Wii MotionPlus
Manufacturer: Nintendo Part number: rvlagl1
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Bottom Line:
- Wii MotionPlus definitely provides some impressive moments in gaming; we just wish it was incorporated in the original Wii remote.
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CNET editors' review
Wii MotionPlus price range: $17.96 - $24.99
- Reviewed by: Jeff Bakalar
- Reviewed on: 07/21/2009
- Released on: 06/05/2009
The good: Allows for 1:1 movement onscreen for Wii games that support it; bundled with some titles.
The bad: Another accessory to buy; makes Wii remote longer; won't work with older Wii games.
The bottom line: Wii MotionPlus definitely provides some impressive moments in gaming; we just wish it was incorporated in the original Wii remote.
When Nintendo announced Wii MotionPlus at last year's E3 2008 press conference, it certainly raised a few eyebrows. First off, we wondered why this technology wasn't included in the original Wii remote to begin with. With the device debuting so late in the console's lifespan, would every game be able to take advantage of MotionPlus?
Wii MotionPlus was released back in June, but Nintendo did not have any first-party games available at the time to show off the new technology. Instead, we were left with third-party titles that did. Now that we're able to get our hands on Wii Sports Resort--the title Nintendo is launching MotionPlus with--we have a much better idea of what it's like playing with the attachment. It's tough to make a final judgment on MotionPlus, as you'll have no choice but to use it if you want to play certain games. Instead, all we can do is talk about how it feels and whether or not it does a better motion sensing job.
All you'll find in the packaging is the plastic piece and a new rubber sleeve to accommodate the Wii remote's new length. Wii MotionPlus itself is only about a square inch and easily hooks on to your Wii remote using two prongs. When inserted, you'll slide the rear lock switch so it won't fall out during gameplay. A plastic trap door sits at the base of the device so that you can also hook in your nunchuk controller.
Using the MotionPlus attachment occasionally felt a bit clunky. It does add a noticeable length to the Wii remote. If you turn it horizontally, it makes hitting the "1" and "2" buttons very difficult. Let's just hope there are no MotionPlus games out there that will require you to play in horizontal mode.
As far as we can tell, MotionPlus does not noticeably affect battery life on the Wii remote. Unfortunately, most older Wii rechargeable docking stations won't accommodate the remote's new shape--you'll most likely have to remove MotionPlus before you recharge. That said, we really liked the Energizer 2X Induction Charge Station, which is able to charge a Wii remote with MotionPlus attached.
For the most part, it does offer an impressive 1:1 representation of your movements onscreen. We tested the game out with two early games that can use it: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 and Grand Slam Tennis. We'll get to our testing with Wii Sports Resort later.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 seems to only use MotionPlus for performing draw and fade shots. During your backswing, you need to twist your wrist left or right in order to make the ball slice. A meter appears onscreen (unique to those with the accessory) that measures the slight movements in your grip of the Wii remote.
We couldn't tell the difference between actual swinging, however. It seemed the Wii remote was just as accurate in detecting our pullback regardless of whether or not MotionPlus was attached.
During our testing with Grand Slam Tennis, the MotionPlus control was even less impressive. Sure, our player's racket was moving perfectly with our Wii remote before a serve, but that control didn't translate well during actual gameplay. In fact, we found that MotionPlus made the game even harder to play. When we took off the device, we had a much easier time keeping the ball in play.
When it was time to try out Wii Sports Resort, we instantly realized what Nintendo had in mind for the new technology. For example, the opening scene of the game lets you control your skydiving Mii character with the Wii remote. We turned and twisted the remote, with our Mii mimicking our movements onscreen.
Table Tennis is surprisingly accurate--the game interprets top and back spin impressively and even allows you to fade the ball. Archery is another sport where MotionPlus shines; you'll be awed by the realistic feeling of pulling back on the bow.
It's perhaps the Frisbee game that displays MotionPlus' true potential. You'll have fun watching your Mii character with the 1:1 replication before you toss the disc. While it does take some getting used to, the simulation does a very accurate job of allowing you to aim and toss a Frisbee into a bull's-eyed area.
Not everything in Sports Resort shows off the capabilities of MotionPlus. The rehashed bowling game appears to have nothing more than a cosmetic overhaul.
As we touched on earlier, it is difficult to give Wii MotionPlus a buy/do-not-buy recommendation. While you may not love the way it feels in your hand, you'll be forced to use it if you want to play games like Wii Sports Resort and the upcoming Ubisoft sequel Red Steel 2.
At the end of the day, the value and innovation MotionPlus can potentially provide will lie in the hands of the developers who program for it. It appears the technology will open up a wide range of uses, so we'll just have to see how it is eventually applied.
