Just got a Wii - what do I need?

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Just got a Wii. I already know what games I want, but are there any recommendations for accessories? Are the Wiimote chargers worth it or should I stick with rechargeable AA batteries? Is it worth getting better cables for video?

Thanks.
 
The receipt.

So you can return it! lolololdohohohohodohlololdohodododsooshsosloai8u33an9283udjQJD*(EQJ

Really though, you'll want a gamecube controller or two. Thats all I can think of. I just use regular AA's from costco, they last long enough and are cheap in bulk.
 
I've been using rechargeable batteries on my WiiMotes for awhile, and they work awesome...when I remember to charge them.

Second'ing the gamecube controller recommendation. It's usually my preferred method of control for games that support them (Smash Bros, Mario Kart). Might not hurt to pick up a gamecube memory card, as there are a ton of GC games still worth playing (if you can find them).

Speaking of controller support, you will,should have noticed that the back of each Wii game lists the controller-types that game supports. I'd only buy extra controller accessories (Wii Zapper, Balance Board, Motion +...) as you get games that support them.

If you plan on going online for Multiplayer or to download games, the Wii is only set up for Wifi connections. If you want to do wired, you're gonna need an adapter.

Finally, stay away from any white plastic tennis racket/golf club/baseball bat shell for your wii-motes.
 
I disagree, if you have an HDTV component cables make the picture look much much better than the included composite cables.
 
I use rechargeable batteries and they are perfect. Depending on how much you use it I wouldn't want to keep replacing battery after battery. I never sprung for a charging station because I heard too many horror stories about burned Wiimotes (although I know that didn't affect everybody).

I agree with Salamando on the extra controllers - buy as you see fit. I got a classic controller which is a must if you want to download some virtual console games. Other than that, Nintendo mostly packs in accessories with the games they apply to at least at first.
 
I'd recommend some kind of charging station and the NYKO wireless sensor bar (make sure you get the nyko one which is top notch, I can't vouch for any of the others)
 
If you want component cables, get 'em from Monoprice over here. Super cheap and just as high quality as any others out there, including Nintendo's first party ones.

I like Eneloop rechargeable batteries. They are more expensive, yes, but the deal with them is that they retain a charge much, much longer than other rechargeables. I don't really know the tech/reason why for this, but I don't question it. Plus they are white and blue too! So it, like, matches. Rock on.

If you want a recharger proper, get one of the induction ones. They are especially useful if you want to leave the Wii jackets on (those clear rubber protective things, everyone calls 'em condoms), since with rechargeable batteries you'd need to remove it each time. The induction chargers at least save you that frustration, and ensure your controllers are charged at all times. I don't really recommend a brand - Nyko's IC Charger looks the nicest, and they've had a lot of positive praise on their previous chargers. Likewise, Energizer knows batteries, so their induction mats are just as good.

Other accessories:

Gamecube controller if you're planning on playing Smash Bros or Mario Kart and want oldskool gamepads, or if you're planning on playing Gamecube games (since the Wii is backwards compatible). If you need one, get this white one. It has a longer cord than older controllers. Of course, if that doesn't bother you, just pick up some used ones from Gamestop or something.

If you want a carrying case, the Nakiworld G-pak is hands down the best one out there. But looking online, seems that some places are out of stock. Might want to check a Gamestop near you. Also, take my official word for it - it's the best.

A classic controller is good for the VC games, if you are planning on getting any. Otherwise you can skip it safely for the time being.

Don't need any of the plastic accessories, colored controller sleeves, etc. I mean you can get them, sure, but they are worthless, and your best bet is to save your money and use it elsewhere.

Let us know if you have other questions. Hope this helps.
 
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I wouldn't bother. As much as I like the Wii the accessories aren't that useful or necessary. Regular batteries are best since you won't have those funny shaped battery covers. I haven't seen a need for a lightgun (or one that I liked), and the Fit board only supports a couple games. The wires that come with the Wii are good.

Like they say above, get a GC or Classic controller for games that support them and you'll be set for the most part.
 
Strell has a great answer, and I strongly agree with what he said. I'll try (edit: and fail) to keep my response brief.

Rechargeable batteries are great, and can be used for other things in a pinch. Being versatile is better if you aren't sure how much custom battery packs will get used.

