Was the Wiimote a good controller?

Well we still got some time to burn before Gamescom kicks off tonight, and a few more hours until I can finally get my hands on Wukong.

So this brings me to my question for today: what did you think of the Wiimote?

Did you like the waggle controls? Did you see the potential it could bring for FPS games as showcased in that infamous Redsteel E3 showcase?

Did you have a fun time playing Wii Sports and Skyward Sword?

Or are you like me and do you prefer simplified controls for platformers like Super Mario Galaxy or Donkey Kong Country?

What are your thoughts on the Wiimote, the nunchuck and Wii motion plus?

No, enough said.

I hated the fact most of the games didn't allow use of the pro controller. I hated that Wii mote it was Nintendo's worst controller in my opinion.

Well put.

On the other hand I'm thinking: it was a step stone to VR controllers we have now.

Yeah the list of pro controller supporting games is a short list indeed.

@R4gn4r0k:

The Wiimote was definitely a game-changer when it launched. I enjoyed the innovation of waggle controls and the potential they showcased for immersive gameplay, like in the Redsteel E3 demo. Wii Sports and Skyward Sword were a blast, with the motion controls adding a fun, interactive element to the experience.

However, I also appreciate simplified controls for platformers like Super Mario Galaxy and Donkey Kong Country. They felt more precise and intuitive for those genres. Overall, the Wiimote, nunchuck, and Wii MotionPlus offered a unique gaming experience, blending motion controls with traditional gameplay. What about you—did you have a favorite way to use them?

Not really. I only liked it for No More Heroes and pseudo light gun games like RE: Umbrella Chronicles

Suckiest thing ever crated for VG play. :P

Found the project Natal fan^

Nope, you just found the nuttin but the facts mam. :P

Eyetoy > project natal

Straight facts homeboy.

Kinect >>>>>>> both Wiimote and Eyetoy scooter.

I use Kinect, wiimote and playstation move at the same time.

Fight me.

Big deal, what are you doing with your lefthand?

Bite me.

I mean... I liked it. Wasn't always the best implemented. But for the games that worked, it was great.

Remember the Wii was my netflix machine for years. Hardly brought any games on the system.

Yeah man, I can definitely think of fun examples that had a unique playstyle.

Wii sports was a great time with family and friends as it leveled gaming to a place where everyone could have fun.

When I think of modern controllers. I mean gamers like us use these blind, but we were eased into them thanks to 8 and 16 bit controllers. For non-gamers the modern controller is a big hurdle.

I only got Netflix a few years ago (late to the party, but several of my friends still haven't gotten into streaming to this day). But I definitely remember quite a few people using their Wii for Netflix.

They made it work quite well for some things. That's about the only praise I can give. I enjoyed the controls for some games, and for other games they were just frustrating and in the way.

WiiSports was fun. Wouldn't want to play it with a regular controller.

Donkey Kong Country Returns was also fun, but those tacked on motion controls were just annoying. Waggle to roll? Come on bruh. Rolling is extremely important in the game, and to sometimes have the waggle fail or trigger at the wrong time was a terrible experience. Feels like Nintendo forced RetroStudios to include motion controls, so they just hastily slapped it onto something. Coupled with not letting players change the controls, of course.

Other than that, I think the wiimote and nunchuck were comfortable to hold and the buttons were pretty nice.

Didn't use the wii motion plus much. Didn't like Skyward Sword, and the other game I tried it in was the sequel to WiiSports. Couldn't tell much of a difference between motion plus and regular.

Best Nintendo controller for me is still the GameCube's. Sturdy, comfortable and an innovative button layout that I really wish they'd adopt again, and more companies to do as well. It's just way more comfortable to me than the regular diamond button layout. Also, since I constantly go from using Xbox to Nintendo controllers, I sometimes press Y when I should press X, etc. On a GC controller, that doesn't happen since all the buttons have different shapes.

Still waiting for 8BitDo to craft the ultimate wireless GC controller for PC..

Only games I can remember enjoying the motion controls were Wii sports and red steel 1 and 2.

@Litchie: Very interesting read!

There's two modern controllers that come to mind.

A) the Retro Fighters BattlerGC

B) Nyxi Warrior controller

I'm actually surprised when I shop for Gamecube replica controllers, just how many there are. People really loved this controller.

@R4gn4r0k: That picture of the giant Wiimote is from the soon-to-be-open Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, Japan. Nintendo posted a Nintendo Museum Direct yesterday.

My god I hated it.

@onesiphorus: I nerd all over this stuff, thanks for sharing!

