Wireless Nunchuk Options Surface

By Skylar Wilcox / Thursday, 22 May 2008

One big improvement in convenience over last gen is that all three systems now have wireless controllers. This allows players to use the controller anywhere around the room and not have to worry about yanking on the cord in frustration and toppling their expensive electronics to the floor. One wire still remains, though: the one between the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk.

The cord is needed because the Nunchuk draws power from the batteries in the Wii Remote, and combining both controllers into one unit would render the Nunchuk's accelerometer useless, since it couldn't move freely. What can you do, then, when you want to be completely free of wires? Two companies, Nyko and Brando, have stepped up with possible solutions.

Nyko's offering, called the Kama Wireless Nunchuck (with a C), is a completely new Nunchuk unit with a wireless base for the Wii Remote, a button to turn the connection on and off, and its own wriststrap for the safety-conscious. It runs on two AAA batteries and retails for about 35 dollars.

Brando's offering, simply called the Wii Wireless Adapter For Wii Nunchuk Controller, is a shell for an existing Nunchuk. As you can see in the photo, the cord is folded up and plugged into a slot that wirelessly sends the data to a base connected to the Remote. Like the Kama, it runs on two AAA batteries, but is only 20 dollars.

Which one is better is entirely up to your personal preference. If you already have a Nunchuk, the Brando adapter is probably a better bet. But if you're looking for an additional Nunchuk and want to be wireless from the get-go, consider the Kama. It's 5 dollars less than buying a Nunchuk and adapter, and reports say it works just as well as a wired one.