Strongly agree with getting a cable from monoprice. Definitely worth the asking price.

Don't run out and buy too many extra controllers until you find you need them. From personal experience, I've never used more than 2 nunchucks despite having plenty of Wii parties. I probably didn't need more than 2 Wii remotes either because it's usually easy to get someone else to bring extras in a pinch. You are better off spending that money on games instead of controllers.

A GameCube controller is awesome if you want to play GameCube games, but is also useful if you want to play virtual console games. I recommend looking for used Wavebird controllers in local GameStop stores. They are worth the price if you can find a decent one and eliminate the need for cables. Just be sure to keep the receipt until you test it carefully! (Also, if you do plan on playing GameCube games be sure to pick up a memory card.)

If you really want a light gun or zapper accessory, check out the Nyko Perfect Shot or one of the copies. It is better than the official Nintendo Zapper in my opinion, and can be found for under $10. Still not recommended, at least not right away.

Wii Point Cards are a great idea, since there are many strong games on WiiWare and Virtual Console to enjoy... but I recommend waiting until you can buy them at 25% discount. Toys R Us and other big retailers will have a couple sales each year where gaming accessories are marked down by 25%. Good time to increase the bang for your buck.

Finally, don't feel that you need to focus only on the newest game releases. Many strong Wii games can be found for $20 or less. (Some examples of sub-$20 games in my collection include: Animal Crossing, Boom Blox Bash Party, Bully, Dawn of Discovery, Geometry Wars Galaxies, MadWorld, No More Heroes, Okami, Rayman Raving Rabbids, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles, Sam & Max, Star Wars Force Unleashed, Trauma Center, Zack & Wiki.) If you are just starting with the Wii library now, buying 2-3 excellent older games for the same price as a new one will really help to stretch your gaming dollar!
 
[quote name='Strell']I like Eneloop rechargeable batteries. They are more expensive, yes, but the deal with them is that they retain a charge much, much longer than other rechargeables. I don't really know the tech/reason why for this, but I don't question it. Plus they are white and blue too! So it, like, matches. Rock on.[/QUOTE]

This is excellent advice. Eneloops are fucking amazing and you can use them with any other electronics you might have that use batteries. I'll double down on this recommendation above all the others. There's a fair chance that the 'next' gen of systems (*laughs*) will use rechargeable batteries as well and if you buy the Eneloops you will be covered.

The other advice about staying away from the plastic peripherals is excellent as well. Even the first party stuff like the balance board has a very narrow range of applications. However I ended up importing a pair of golden Wii wheels for myself and my sister and they are fucking awesome. I also snagged a Super Famicom controller to use on my homebrew machine. It too is awesome. If you're planning on playing a lot of VC games or Monster Hunter Tri then definitely get the Classic Controler PRO. It may seem a subtle difference but the two grips are radtacular. Just keep in mind that all the plastic accessories have virtually no resale value and do take up a lot of space.

The only other accessory that I rarely see get mentioned is the first party lens cleaner kit. I'm one of those people that is anal retentive about electronics maintenance and I clean my Wii on a regular basis. I love the lens cleaner kit.
 
Thank you very much for all of the advice, everyone. Great posts. I appreciate your time.

I think I'll go with rechargeable batteries (since I already have some anyway) and I also have a few Gamecube controllers already from a few years ago, so I'll put them back to good use.
 
Just in case anyone cares, I believe the reason Eneloops and other low self discharge NiMH batteries last longer is because they improved the ion transfer membrane separating the two electrolytes in the battery. By decreasing the rate at which ions diffuse from one side to the other they have slowed down the natural discharge rate of the batteries. The membrane is now thicker, which means you cannot cram as many rolls of battery into the same space, hence the loss in capacity (2000mAh vs. 2700). However the low self discharge bit more than makes up for the difference in most usage situations.

Just heard this once and think it is why they are better. I heard that back in the day NiMHs did not have this problem as severely but once the capacity started going up (a big selling point for many), the membranes were getting thinner and the self discharge was getting worse.

Good info on this thread. I have been considering picking up a Wii and if I do I will definitely re-read this.

