Wii's first 3rd-party peripheral is a foam donut

French game publisher Ubisoft is the first company other than Nintendo to announce a peripheral for the Wii. The peripheral takes the form of a small, plastic racing wheel with a slot in the middle for the motion sensing Wii-mote, and is to be bundled with Ubisoft's GT Pro Series and 4x4: World Circuit racing games, although the simple design -- it's basically a foam circle -- suggests to us that it should "work" with pretty much any Wii racer. We'd imagine that the feeling would be similar to that of driving a car after the steering wheel had fallen off the column, and thus hilarity will no doubt ensue. On the one hand, the Wii-eel (Wiil?) could be a great example of the increased immersion that the Wii's controller will allow; on the other, Engadget HQ is chock-a-block with pointless pieces of plastic, so we're sure the novelty of finding a hunk of foam with every Wii game will wear off pretty damn quickly.

[Via Joystiq]

[Shorties @ Sep 11th 2006 6:23AM]

Its pretty obvious that when you have a easy way to make accessories cheap crap will flood the market, but honestly I think this looks awesome, I hope more companies start including things with their games (Or as a preorder bonus)

Imagine:
RE: Chainsaw
Zelda: Sword and Shield
Plastic Light-saber
Baseball Bat

[Lucy @ Sep 11th 2006 6:33AM]

DarkFader if you're trying to crack a joke, the least you could do for us is be funny...

Personally I think due to the longish shape and with that vibration feature the Wii-mote won't need any add ons!

[DarkFader @ Sep 11th 2006 6:49AM]

That gives me the idea to attach one to a frisbee.
Or to visit a car dump.
Post your wiimote ideas here!...

[DarkFader @ Sep 11th 2006 6:50AM]

No add-on is even cheaper than getting a frisbee or second-hand steering wheel!
And where are we men supposed to stick it into anyways?

[s3cutor @ Sep 11th 2006 7:41AM]

The best thing is, that every wii-peripheral already is included in the wiimote itself. The only thing that makes it a peripheral is the way the game's made. Imagine the skip rope in wiirobics. or the wii digg shovel peripheral :)

[georgedakota @ Sep 11th 2006 8:21AM]

this system is gonna suck so bad, i predict one of the biggest flops in gaming history next to virtual boy and atari jaguar.

[Shonda @ Dec 29th 2006 5:17PM]

how wrong all the NAYSAYERS are!!!!

got my daughter one for Christmas (and I didn't stand in line...had 3 available at GameStop BlackFriday morning at 7am when they opened, 4 people outside, and only 2 of us wanted one). Anywhoo...the game is a riot! My daughter is smiling in her sleep.

We can't stop playing all the sports that came with it, and everyone in my family bought her a game (Elebits, Rayman Raving Rabbids, Zelda and Rampage)...hours of fun!!! She also got a points card and purchased games online. Now I'm hoping Nintendo comes out with some educational stuff, cuz it's hard to get away from. She has surfed the net for a few definitions and facts...all on the Wiiiiiii!!

We love the weather channel. Now we don't have to go outside, wait for the news or guess about the weather...it's on the Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!

Nintendo is a great company and we support their products. We still have a working SuperNintendo, Nintendo 64 and GameCube. By the way, after my daughter lost her GameCube in Hurricane Katrina, I wrote to the company and they sent her a new one ASAP, two days after the storm, with games, absolutely FREE....so there ya go!!!

Naysayers....BE QUIET if you haven't actually played the Wiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!

[Shiver @ Sep 11th 2006 8:34AM]

Ok, nice for the steering.
But how can we brake and accelerate? Bij pressing the buttons on the wii-mote that is inside the wheel?

[TexRob @ Sep 11th 2006 9:25AM]

I know my opinion will not be met well, but I just see this as more proof that the Wii won't be for me. Hear me out.

I have always been one of those people who hated watching people steer their bodies while playing a game, as if bumping mario in the a** with your controller is going to help him make it to that platform. To me, Wii is for "that guy". I am a highly competitive person, as most hardcore gamers are, so we traditionally want precise controls that behave the same way 100% of the time. That will never be possible with the Wii, because you have loose movements and are relying on undefined/unknown parameters for actions. Sure, as you play more, you will learn the right way to do something, but it will still not be as precise or as quick as with a standard controller, period. To me, this is a really big deal. The novelty of the movement will wear off, and people will want that precise control we've grown used to. If you lose a game, because of the controls, you're going to start getting frustrated. If it keeps happening, you're going to get pissed. I forsee many broken Wii controllers. Kids are impatient, so many of the casual people won't like the Wii. Older gamers are stubborn, like me, and are used to precise controls, these people won't like the Wii. I just can't really see the market. I think tons will buy it, few will love it.

As far as getting back on topic, I have no desire to hold a steering wheel loose in my hands and twist it around in my hands. Nothing to return it to center, no support, nothing to rotate on. Do you all have any idea how tired your arms will get holding this out in front of you? Just hold your arms out in front of you for 10 minutes, it's going to get old real fast. Even if it is foam, and the controller, it is extra weight.

