More Wiimote details revealed

Although we know quite a bit more about the Wiimote now than we did before E3, many of the specifics about this controller have remained a closely-guarded secret, so we were pretty stoked to learn that the folks over at IGN were able to get their hands on a big fat developer documentation kit chock full of juicy details. For starters, we now know that this wireless input device will be powered by a pair of regular AA alkalines, giving the unit 30 hours of battery life with the precision aim function activated, or up to 60 hours if only the accelerometer is being used. It's also being reported that remaining battery life will be indicated at startup by those four LEDs on the front of the controller, which will serve double duty to show which player is communicating with the console at a given moment. Other tidbits here include deets on synchronization (yes, the Wiimote definitely uses Bluetooth), some more specifics about the built-in rumble motor, and speculation about the controller's use of 6KB of internal memory and possible use as a digital camera. For the sake of brevity, we've glossed over most of the revelations here, so make sure to follow the Read link for all sorts of info that Nintendo doesn't want you to know yet.

[Via Joystiq]

[Uchiha_Nintendo @ Jul 17th 2006 3:47PM]

Double A alkaline batteries? I guess it's not so revolutionary after all.

[Richard @ Jul 17th 2006 4:01PM]

I can't believe they're actually going with the AA batteries idea, it's absolute, total insanity. This is the worst decision Nintendo has made so far as far as the Wii is concerned (yes, worse than the name).

I'm gonna be replacing the god-damn batteries just under once a month! That's crazy and not energy conscious or efficient (or financially efficient for that matter, can you imagine how much you're going to spend on damn batteries in the Wii's lifetime?).

[E @ Jul 17th 2006 4:05PM]

Well Brendan, the source in that wikipedia article is from July 14. Engadget took 3 days after the article was posted on IGN to report it here. I wouldn't call that a while.

[roto @ Jul 17th 2006 4:08PM]

Whoa! A whole 6KB of internal memory! That's amazing. Really.

[Brendan @ Jul 17th 2006 4:10PM]

Well E, that shizel is modified the whole time ;)

[Alex @ Jul 17th 2006 4:11PM]

I still think the Wiimote is an awful idea.

[David @ Jul 17th 2006 4:18PM]

The wii controller just took a big step back in the awesomeness department with the requirement of 2 AA batteries.

[Andrew @ Jul 17th 2006 4:24PM]

Im getting kind of tired of people saying "this isn't news".

[Sean DL @ Jul 17th 2006 4:24PM]

Well I hear the folks over at Energizer and Duracell and Panasonic are happy about this news. After all their long lasting and rechargable battery market needed the boost since no one uses disposable batteries anymore. I always wanted to buy those Oxy batteries anyway....


But I'm sure we'll get a rechargable Wii remote in 2007 after people suggest(read piss and moan) it

[Hirsbrunner @ Jul 17th 2006 4:36PM]

I seriously doubt the Wiimote will use AA batteries. For the dev. kits maybe, but not for the final version.

Rechargable batteries, like the ones in the GBASP, DS, and DS Lite are the way to go. I don't see N. going back to AA's.

[Loban @ Jul 17th 2006 4:49PM]

AAs are fine with me. I only use rechargeable batteries in my house. NiMH is the way to go. They last forever and once you stock up on as many as you need, you never have to spend money on batteries again.

I can't remember the last time I bought a battery.

[Glancing Aft @ Jul 17th 2006 4:51PM]

Still no word on price for the wiimote? I'm scared...

[tans @ Jul 17th 2006 5:08PM]

Rayovac IC3 nuff said.

[KML @ Jul 17th 2006 5:22PM]

It would be horrible to be in the middle of an epic battle and the wiimote dies on you (and your last save was ages ago!) all because of the battery!!!

Gamers also better have a few rechargables ready at home at all times. Scrambling for battery when u game is not a funny thing. =]

[Sean @ Jul 17th 2006 5:24PM]

Am i the only one who thinks AA batteries are a good thing? You can buy a decent charger with batteries for less than 10 dollars and unlike built in batteries double A's can be used for many electronic devices. Stop being a bunch of cry babies!

[maarek @ Jul 17th 2006 5:49PM]

I suppose you could look at the wavebird as an example. Although this is doing a bit more, the wavebird gets a ton of time out of 2 - AA batteries. Also, I suppose KML missed the part where they said there will be a battery life indicator on the control bar.... no need to worry you will know when your battery is running out. I like the AA batteries as it allows me to go out and get my own rechargables and not worry about paying an extra premium for some non-standard Li-Ion battery.

[matt @ Jul 17th 2006 6:02PM]

I think people just like having something to complain about. If they used a Li-Ion bat, people would be crying foul for proprietary batteries. AA makes the most sense in this case, because they're quick and easy... rechargeables are cheap and last a good long while (I think I've charged my wavebird 2 times in the last year), and if it dies in the middle of a game, so what - throw in 2 more AA's, instead of having to plug in your controller to recharge it. Now *that* would suck.

Honestly people, stop whining.

