bottom Nunchuk port.
Now, after the release of Wii Motion Plus last summer,
Nyko took it upon themselves to incorporate Wii Motion Plus into the actual controller.
So here, you don't need that little $20 accessory by Nintendo to get Motion Plus to use when you're playing a motion-controlled game.
Now, it's a little heavier than what you're probably used to, but nothing that's really gonna hurt your arm or anything like that.
In our testing, we found it to perform just like a normal Wii controller with the Motion Plus attachment.
And for $40, the same price as an original Wii remote, you're getting a $60 value essentially.
Not a lot of things have changed since the original Wand.
What they did was they took the controller and covered it in a black, matted, sort of rubberized coating, which we really like.
It feels great when you're holding it.
Also on the back is still that iconic ribbed battery door which we really like, along with the B-Trigger that has the same sort of coating.
It's great for playing games.
And, you're not gonna notice any difference from playing Wii-Motion-Plus-compatible games.
With that said, the D-Pad is still kinda flimsy like it was on the original Wand.
And, you know, we actually do prefer the old D-Pad on the original Wii remote over this.
But, for $40, you're getting a much better value; definitely recommend it if you're looking for a new Wii remote controller.
Don't buy the old Nintendo one.
Get yourself one that has Motion Plus built in for just $40.
I'm Jeff Bakalar for CNET.com, and this has been a first look at the Nyko Wand Plus.