Priced at $20, you'll most likely only feel the monetary burden should you choose to purchase additional units, since games like Wii Sports Resort come with the accessory bundled inside. However there is no denying, it does tack some cash onto the cost of owning a Wii, the console that is generally regarded as the most affordable to own.
Sure we'd like to see MotionPlus built-in to a new Wii remote, but Nintendo has yet to mention anything like that is in development.
User reviews
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Waste of plastic
by animeman59 on July 22, 2009
Pros: Does add a more realistic range of movement to the wiimote's waggle
Cons: Not enough games to support. Not enough future games announced to actually use the feature. Adds unnecessary bulk to the otherwise perfect wiimote. Expensive, especially with four controllers.
Summary: I actually took one apart to see how much hardware this thing has, and I gotta say, why couldn't Nintendo just make another wiimote? This thing adds unnecessary length ...
Summary: I actually took one apart to see how much hardware this thing has, and I gotta say, why couldn't Nintendo just make another wiimote? This thing adds unnecessary length to the controller and makes side scrollers and other titles that use the horizontal orientation a pain to control. It's a hassle to keep unplugging the attachemnent for the majority of games that don't use it. They could have easily just added the hardware to the wiimote without making the controller bigger (the inside of the wiimote has very small components with plenty of room). Not only that, but at $20 a pop, the wii is now becoming a console that is more expensive that it's counterparts will all the necessary accessories. I hope that Nintendo makes future bundles that includes the motionplus with every wiimote along with the nunchuk.
2 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fun addition to the Wii!!!
by austinjason74 on October 27, 2009
Pros: Really adds true to life movement within the games. I found that the added length was almost a welcome part to the controller, it made it very easy to handle and balanced out the controller for some of the new games.
Cons: The price was a little high.
Summary: I was lucky to find this at Costco in a bundle that came with Wii Sports Resort and 2 Wii Motion Plus accessories for under $50. This was the cheapest ...
Summary: I was lucky to find this at Costco in a bundle that came with Wii Sports Resort and 2 Wii Motion Plus accessories for under $50. This was the cheapest that I had found them. I am very glad that I ended up purchasing them and have really enjoyed them.
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Truly Amazing!
by hoops5000 on September 27, 2009
Pros: True 1:1 control is breath taking. when you first try it, you will be astounded at its accuracy.
Cons: Makes the wii remote longer and it dosn't work with older games.
Summary: I think its definitely worth the $20. It adds a whole new level to wii games.
Summary: I think its definitely worth the $20. It adds a whole new level to wii games.
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In such a competitive market acce$$ory's cost to much.
by Josan11 on August 28, 2009
Pros: Hopefully, some realistic feel to games like Archery and 1:1 movement in New releases.
Drop the price, or give us Original purchasers a reason to stay with the CONCEPT of the console, which was it's biggest selling point to begin with.Cons: Wii won't continue to spend for outdated tiltles/games, and the poorer graphics that Wii has verses the other consoles. Hurry up and Catch-up, with Motion plus sensitive titles, new Games. The controller is getting a tad big. In a word-Streamline!
Summary: After writing this I'm starting to wonder why I purchased the Wii in the first place. But I still must give props for Fitness, and the overall concept of ...
Summary: After writing this I'm starting to wonder why I purchased the Wii in the first place. But I still must give props for Fitness, and the overall concept of the Console, which is why I bought it in the first place. New Titles, better graphics with more storage, start incorporating technology already there into the Original console and let the dynamics of the Wii's strongest selling point keep it in line with the competition. That being the Immersion into the game itself.
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Love it for the most part!
by crispie764 on August 25, 2009
Pros: Wii Sports Resort and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10. Tiger's golf is a lot harder to play but still fun. It will take a lot of practice. Wii Sports Resort,table tennis is great. Easy and realistic. Frisbie Dog is fun, not hard to get used to.
Cons: Wii golf is impossible to go straight when you want. I have to calibrate more then I should have to and it's difficult playing cycling and canoing. If I move the remote the way the instructions show me my actions on screen are completely opposite.
Summary: Bottom-line I would recommend purchasing MotionPlus. My minor issues are most likely just my issue and nobody else should be having the same one. MotionPlus did make playing the Wii ...
Summary: Bottom-line I would recommend purchasing MotionPlus. My minor issues are most likely just my issue and nobody else should be having the same one. MotionPlus did make playing the Wii even more enjoyable. I didn't think that could happen. I look forward to the future games.
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This device has great potential
by Crimson_Lighting on August 2, 2009
Pros: Improved response ,and control from your controller allowed for a better game play experience. Also the slight increase in difficulty for some games like Wii Sports Resort(Golf) was greatly appreciated.