[Chris @ Jul 17th 2006 6:41PM]

Richard, have you ever heard of rechargeable batteries? I think AA is great. Instead of having to buy a $40 replacement LiIon battery every year or so, I can keep using the same old NiMH AA's I bought 10 years ago (or the NiCad's that are even older, or buy some new rechargeable litium ones at costco with a qick charger).

[KML @ Jul 17th 2006 6:43PM]

@ maarek,

I didn't miss the point about the battery life indicator. Problem is, when do you change battery? Do you always keep a healthy battery in your wiimote?

If i am not mistaken, if you want to maximize your rechargeable battery life (over as many charges as possible) it is best to run them dry before your charge, as oppose to charging them before the battery is depleted.

Besides, I'm just stating a scenario that *could* happen to someone playing wii. That's all~

I understand that in order to have a wireless remote, something's gotta give. It's all about give and take, and make the best out of what you can.

[Russ @ Jul 17th 2006 7:52PM]

Thank God for the AA batteries. I can't believe people are actually complaining about this - I wish more electronics used standard batteries rather than proprietary li-ion crap. I don't want to have to spend craploads of money just for a second battery, I'd much rather spend a little bit for a pack of NIMH AAs and be good to go. They're cheap, last a long time, are readily available, and if all your recargable AAs wear out at once you've probably got some alkalines lying around to hold you over. Even then it's a better solution than if your li-ion battery dies - you can't just pop in some readily available, cheap replacements while THAT battery charges.
Nintendo made a great call if they're using AAs.

[Fluffy @ Nov 18th 2006 8:09PM]

I wish more electronics used standard batteries rather than proprietary li-ion crap.

Which would you prefer in your cellphone? Monster AA's, or small proprietary li-ion?

Again, it's give and take here. Besides, what choice do we have if they choose to use AA's?

[Lol @ Jul 17th 2006 9:36PM]

"... rechargeables are cheap and last a good long while (I think I've charged my wavebird 2 times in the last year), and if it dies in the middle of a game, so what - throw in 2 more AA's, instead of having to plug in your controller to recharge it. Now *that* would suck."

If this is bashing the 360 controllers, then i think you should check out the stand alone recharge kit that just came out for the 360. Or just use AA batteries in the controller, exactly like the Wii controllers do. It IS optional btw to buy the rechargable battery and "plug and play" or standalone charger. Hell, you could also buy your own rechargable AA's instead of using Microsofts. Screw them anyway, they just want your money, right?

[rubaiyat @ Jul 17th 2006 11:41PM]

@KML

But isn't that the exact same thing that could happen with a built in battery?

What would be the difference if its one you can easily swap out and one built in?

Rechargeable AA's and the battery life indicator covers all the bases. It tells you when you should take out the batteries and recharge, and if you DO push your luck, you can just put in a different set as opposed to not playing for an hour.

Even not waiting till they are completely drained...I mean how often would you need to buy a new one? Once or twice a year?

[Ferris @ Jul 18th 2006 8:19AM]

Another thing we know about this:

I won't be buying it. Ever.

[AhMen @ Jul 18th 2006 8:31AM]

I mean it may use standard AAs now but i was wondering perhaps they might come out with a quick charge pack like MS did. I mean out the box the 360 controller uses AA ("either AA or AAA im not sure") but u can purchase a quick charge pack if you dont wanna buy batteries. ALSO ! what i thought was interesting is that The controller uses Bluetooth and STILL has rumble features. haha didnt ole Sony say that they didnt have rumble because "the bluetooth was interfering with it".

[bitwise @ Jul 18th 2006 10:01AM]

I prefer AA over some proprietary, hard-to-replace format. In 20 years I know I'll still be able to get AA batteries. That and coupled with NiMH recharchables, what's the problem?

[m-p{3} @ Jul 18th 2006 10:18AM]

I guess Nintendo went to AA because they are more easily replaceable, and because rechargeable AA batteries are less expensive than before, and charge faster. I don't know why people still use standard batteries, they are just not practical, and not good at all for the environment. Regargeable are not good for the environment too, but they are found in the garbage way less often :P

[Nick James @ Jul 18th 2006 2:07PM]

Is this comment thread going to be 50+ comments of people crying about AA batteries like the one on Joystiq? Because that shit was annoying.

It's ALMOST as annoying as people bitching about the PlayStation 3's price. But not quite, since that at least has some element of, you know, suck to it.

But AA batteries? Get fuckin' real. Let's think about this. AA batteries are cheap. You can get them everywhere in massive quantities. Did I mention for cheap? And they last much longer than everyone seems to think. Bah.

[Jeff @ Jul 18th 2006 2:21PM]

Maybe Nintendo went with AA so you people would all go outside more, see your familes, make friends .. stuff like that. Wasn't that hinted at in one of their ads?

I have a pair of AA's in each of my Logitech wireless XBox controllers, and I hardly ever find myself having to replace them. I mean, they last months and months.