@R4gn4r0k: I've been on a hunt and I've probably seen every one there is. I'm not fully happy with any of them. They always some form of negative, like being weirdly shaped, having plastic-y or odd feeling buttons, wrong joysticks, bad d-pads or something.

What I want is basically this with a GC button layout. Since other companies have at least tried, I'm just waiting for 8BitDo now.. Everything that company does is good, so if they were to make a GC controller, I'd get it day 1.

I mean Hyperkin has been bringing back old Xbox controllers, I would totally be up for another company bringing back Gamecube controllers, one that has the expertise.

I think the last - and third party - gamecube controller I saw sold was the one that came with Super Smash Bros Brawl. I can't remember exactly who made it, but I came across it a few times.

And yeah the controller needs to be right in every way. The Nyxi for example, it doesn't have that Nintendo feel because the membrane is different, and it also doesn't have those special triggers that Gamecube is famous for (pump up my liquid, Mario).

If you ever come across a worthy substitute, be sure to share it with me.

As an aside, have you looked into those adapters that accept Gamecube controllers and output to USB?

Will fucking do.

Yeah, and it works well. But reason why I want 8BitDo to make a new GC controller is to get the extra buttons that are needed for modern games. Only one Z button doesn't fly today and it needs clickable joysticks too. Then you'll also get the extra bells and whistles like the rechargable battery and bluetooth support. I don't need a perfect replica of the GC controller, it's mostly the button layout I want. Would they just take their latest Ultimate controller and change the four face buttons to GC layout, that's enough for me, day 1 buy.

@Litchie: Couldn't agree more, like every controller just has the same layout. Would kill for an oversized A button:

Not dissing these controllers, but it's all the same.

I liked it for wii sports

...other than that no.

It worked well for Excite Truck, Super Paper Mario, Mario Galaxy, Elebits, No More Heroes, Wii Sports Resort, and it's my preferred way to play RE4 and Metroid Prime. I waited for Move support to play RE5 because I wanted the best experience. I only wish RE6 supported it too.

It wasn't great for every game, but some games used it very well.

I also liked when games used it for a simplified control scheme with just a D-Pad and 2 buttons. Very nostalgic, and accessible, not everything needs complex controls.

I didn't really have a problem with it, done it's job.

Indifferent.

Didn't mind the Wii mote, was a good controller.

I loved it for Rodea the Sky Soldier, Metroid Prime Trilogy, and Galaxy 1&2.

It's a bad controller by pretty much every metric.

Certainly had its moments. It bridged the gap to non-gamers and older folks.

Motion controls are just not good in most cases, evidenced by the fact that Nintendo ditched it for the Wii U.

@pyro1245: They didn't ditch it with the Wii U though. Several games on the platform had optional capabilities if not required it, especially with BC on the platform.

@R4gn4r0k: Nintendo brings back GCN controllers every Smash game since Wii U. Gotten a couple of those myself since. And play GCN games with them as I think Smash is fine with the traditional layout.

It was “ok”. Nintendo usually put it to pretty good use in their games especially the Super Mario Galaxy games.

@nintendoboy16: playing smash on my Gamecube is peak 2000s for me lol.

I hope to see a new Smash, but especially a new Mario Kart on Switch 2.

@girlusocrazy: Good list of games here. Wii is still the definitive place to play RE4.

I like the wiimote. There were a lot of developers who never figured out how to implement it properly, but things worked well for the few who did. For example, most racing games sucked on Wii, but then Excite Truck/Bots showed motion controls could work well... IF you built the game around them. Not just substitute motions for button presses.

Pandora's Tower was a good action/adventure game where the primary chain weapon was built around the wiimote's capabilities. Even had a traditional controller option that was noticeably worse.

It was a good first stab at the idea. Very interesting. It definitely had jank. The sensor (especially in the launch wiimote) was a bit iffy at times. The sensor in the nunchuck was a write off.

But the pointer functionality (sorely missed) was brilliant. With WM+, the motion controls really did shine. The idea of a split controller is also something I which someone would look at again. The 2 Wii sports are required playing basically (especially Resort. The sword fighting in that is class). Red steel was janky at launch...but interesting janky. Red Steel 2 was fantastic. Metroid Prime 3 was brilliant. Drawing in Okami.....super quick. The painted background barely loads before I have a bomb drawn. Loads more interesting games on the system as developer had to think outside the box.

I think the only 2 games I played on the wii, where I chose or wanted a normal controller, were Monster Hunter tri and Xenoblade.

I really wish the Wiiu was the Wii 2. The controller had a lot of room for improvement and expansion. Improved sensors, higher polling rate, A scroll wheel in the nunchuck. Maybe a dual stage trigger in the wiimote. Couple more buttons. Wireless connection between the wiimote and nunchuck (or maybe both connect directly to the console). It could have been an absolute weapon.

