Nyko Wand+ Wii Controller
The Nyko Wand+ is a Wii controller with wireless sensing motion and built in Full Motion Technology with the same capabilities as the Wii Motion Plus add on for the Wii Remote.
Ease of Use, Performance: 23/25
Look & Feel: 23/25
Features 24/25
How much I enjoy 23/25
Total: 93/100
The Nyko Wand+ is the Nyko version of the Wii Remote with the Motion Plus add on so you have the different design of the Wii Remote with the newest motion upgrade. You can also use the Nyko Wand+ with the Nyko Kama Wireless Controller for freedom during your gaming sessions on the Wii console.
The Nyko Wand+ costs $40 which costs the same as the Nintendo version so the controller is a copy in price but not in design, I actually enjoy the Nyko controllers over the Wii ones. I have both a Nyko Wand and Wand+ with both controllers being easier to use when you have to use the D pad and the Home, – or + buttons often.
The Wii controller has the D pad as a crossed bar while the Nyko edition has the crossed pieces with an additional piece in the corners of the four arms. This little extra surface allows you to handle the pad better with a thumb so you have a better grip on the pad.
The Home button is not in line with the – and + buttons on the Nyko Wand and Wand+ as well as being slightly bigger so they are easier to find without looking down at the remote. While these may seem like small changes that wouldn’t amount to much it makes a big difference when you’re gaming where a small slip results in a death in game.
The Main buttons are also a bit different with the Nyko versions being square while the Nintendo Wii version being round and slightly smaller. These small changes add a lot when your gaming and trying to hit buttons faster in games where a second or less means the difference between a win and a loss.
The Nyko Wand+ weighs about the same as the Nintendo Wii controller but I am not sure if it weighs as much as the Motion Plus edition. I have the Motion Plus add on and not the full Motion controller so the weight is not something I can check out.
I have been using the controller off and on almost daily as I have been trying to exercise everyday and some of this requires the use of the controller full time. The controller seems to work about the same as the Wii controller with the Motion Plus add on but there is a noticeable difference between the Motion Plus and not using it at all.
If you use the Motion Plus or take it off there is a noticeable difference in control especially for games and things like clubs and rackets but it is also noticeable for gunning. I found the Motion Plus is more accurate and the Nyko Wand+ handles gaming just as well as the Wii version with the Motion Plus add on.
I have tried the Nyko Wand+ at normal use for my workout using the Wii Fit Plus as well as games like Goldeneye 007, Worms A Space Oddity, Metroid Prime 3 Corruption and Sports Resort with great results. I have not had any problems using the remote and actually do like the Nyko versions better than the Nintendo ones for easier control with the better placed and larger buttons.
I highly recommend the Nyko Wand+ if you find you need a little better remote with better button placement and a better feel while gaming with the Wii console.