When I first got my Nintendo Wii, it came with, what is probably still, the best Nintendo Wii game, Mario Kart Wii. Mario Kart Wii is the newest instalment to the Mario Kart series, the first of which was created in 1992. However as technology in general has progressed so much within the last fifteen to twenty years, so have the Mario Kart games.

The Nintendo Wii controller's main function is its ability to perform without a wired connection and whilst this works well with all games, holding a cuboid object sideways to drive a car will never quite have the same effect than that of an actual steering wheel. I was very happy when I found the Nintendo Wii wheel.

The Nintendo Wii wheel, weighs 309 grams without the Wii remote attached. The Nintendo Wii remote, as can be seen in the above picture fits tightly into the middle of the steering wheel to enable easy access to all of the buttons. The back trigger of the controller also pops out of the back of the steering wheel so that it can still be used. It also fits very comfortably into the hand.

The great practicality of the Nintendo Wii wheel is it's ease of use. It is simple to attach and simple to use both in game and during the menu screens which is obviously important. If one does not wish to use the steering wheel for any part of the game, it is just as simple to detach the controller.

I have only used the Nintendo Wii wheel with Mario Kart Wii, so I cannot speak of its use with other games however I find that using this with Mario Kart Wii, greatly improves the game play and makes driving your car, or motorbike, a lot easier and realistic.

There are also other makes of the Wii wheel including one that comes in a bundle pack, that can be purchased in most stores that sell video games and video game accessories such as; Game, Gamestation and Curry's. Most of the time these packages cost around £5.00 but also include items such as a Nintendo Wii tennis racket, a baseball bat and a golf club as well as a different version of the steering wheel. Although these steering wheels also enhance game play, I have not found a Nintendo Wii wheel as good as this one (pictured above).

This can now be purchased on Amazon new for just £5.20 or used for £2.93.

The only disadvantage that I have found when playing with others is that some people find it hard to control the steering wheel as it is not attached to anything. I have often seen some people overcompensating on turning the wheel and spinning it about 720 degrees which is always funny to see as it does obviously not have the desired effect. I have not personally had this problem but I have been playing computer games for a long time, since the AMIGA in fact. I am also unsure of whether the steering wheel is at fault for this or whether it is the actual Nintendo Wii controller in itself.

This review is also on Ciao under the same name.