The standard controller, imho, is long past it and is in bad need of an overhaul. The xbox/PS controller is basically perfect for what it is...but it's also really limiting. The functionality hasn't been enhanced since the PS2 gen really. It's pretty shocking to be honest. Not even flappy paddle buttons are standard. And WHY DO WE NOT HAVE A BEEPING SCROLL WHEEL IN 2024!? It's ridiculous. MS in particular should be hanging their head in shame. Their current controller is a joke.

.....Go dam the console industry needs a new Wii (By which i mean a spanner thrown in the works).

@osan0: There have been improvements, but like you say, it needs to be standard.

Having different abilities on the trigger based on whether you do a half press or full press, or increasing tension so the travel on the trigger can let you be more precise on how far you're pushing it down can allow for some more options, gyro can allow for aiming or the angle of your vehicle like Excite Truck, and more buttons like back buttons can help too.

Feedback like haptics or shoulder button motor use like in Forza can help you respond to physical feedback to react more quickly to situations.

Some of these are standard on some controllers, but when not all of them have it then it's mostly exclusives that will take advantage. Many developers will only design their game around the lowest common denominator.

Maybe next gen more of these will be standard, and we could also see other new ideas that try to make a case for becoming standard.

I wish more platforms had a one handed pointer style controller like the Wii remote and we could see more use where it makes sense. Maybe the Switch 2 will have an RE4 Remake port with motion controller support, that would be cool.

@girlusocrazy: If the big 3 could get together and actually agree on at least new functionality as standard on a next gen controller....that would be really good. Implementation details could be left up to each manufacturer. But the core functionality is set and developers can safely assume it's there.

e.g. 4 new buttons to be added. They could be flappy paddle buttons. There could be 8 buttons on the faceplate instead of 4 (that's gonna be a lot of buttons on the face mind). Whatever. But developers can assume there will be 4 more buttons on next gen controllers as standard.

Or a scroll wheel. Again clickable scroll wheel will be the functionality. But it could be a physical scroll wheel like that found on a mouse. Or it could be a mini laptop trackpad shaped like a button on the shoulder. But again developer can assume that next gen controllers have scroll wheel functionality.

And Gyro as standard...that should be done already. Get with the program MS.

Fat chance of that happening at the moment though :(. Nope. Stick to the standard dinosaur and fart out the same console again: just with more flops. How exciting.

Grrr...lack of controller evolution really grinds my gears.

One of the worst for gaming, and i'd argue the worst from the big 3.

I liked it a lot for the Prime games. So much so that even when I emulate them and can use any controller or mkb, I still use the Wiimote setup.

Thought it was a nice touch for the Galaxy games. Just a quick flick for the spin, the sphere stages were cool.. then again the surfing was iffy and the bird stage(s) suck lol. The games weren't overly reliant on motion controls, and their primary use was consistent and felt good. Can say I prefer these games with the Wiimote, but just slightly. Definitely not like my preference for the Prime games.

Wii Sports dope.

Aside from that, was surprised how comfy a split control setup could be.

Not a concept that needs to return, but I thought it was fine. I am glad that Nintendo kept gyro for the Switch. Wack af for stuff like those rotating "puzzle" gimmicks in the new Zeldas, but enjoyable enough when put to more simple use.

@R4gn4r0k: And VR is crap so they both go hand in hand.

@ConanTheStoner: The 2nd player "helper" mode was nice for kids too. Collecting star bits and stunning enemies.

No, it was absolute trash. So much that it can't be considered a controller, it's a remote.

I felt that while the original Wiimote was inaccurate, the Wiimote Plus that came after improves on its accuracy. I am still puzzled why Nintendo did not use the Wiimote Plus technology before the Wii's launch in 2006 as the Wiimote's perspective would have been different than the one it received.

As for the Wiimote itself, only a video game company like Nintendo would invent something like it. Would Microsoft or Sony would invent something unique like it instead of imitate it?

It was great for certain types of games. For example:

Wii Sports

Motion control games

Light gun shooters

Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition

But otherwise, it wasn't ideal for more traditional games. RE4 was the exception to the rule, as the game had stop-and-shoot mechanics like a light gun shooter. Wii Edition is my favourite version of RE4.

The controller itself was great, but unfortunately only few games took advantage of it. Warioware: Smooth Moves and Super Mario Galaxy could not have been done with conventional controllers.

Some games weren’t bad with it. Motion games didn’t always work well. Used as a pointer wasn’t always bad. Used for balance, like Super Monkey Ball worked well.