But, then again, every now and again, you can find me - gasp! - away from my television. Perhaps that's something those complaining should try. Hehe. ;)

[Bryan @ Jul 18th 2006 3:34PM]

I have a question that I have yet to see an answer to: At home I use a 100" projection system instead of a TV for all of my video games / entertainment. Do to the projector being far away from the screen (about 16 feet) I have to have all of my components behind me on the other side of my room from my screen. This means that the Wii system will be at least 15 to 16 feet from where the "sensor bar" will need to be placed. Will the sensor bar support a cable this long or at least be a common cable type (USB2 I'm hoping) that will allow me to extent it? If you have an answer, please email me at [e-mail] (I am unable to check back here often).

[Bryan @ Jul 18th 2006 3:45PM]

Wow... I just noticed two HORRIBLE mistakes in my comment. Here are the corrections:

"DUE* to the projector..."
"... that will allow me to EXTEND* it?..."

I really should look over what I type before I post...

[vidGuy @ Jul 18th 2006 5:58PM]

Go over to joystiq to see a 70+ post argument about the batteries. After several posts complaining that the batteries are not LiOn rechargables, the consensus is that AA batteries are the best solution for the Wii.

Reasons
- easily replaced by all consumers
- easy to find
- can get rechargable version cheaper than a LiOn battery replacement (for 4 controllers, XBOX 360 batteries would cost $50 to $75, while 10 rechargable AA give an extra set for 4 Wii remotes and only costs about $30)
- can't easily use a Play-and-Charge cord because of Wii remote's motion
- Wii remote's 30 to 60 hours is much better than the 360's 20-25 hours of life on two AA

Personally, I'm pleased. All my current gen wireless controllers use AA, and that works out well. I'll invest a few bucks in rechargables and have a cheaper solution to power for the entire life of the Wii. Good move, Nintendo.

[vidGuy @ Jul 18th 2006 6:09PM]

And Bryan, if you are back here, the sensor bar has a proprietary plug, but the cable is supposed to be between 15 and 25 feet long. They will probably also sell an extender cable. They are expecting some players to use projectors, so they'll come up with a solution. Don't worry!

[lol @ Jul 18th 2006 6:13PM]

"- can get rechargable version cheaper than a LiOn battery replacement (for 4 controllers, XBOX 360 batteries would cost $50 to $75, while 10 rechargable AA give an extra set for 4 Wii remotes and only costs about $30)"

At best buy i got 4 for 40 dollars..10 bucks more isn't too much to complain about.

[vidGuy @ Jul 18th 2006 7:16PM]

That doesn't include your charging station/cords. So with all that, it's going to push it over $50.

But I'm not complaining about the cost of the 360 batteries. I'm saying that batteries for the Wii are cheaper than people think. I'm seeing posts around that are complaining about having to replace the batteries all the time, and that jacking up the price of playing the Wii.

My point is that AA batteries are the best way to go for the Wii remote. And for those complaining, the 360 comes with AA as the standard power option... and don't be surprised if the PS3 does, too.

I think it's smart. Easy to find, cheap, proven. I like it when my MP3 player, digital camera, and wireless controllers all run on the same battery.

[Robert Barbieri @ Jul 18th 2006 8:36PM]

I'm don't really care about batteries. I'm on my 5th set in my Wavebirds, and 2nd in my Xbox 360 wireless remotes. Its not really an issue for me. My biggest fear is since that its bluetooth and runs through the 2.4ghz range will the controller crap out when my phone rings and someone answers it and I get creamed by a doconut in Zelda, because I couldn't use the motion sensor...

/me casts "Fear Of Phone" +2 on himself

[Robert Barbieri @ Jul 18th 2006 8:48PM]

"The Wii-mote features a built-in rumble motor that can be turned on or off. It does not offer varying degrees of rumble sensitivity. However, according to documentation, more intense vibrations can be simulated if developers rapidly trigger the motor on and off."

anyone else read that paragraph and think that there are going to be far more games for girls on the Wii then any other console...

[vidGuy @ Jul 18th 2006 8:51PM]

Robert, if you don't experience problems with the 360 controller, you won't with the Wii remote, as they both run in the same band.

info about 360 wireless frequency interference
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;911111

[JW @ Jul 21st 2006 4:51AM]

@ AhMen, no Sony didn't say that. They said they couldn't have rumble because of the motion sensor in the controller ;)

[Fluffy @ Nov 18th 2006 8:15PM]

I meant to quote this one:
[quote]I wish more electronics used standard batteries rather than proprietary li-ion crap.[/quote]

[Dobie @ Jan 31st 2007 10:05PM]

ok, i bought the wii now, and i've also been looking at a future update for the wii, there will son be a rechargable battery pack that works with a new charging station for the wii, the station has a wii slot, a blue glowing "Wii"under the system, spots for the remotes in each side, and nuchucks are folded back inside the base, so if your mad at the betteries, therwe will son be rechargables, however it is unknown what brand this is coming out of...

[nintendo wii games fan @ Feb 28th 2007 2:05AM]

rofl 6KB of internal memory but its great fun




http://www.wiiyou.com