Ruahrc
 
I will tell you one thing you probably won't need unless you are made out of Nintendo points: a Classic Controller.

A Nunchuk for each Wiimote you have is also needed.
 
[quote name='Thekrakrabbit']I will tell you one thing you probably won't need unless you are made out of Nintendo points: a Classic Controller.[/QUOTE]
MH Tri says hi.
 
[quote name='Strell']If you want component cables, get 'em from Monoprice over here. Super cheap and just as high quality as any others out there, including Nintendo's first party ones.

I like Eneloop rechargeable batteries. They are more expensive, yes, but the deal with them is that they retain a charge much, much longer than other rechargeables. I don't really know the tech/reason why for this, but I don't question it. Plus they are white and blue too! So it, like, matches. Rock on.

If you want a recharger proper, get one of the induction ones. They are especially useful if you want to leave the Wii jackets on (those clear rubber protective things, everyone calls 'em condoms), since with rechargeable batteries you'd need to remove it each time. The induction chargers at least save you that frustration, and ensure your controllers are charged at all times. I don't really recommend a brand - Nyko's IC Charger looks the nicest, and they've had a lot of positive praise on their previous chargers. Likewise, Energizer knows batteries, so their induction mats are just as good.

Other accessories:

Gamecube controller if you're planning on playing Smash Bros or Mario Kart and want oldskool gamepads, or if you're planning on playing Gamecube games (since the Wii is backwards compatible). If you need one, get this white one. It has a longer cord than older controllers. Of course, if that doesn't bother you, just pick up some used ones from Gamestop or something.

If you want a carrying case, the Nakiworld G-pak is hands down the best one out there. But looking online, seems that some places are out of stock. Might want to check a Gamestop near you. Also, take my official word for it - it's the best.

A classic controller is good for the VC games, if you are planning on getting any. Otherwise you can skip it safely for the time being.

Don't need any of the plastic accessories, colored controller sleeves, etc. I mean you can get them, sure, but they are worthless, and your best bet is to save your money and use it elsewhere.

Let us know if you have other questions. Hope this helps.[/QUOTE]

I was going to make a post but you've more or less covered everything.

Also we need to get someone to whip up a nice post (I'll do it if nobody wants else wants to.) with this basic info and sticky the sucker since we seem to have this thread weekly.
 
[quote name='SuperPhillip']Wii point cards are treated as gift cards and not accessories anymore.[/QUOTE]

Seriously? :cry:

I knew that PSN cards were considered gift cards, but had seen Wii Points and the XBox 360 equivalent both on sale over the past 4 months. (Heck, I think the 360 points are on sale now in Canada.) If stores have stopped offering markdowns for Wii Points then it would really put a dent in my Virtual Console and WiiWare consumption.

(I haven't had the need to buy more cards after stocking up during a Best Buy sale last September... but am down to 4000 points.)
 
[quote name='Scorch']Not worth the better cables.[/QUOTE]

I would say the opposite.

Get Component cables and run it at 480P. It makes a difference. I had to use my smaller TV last night on Metroid Prime Trilogy. I was playing Prime which is a GC game and could immediately notice a difference.

Hit up mono price and for the $5 its worth it. I will say their cables are short though... thats why I had to run S video as the Component cables I bought from them would not reach my other tv.

run rechargeables. I think if you leave the conrtollers fully charged it will kill the battery life. they need to be used.
 
[quote name='Scorch']Not worth the better cables.[/QUOTE]

Wat? Are you serious?

That's like saying the PS3 or 360 "Isn't worth the better cables."

Shit at this point I won't play my SNES unless it's connected via S-Video.
 
I got my Wii last month, the costs do add up for accessories. Unlike 360 which i only spent money on a play and charge kit and 360 monthly memberships thats about it. Wii already spent on an extra wiimote, those wii sports accessories (useless but makes it more fun for kids), Wii active accessories. I still need to buy an extra nunchuck and wii active accessory pack so 2 players can use it. Luckily i have 3 gamecube platinum controllers for extra use. The games I have so far are wii sports, sonic superstars tennis, gold's gym cardio, and EA active. I will also most likely get component cables too.
 
