Official Nintendo Wii Nunchuk


** What is a Nunchuk? **
The Nintendo Wii Nunchuk is an accessory to the wii remote for use in selected games. The Nunchuk plugs into the bottom of the wii remote and is held in the opposite hand to the wii remote.

When you purchase a Nintendo Wii you will need a Nunchuk to be able to play some but not all games on the Wii. Most Wii bundles come with a Nunchuk included. If you require extra Nunchuk's they can be purchased separately.


** In The Box **
I got my Nunchuk as a Christmas gift about 2 years ago. When I opened it, it was in a white box with a clear piece of plastic covering the Nunchuk. Inside the box the Nunchuk was well packaged. There is an instruction sheet included in the box, this was written in many languages including English and was clear and simple to understand.


** The Look **
The Nunchuk looks kind of like a classic joystick controller with the base removed. It is shaped to nicely fit into the natural grip shape of your hand.

There is a directional joystick on the nunchuk, this is easily operated with you thumb.

The Nunchuk has 2 buttons on the top C and Z, these buttons are for use during game play often in combination with the buttons on the wii remote.

There is a wire coming out of the bottom of the Nunchuk, this wire connects into the bottom of the wii remote to give the nunchuk its power.


** The Set Up **
The set up of the Nunchuk is simple, it requires no batteries as it operates off the Wii remote and is never used alone.

The Nunchuk connects to the wii remote by plugging the wire into the bottom of the wii remote. When you plug it in make sure that the directional joystick is in the centre otherwise it wont operate accurately.

When you're disconnecting the Nunchuk remember to gently press the sides of where you connected it to the wii remote as this will release the connector and avoid damage to both the Wii remote and the Nunchuk.


** Use of Nunchuk **
As I mentioned earlier the Nunchuk is used in partnership with the wii remote. It isn't required in every game, but in the ones I have used it in I have found it to be fun and easy to use.

The use of the Nunchuk varies from game to game. In the original Wii Sports game the Nunchuk is used in the Boxing game. Its use in this game is simply to be moved as if you are punching something. With the wii remote in one hand and the nunchuk in the other you simply move your arms as if you are boxing. Sticking in the Sports area, in Wii Sports Resort the Nunchuk is used in the Archery game. I really enjoy this use of it as you have to hold the Remote and Nunchuk as if they are a bow and arrow and using a combination of button holding you must aim and fire your shot, the shots are usually pretty accurate and its definitely a fun way to play archery!

Another use of the nunchuk is in Wii Play in the Tanks game where you use the directional pad on the Nunchuk to move your tank around the screen while aiming and firing with the Wii remote. I found this takes a little getting used to with the had and eye co-ordination, but it is a fun way to play.

However, my favourite use of the Nunchuk is the Samba De Amigo dancing game where the Wii Remote are held and used as maracas as you dance around the room to the different party music.


** Attachments **
There are currently no attachments for the Nunchuk that I am aware of, unless you count the silicone protection cases that are available.

I have heard about an accessory to turn the Nunchuk into a wireless controller but I don't know if this was just a rumour or an actual item that I have just never come across.


** Price and Availability **
Wii Nunchuk's are widely available both in games shops and online. They are quite costly in my opinion as they aren't really used in too many games, well in my games collection they're not. I have 4 wii remotes, but only 2 Nunchuk's and I've never really needed any more than the current 2. While there are cheaper versions of the Nunchuk available I would still use the Nintendo versions which are currently retailing at around £15.


** My Experience and Opinion **
While I enjoy playing games using the Nunchuk I would recommend only having a couple of them as they don't seem to be used in enough games to make it worth spending so much money on them. Obviously if you have children and they are all going to be playing at the same time and likely to argue then more Nunchuk's is the only option. As I said earlier I have 2 Nunchuk's and so far I have never had a problem of not having enough to go round or share between players by passing the remotes instead of having one each.

Thanks for reading :)