Wii Accessories

You'll be up and running just fine with the Wii's included accessories, but you'll want a few more pieces to round out the system. If you own an HDTV, you might want to consider picking up the component cables to get the best video quality. The Wii Remotes also tend to suck batteries dry after a few play sessions. In the interests of economics and avoiding landfills, it's prudent to purchase a set of rechargeable batteries or one of the many Wii Remote recharge stands.

• Wii Remote

  

  One Wii Remote comes with the console, but you'll want to have an extra if a friend comes over. You can find them for around . Nintendo is the only Wii Remote manufacturer , so you won't be able to find any cheap third-party clones. Many people also pick up Wii Play because the game includes an additional Wii Remote in the package.

• Wii Nunchuk

  

  The Nunchuk controller attachment features two buttons and an analog joystick. Not all games require the Nunchuk attachment, but there are quite a few that do, including Wii Sports, which comes bundled with the Wii. If you're buying extra Wii Remotes, you should get the matching Nunchuks.

• Wii MotionPlus

  

  Nintendo announced the Wii MotionPlus controller accessory at E3 2008. The device attaches to the bottom of the Wii Remote and provides extra movement information to improve controller tracking. New games such as Wii Sports Resort will require the MotionPlus to play. The accessory arrives in Spring 2009.

• Wii Speak

  

  The Wii Speak accessory is a USB microphone designed to open up voice communications between Wii owners. The Wii Speak channel will let users talk to each other online. Players in Animal Crossing: City Folk will also be able to use the accessory to talk to each other in-game. You can pick up the mic in November 2008.

• Classic Controller

  

  The Wii Classic Controller is a traditional gamepad designed for legacy Virtual Console games. The Classic Controller won't set you back too much with its modest price tag. Note that older GameCube controllers will function as a serviceable gamepad as well.

• Wii Zapper

  

  The Zapper isn't a new controller per se; it's more of a plastic, gun-shaped housing for the Nunchuk and Wii Remote. The Zapper is handy for first-person shooters or games that involve some kind of Wii Remote aiming mechanic. The Zapper comes with a minigame called Link's Crossbow Training, and is in stores for about .

• Sensor Bar

  

  In the event that you lose your Wii's original Sensor Bar (or happened to bean it particularly roughly with a Wii Remote), you can pick up a replacement directly from Nintendo. They cost , but if you're in the market for an upgrade, third-party manufacturers such as Nyko and Intec sell wireless versions of the sensor bar for to .

• Nyko Wii Charge Station

  

  The Station can charge two controllers at a time and comes with two rechargeable battery packs. Judging by the Wii Remote's voracious appetite for AA batteries, the Wii Charge Station pays for itself after about a week.

• Component Video Cable for Nintendo Wii

  

  If you have an HDTV, the component cables for the Wii are a must. The system doesn't output a true HD resolution, but the component cables will give you an upgraded 480p image.

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