[quote name='rly723']I got my Wii last month, the costs do add up for accessories. Unlike 360 which i only spent money on a play and charge kit and 360 monthly memberships thats about it. Wii already spent on an extra wiimote, those wii sports accessories (useless but makes it more fun for kids), Wii active accessories. I still need to buy an extra nunchuck and wii active accessory pack so 2 players can use it. Luckily i have 3 gamecube platinum controllers for extra use. The games I have so far are wii sports, sonic superstars tennis, gold's gym cardio, and EA active. I will also most likely get component cables too.[/QUOTE]

Oh don't you pull that "The Wii is more Expensive" bullshit. You didn't need the Wii Sports accessories or the Active accessories.

By the time you buy a Wii Remote & Nunchuk it's only about $5-$10 more than a Wireless 360 pad. And at least with the Wii you can get an inexpensive third party component cable rather than being forced into buying Microsoft's proprietary component cable.
 
Yeah, I can't imagine why anyone would *not* recommend the component cables. Actually I can think of two reasons: they don't have an HDTV and/or they didn't realize that there was an option to turn on progressive scan mode if you have component cables. The Wii looks much better on an HDTV with component cables and progressive scan mode enabled.

I can second the recommendation of the monoprice component cable for Wii. Unlike their 360 VGA cable, which is complete and utter garbage, their Wii component cable is great.
 
[quote name='maximumzero']Oh don't you pull that "The Wii is more Expensive" bullshit. You didn't need the Wii Sports accessories or the Active accessories.

By the time you buy a Wii Remote & Nunchuk it's only about $5-$10 more than a Wireless 360 pad. And at least with the Wii you can get an inexpensive third party component cable rather than being forced into buying Microsoft's proprietary component cable.[/QUOTE]

I think (hope?) that his point was just not to get carried away buying extra accessories unless you actually need them. However, using 360 as a comparison isn't really a good idea given how expensive the proprietary HDs, wireless adapter, and monthly online fees are. Paying for any of those add-ons would make your wallet groan if you don't make good use of them.

Wii sells lots of plastic accessories that don't end up getting used... but people pay for the stuff anyway without really stopping to think.

The good:
As a Virtual Console freak, I've gotten a lot of enjoyment out of my Classic Controller. Our second Mario Kart wheel really does improve the multiplayer racing experience so I'm happy to keep it around. My Perfect Shot pistol attachment is a rarely used luxury... although probably still worth the $4 (used) cost because I enjoy arcade style on-rails shooters.

The bad (or at the very least not so good):
On the other hand we have Wii Speak - a total waste so far, with hardly any software support and the burden of annoying friend codes making it almost pointless. My third Wii Remote gets used occasionally, but friends usually bring their own for parties so it really wasn't a smart pickup.
 
I agree that WiiSpeak definitely isn't worth buying on its own. There's not been much support and I'm doubtful there ever will be, especially since Nintendo hasn't even supported it except in Animal Crossing. Also it doesn't really work that great. It works OK, but when we have used ours with Animal Crossing, you sometimes, not always, get echo and feedback. Plus you aren't suppose to change the volume of your game once you've started a voice chat, and that is really annoying. I presume because doing so could lead to echo/feedback. I like the idea, actually, as opposed to a headset, but in practice it doesn't work that great and there hasn't been much support. Pass on that one.
 
Definitely get at least two Gamecube controllers. If you are planning on playing Mario Kart, SSBB, or even VC games, it's so worth it to have one. Plus if you have a friend over to game, they probably will want to use one too.

Make sure to get a first-party one though. I bought two third-parties at first, and I can say that it's WAY more worth it to get an official one. The other ones just aren't as good.
 
[quote name='rly723']I got my Wii last month, the costs do add up for accessories. Unlike 360 which i only spent money on a play and charge kit and 360 monthly memberships thats about it. Wii already spent on an extra wiimote, those wii sports accessories (useless but makes it more fun for kids), Wii active accessories. I still need to buy an extra nunchuck and wii active accessory pack so 2 players can use it. Luckily i have 3 gamecube platinum controllers for extra use. The games I have so far are wii sports, sonic superstars tennis, gold's gym cardio, and EA active. I will also most likely get component cables too.[/QUOTE]

Thank God most of us had to buy a second 360 since our first one broke.
Worst mainstream system ever.
 
