Criteria
Comments
Rating
- Ergonomics / comfort It matches the shape and profile of the Wiimote, and adds just a bit more weight to the controller — but altogether it's still comfortable for extended play.
- Accuracy / responsiveness True 1:1 motion control that accurately responds to even the slightest movements of your hand in any direction.
- Durability Dropping it probably won't be an issue: it securely locks into the bottom of the controller, and it comes with a rubber case for the Wiimote + MotionPlus.
Detailed review
I was first introduced to the Wii MotionPlus accessory upon playing The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, where it is required to play. Say what you will about the Wii lacking this technology from the start — whether the MotionPlus technology was underdeveloped or simply too expensive to include at launch, my review focuses on the performance of the accessory itself.
How it looks
MotionPlus is a white cube that plugs into the expansion port on the bottom of your existing Wii Remote (where you usually plug in the nunchuk controller). Just click it into place, slide the lock switch to keep it securely attached to the Wiimote, and that's it. It does not require its own batteries, instead drawing power from the main remote. (Be prepared to swap batteries more frequently.) The MotionPlus cube contains its own passthrough expansion port on the bottom, so you can still plug in your nunchuk. Also included in the box is a larger silicone case that fits around the Wii Remote when MotionPlus is attached.
How it works
Inside of the MotionPlus unit is a multi-axis gyroscope. It can measure any degree of rotation along the X, Y, and Z axes, meaning that the Wii can finally get an accurate reading of the speed, distance, and direction of the controller in 3D space. Without MotionPlus, the Wii could never truly offer precise 1:1 control; the accelerometers inside of the standard Wii Remote can only detect up/down, left/right, and back/forward motions.
Most importantly, how it feels
When combined with the right game, it's clear: this little accessory can have big implications on not just gameplay, but motion gaming as a whole. I'll cite Zelda: Skyward Sword as an example here. Not only do the controls feel incredibly natural, but most battles throughout the game require precise use of the controller, meaning you can't just waggle your way through anymore. Enemies will dynamically change their fighting styles to try and deflect your attacks, meaning you have to look for their weaknesses and slice the controller at just the right angle to land a blow.
Nintendo's vision of motion control is validated with MotionPlus. Games can finally read your slightest movements, present new challenges accordingly, and offer incredibly intuitive control schemes. Motion is no longer a cheap gimmick when you suddenly can't imagine playing a game without motion controls.
The Wii used to feel boring to me, because you could just wave the controller around any-which-way. Now the tables have turned, and mashing the A button to kill an enemy on my Xbox is actually rather unsatisfying.
How it looks
MotionPlus is a white cube that plugs into the expansion port on the bottom of your existing Wii Remote (where you usually plug in the nunchuk controller). Just click it into place, slide the lock switch to keep it securely attached to the Wiimote, and that's it. It does not require its own batteries, instead drawing power from the main remote. (Be prepared to swap batteries more frequently.) The MotionPlus cube contains its own passthrough expansion port on the bottom, so you can still plug in your nunchuk. Also included in the box is a larger silicone case that fits around the Wii Remote when MotionPlus is attached.
How it works
Inside of the MotionPlus unit is a multi-axis gyroscope. It can measure any degree of rotation along the X, Y, and Z axes, meaning that the Wii can finally get an accurate reading of the speed, distance, and direction of the controller in 3D space. Without MotionPlus, the Wii could never truly offer precise 1:1 control; the accelerometers inside of the standard Wii Remote can only detect up/down, left/right, and back/forward motions.
Most importantly, how it feels
When combined with the right game, it's clear: this little accessory can have big implications on not just gameplay, but motion gaming as a whole. I'll cite Zelda: Skyward Sword as an example here. Not only do the controls feel incredibly natural, but most battles throughout the game require precise use of the controller, meaning you can't just waggle your way through anymore. Enemies will dynamically change their fighting styles to try and deflect your attacks, meaning you have to look for their weaknesses and slice the controller at just the right angle to land a blow.
Nintendo's vision of motion control is validated with MotionPlus. Games can finally read your slightest movements, present new challenges accordingly, and offer incredibly intuitive control schemes. Motion is no longer a cheap gimmick when you suddenly can't imagine playing a game without motion controls.
The Wii used to feel boring to me, because you could just wave the controller around any-which-way. Now the tables have turned, and mashing the A button to kill an enemy on my Xbox is actually rather unsatisfying.
good review!
5 people find this review helpful