Cons: Makes using pre-motion plus charge stations slightly more work to use ,but as far as cons go that not that big of a deal unless your that lazy.
Summary: My conclustion is that the new attachment is great and does exactly what nintendo said it would do. The only complaints that I've heard from people are ones that ...
Summary: My conclustion is that the new attachment is great and does exactly what nintendo said it would do. The only complaints that I've heard from people are ones that aren't due to the device being faulty ,but the user not having the skill to use it. I have played Wii Sports Resort a lot ,and have not found the device to be buggy at all. For example in golf I'm able to hit the ball straight as long as I remember to account for the wind ,and the new additions to the golf game allow me to now curve my shot when I want to. I have not had any mishaps since using the motion plus. I advise anyone who isn't able to play the games that use it to just practice more ,and stop trying to blame the unit for your lack of experience I understand that with the more accurate response you'll have to try harder ,but thats not a bad thing.
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waste of money
by herrline1 on July 25, 2009
Pros: I like nothing about this motion plus so no pros
Cons: I believe its a waste of money because i get better and more reponsive game play without the motion plus connected
Summary: table tennis is a good addition, but with the motion plus connected i find i cant change the forhand to a backhand swing without knocking the ball off the table, ...
Summary: table tennis is a good addition, but with the motion plus connected i find i cant change the forhand to a backhand swing without knocking the ball off the table, this maybe a glitch in the program and maynot be due to the motion plus, golf is very hard with the motion plus the earlier game was crisper and more profesional when you took a swing at the ball you hit it where you wanted it to go taking into account the wind direction and power, with the new game of golf in the wii sports resort when you try to hit the ball the club seems to remain behind your head and hits the ball when you are not ready? the swing power meter for the angle swing left or right even when you swing correctley, i play the game for real so motion plus doesnt work for me, but the earlier game of golf on wii sports works just fine, i have two remotes and purchased a second motion plus on the strength of a better game play and more accuracy but boy am i dissapointed, the down side of course is that if you want to play these motion plus games you must buy the motion plus, you cannot play them without one so the game works out very expensive, or for the first game, if the games had a play with motion sensor or play without, i would opt for the later but you dont get this option, so in conclution i dont like it? waste of money, and it doent feel any different with the vibrations if anything they are also poorer.
what i forgot to add was in the archery game, while the game seems preey good, when you pull back on the bow string, if you dont point the bow (remote down) first you end up sigting into the sky and sometimes over to the left or right so when you get the target in your sights your hand will be covering the target and makes it difficult to shoot on target so you may have to reset and reaim more than once to get the pefect target. sky diving and water boarding are great and the canoeing
Updated on Jul 25, 2009 -
I don't understand why
by dslovejoy on July 24, 2009
Pros: I think this will add more control to future games, and will give both users and developers more options for game play.
Cons: This is an add on to the remote. Why not just build it into the new remotes? I would rather buy a new remote with this incorporated than as an accessory.
Summary: Great potential, but we need to wait for further development both with the games and the technology.
Summary: Great potential, but we need to wait for further development both with the games and the technology.
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Good, but renders old accessories redundant
by ian.nicholls2 on July 24, 2009
Pros: Improved control. Gives the remote a more satisfying feel in my large hands
Cons: Renders the Wii Zapper and Wheel redundant
Summary: A neccessity for the newer games like Sports Resort
Summary: A neccessity for the newer games like Sports Resort
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The Wii MotionPlus enhances gameplay
by pengo76 on July 22, 2009
Pros: 1:1 motion control, more natural feel to some games, ends the era of "wagglefest" games.
Cons: Only available on a few titles, Another accessory to buy for the Wii.
Summary: Contrary to the CNET reviewer, I would easily rate this product a buy, with one caveat. You have to really want the game that requires the MotionPlus. I bought the ...
Summary: Contrary to the CNET reviewer, I would easily rate this product a buy, with one caveat. You have to really want the game that requires the MotionPlus. I bought the MotionPlus with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10, and the gameplay of that title is greatly enhanced by the MotionPlus. More than adding simply Draw and Fade, it drastically overhauls and improves putting in the game. I have owned several copies of previous Tiger Woods titles and this title is the only one that accurately represents the joy AND anguish of golf.
The bottom line is that if "waggle" games and lack of true 1:1 motion contol have bothered you, or you really want a game that requires Wii MotionPlus, it is definitely worth the $20 investment ($10 if bundled with a game). If you just like to play casual games and don't need one of the titles that currently offers Wii MotionPlus support, wait until a game that you "have" to have before buying this accessory.1 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