[quote name='SuperPhillip']Thank God most of us had to buy a second 360 since our first one broke.
Worst mainstream system ever.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, have had two die in my house.

I hate that not only do I have to pay for xbox live, but every person in the household who uses it, either has to use the same gamertag or pay extra.

Counting the ea active thing is like counting guitar hero controllers, that really has nothing to do with the Wii itself. The plastic things are just that, plastic. I have two, the perfect shot for rail shooters and Wii-wheel cause the Excitebots bundle was only 20 bucks a while back. Those (and a component cable from monoprice for like 5$ shipped) are the only extras I have bought for my system at all.



I would get a monoprice cable if it was me, cheap and works great, as well as those eneloops for batteries.
 
Sadly... I'm one of those guys who doesn't have an HDTV... but I do have an HDTV monitor. (Only does VGA, DVI, and HDMI though.) *sighs* I need to convince my parents to buy an HDTV, since they won't because they say the TVs are working and that's good enough. ;_;

Anyway, you will not need to pick up much, just another controller, nunchuck, and you're good. Or just read what everyone else said.
 
You don't need a HDTV to justify getting component cables, just a TV with component inputs. The Wii doesn't do HD anyway.
 
You'll probably want to get a Sandisk Memory Card (normal or SDHC) down the road. Up to 32gb is supported. The 512mb memory on the Wii fills up pretty quickly if you d/l the channels and a few Wiiware games.
 
[quote name='klwillis45']You don't need a HDTV to justify getting component cables, just a TV with component inputs. The Wii doesn't do HD anyway.[/QUOTE]


yup S video is 480P so that should do it, a step better than the "yellow" composit cable.
 
[quote name='mitch079']You'll probably want to get a Sandisk Memory Card (normal or SDHC) down the road. Up to 32gb is supported. The 512mb memory on the Wii fills up pretty quickly if you d/l the channels and a few Wiiware games.[/QUOTE]

So, would any Sandisk SD card under 32 MB work?

How stable are SD cards in the long run?

Are there any other Wii Channels available other than the basic set offered by Nintendo?
 
[quote name='donssword']So, would any Sandisk SD card under 32 MB work?
[/QUOTE]

Any SD card should work. Getting a real Sandisk or Kingston instead of a counterfeit will probably give you better transfer speeds.

For size, you definitely don't need 32 GB but probably want a 1 or 2 GB card if you plan to download many games and/or store some data. My suggestion is to buy whatever you can get a good deal on.

There is one catch here though... some older games let you save in-game photos to an SD card (Animal Crossing) or play MP3 songs from the SD card (Endless Ocean, ExciteTruck). Those games will not work with high capacity SD cards, so if that matters to you then avoid anything marked with "SDHC" on the package. I'm also not sure if the Photo Channel can read SDHC cards or not - if that is something you plan to use.

How stable are SD cards in the long run?

Should be incredibly stable. You will (generally) not be rewriting data onto the card very often, because save files stay on the Wii internal memory and you just download the game files onto the SD card. Sure... they SD cards can fail just like any electronics, but the chances of having SD card problems are much smaller than any of the other things that can go wrong with your Wii.

Are there any other Wii Channels available other than the basic set offered by Nintendo?

A couple, but not many. Some games (including MarioKart, Wii Fit, and Rabbids Go Home) have channels that you can install that will let you do stuff without having to use the disc. There are also some that depend on where you live, like the BBC Channel only available in the UK.

Check here for a full list: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii_Menu
 
[quote name='maximumzero']Oh don't you pull that "The Wii is more Expensive" bullshit. You didn't need the Wii Sports accessories or the Active accessories.

By the time you buy a Wii Remote & Nunchuk it's only about $5-$10 more than a Wireless 360 pad. And at least with the Wii you can get an inexpensive third party component cable rather than being forced into buying Microsoft's proprietary component cable.[/QUOTE]

Their are non-MS component cables. I paid $10 for mine.


In any case this thread is what I was looking for. I'm looking at getting at Wii since I'm not really liking MW2 (meh at best, but not terrible) and can get $45 on trade at FS/BB. I've been wanting a Wii for a while now so I can start playing my old GC games. Just wondering, is it possible to play the old GC games with the classic controller, or does it have to be a cube controller?
I personally have no interest in any of the VC stuff since I can play that on my computer so Nintendo points are not an issue.

In my case, I just need the component cables and the cube/classic controller. Whoo hoo!

Thanks for the link for the component cables. Yay to saving $$$!
 
Component cables are a must. I'd also recommend a Classic Controller, 2 GB memory card, and about $200 in Wii Points to get all of the must-haves on the Virtual Console, but maybe that's just me. :)
 
[quote name='Ryuukishi']Component cables are a must. I'd also recommend a Classic Controller, 2 GB memory card, and about $200 in Wii Points to get all of the must-haves on the Virtual Console, but maybe that's just me. :)[/QUOTE]

Nope. Definitely not just you. ;)
 
[quote name='klwillis45']Yes, you have to use a gamecube controller. (and memory card)

[/QUOTE]
Sweet. Thanks for confirming. :)
I have the memory card with my old GC game saves.

I have no need for the SD card since I wouldn't be using the VC stuff. I can play the exact same games on my computer and be able to save when I want to.
 
One note on GameCube memory cards: People have had their cards corrupted or erased if they've been left attached to the Wii for too long. The problem was due to overheating, and I think it may have been dealt with in a system update, but better safe than sorry.
 
Does anyone know where to get cheap GC memory cards? I'm located in Canada if it helps. The price of GC memory cards at local stores are about $20~, seems pretty steep tbqh :/
 
[quote name='Ryuukishi']One note on GameCube memory cards: People have had their cards corrupted or erased if they've been left attached to the Wii for too long. The problem was due to overheating, and I think it may have been dealt with in a system update, but better safe than sorry.[/QUOTE]

Ah... that makes sense.

I remember hearing a lot of complaints about GC memory cards getting corrupted a couple years ago, and then the complaints just sort of disappeared. It was never a problem for me, but did make me wonder what was causing the issue.


@Myv: RogersPlus stores had really good pricing on leftover GC memory card stock for a while, but I doubt you'd find one now. The best bet is probably looking online at this point...
 
[quote name='Ryuukishi']One note on GameCube memory cards: People have had their cards corrupted or erased if they've been left attached to the Wii for too long. The problem was due to overheating, and I think it may have been dealt with in a system update, but better safe than sorry.[/QUOTE]
Wasn't the problem something to do with the WiiConnect 24?
In any case I won't have that enabled.
 
[quote name='cochesecochese']
The only other accessory that I rarely see get mentioned is the first party lens cleaner kit. I'm one of those people that is anal retentive about electronics maintenance and I clean my Wii on a regular basis. I love the lens cleaner kit.[/QUOTE]


Hi does anyone else use the lens cleaner kit. The lady at Nintendo said I should use it when I told her that my wii freezes all the time. That this would clean it.
 
[quote name='mickeyp']Hi does anyone else use the lens cleaner kit. The lady at Nintendo said I should use it when I told her that my wii freezes all the time. That this would clean it.[/QUOTE]

The lens cleaning kit is good to have around and it's certainly worth a shot, so why not? It's not ridiculously expensive. I had always heard, though, that using lens cleaning kits like this regularly may not be a good idea, that over time these things cause wear to the lens and thus could end up damaging it, so my suggestion would be to only use it as needed and not when the Wii is working fine. If it does need a cleaning you might need to run it through multiple cleanings to have an effect, but that's OK since you aren't using it regularly - the wear would be minimal this way.

Mind you, I could be completely wrong! :) What I know is right is that there's no harm in trying it and if it fixes the problem you'll be happy, so give it a shot!
 
strell is mostly spot on, but id say get the wiimote condoms, they def help if one flies out of a hand from not using the strap or the strap breaking absorbs alot of force thank god it kept me from breaking mine, some of the plastic controller things are good like for fishing games yes it can be done without them but it helps, yes alot of them are a waste of money. components are a must if you have an hd takes it from being blurry to crisp, wiireless sensor is up to you i had the nyko and it sucked batteries fast and barely worked finally had a friend who had his wii stolen so he gave me his old nintendo brand sensor bar. extra chuck is good, a wavebird is worth it since the controller ports are on the top of the wii
 
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