Do I think the Wii is/will be revolutionary and creative? Absolutely. Do I think it will lead to positive changes? yes. Do I think it will be widely accepted? no.

Just my 2c from a skeptical gaming vet.

[Shonda @ Dec 28th 2006 6:53PM]

how wrong all the NAYSAYERS are!!!!

got my daughter one for Christmas (and I didn't stand in line...had 3 available at GameStop BlackFriday morning at 7am when they opened, 4 people outside, and only 2 of us wanted one). Anywhoo...the game is a riot! My daughter is smiling in her sleep.

We can't stop playing all the sports that came with it, and everyone in my family bought her a game (Elebits, Rayman Raving Rabbids, Zelda and Rampage)...hours of fun!!! She also got a points card and purchased games online. Now I'm hoping Nintendo comes out with some educational stuff, cuz it's hard to get away from. She has surfed the net for a few definitions and facts...all on the Wiiiiiii!!

We love the weather channel. Now we don't have to go outside, wait for the news or guess about the weather...it's on the Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!

Nintendo is a great company and we support their products. We still have a working SuperNintendo, Nintendo 64 and GameCube. By the way, after my daughter lost her GameCube in Hurricane Katrina, I wrote to the company and they sent her a new one ASAP, two days after the storm, with games, absolutely FREE....so there ya go!!!

Naysayers....BE QUIET if you haven't actually played the Wiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!

[mike @ Sep 11th 2006 9:29AM]

Shiver:
Maybe, by pulling back on the wheel it brakes, and pulling it forward it speeds up... we will have to wait and see...

[js beckerist @ Sep 11th 2006 9:43AM]

hey look at me, I'm an analyst. I say (blah blah enter lame prediction of any next-gen system here, slamming one along the way) therefore it must be so, even though I have absolutely nothing to back up my claim and the same exact info the next guy has...

damn you complainers are getting on my nerves!!!

[josh @ Sep 11th 2006 9:53AM]

the wii is gonna flop

[Karen @ Sep 11th 2006 9:59AM]

I can think of a few add-ons of plastic I'd have fun playing the Wii with:

Golf club
Light saber
Sword-Shield
Tennis Racket
Baseball Bat
Fishing Rod
Gun

These add-ons could make it a little less intimidating to get non gamers or first timers to play. I remeber trying to teach my young son to play Mario Kart he had trouble understanding the control stick and buttons. If I hand him that foam steering wheel and the Wii remote inside it, I'm confident he woulld understand it instantly.

[Deluxe @ Sep 11th 2006 10:12AM]

js beckerist - "damn you complainers are getting on my nerves!!!"

Irony, anyone?

[Gr1zz @ Sep 11th 2006 10:15AM]

If you look really closely at the texture it looks like a tuffer plastic over foam, looks really nice to me.

[Aaron @ Sep 11th 2006 11:06AM]

First of all, this is the dumbest thing I've seen today. Hold the controller on the sides and steer it yourself. Wow, you don't even need a CHEAP AND RIDICULOUS FOAM CIRCLE!

Secondly, TexRob, you raise a good point. I've always hated the people who moved the controller like a spaz too. That said, I'm still excited about the Wii. I think the controls will be more accurate than you think, and there's also the attachment with the analog stick, so conventional control isn't totally gone. I don't think the Wii is a step backward for accuracy and consistent controlling, but rather a step forward. You're relying on yourself more than ever, which I think is even better for competitive gamers like yourself. There will be some tough and "hardcore" games for the Wii, and imprecise movements won't cut it. So really, I don't it's for "that guy" with the uncoordinated hands (and body) at all.

Just the opinion of another long-time gamer. Something to think about.

[JasonLynx @ Sep 11th 2006 11:30AM]

Inferior Graphics Blow!!!

[JasonLynx @ Sep 11th 2006 11:33AM]

Foam joysticks Blow!!!

I thought games are supposed to get better?!?!?

[Jason @ Sep 11th 2006 12:24PM]

My money is on the new dedicated MS driving wheel creating a better gaming experience. Hard to see how this would be better in any way shape or form. Maybe cheaper, but hardly a better gaming experience than a dedicated wheel.

[Wry Cooter @ Sep 11th 2006 12:41PM]

No hemmorroid cushion jokes?

[The S @ Sep 11th 2006 12:46PM]

Anyone else think that the gap where the side of the Wii-mote will go is to pave the way for a new button which would otherwise be blocked?

[Kspraydad @ Sep 11th 2006 1:04PM]

Karen...

Is your son a retard? If not, I can't imagine any adult having to teach a kid how to play a video game.

As for the usefulness of this, I guess it'll be fine for playing 2 minute Mario Kart version 200 games but if you're going to play a real racing game or a quick response game it will...as previously noted...blow.

[DeShaun @ Sep 11th 2006 1:28PM]

I think that's probably the cheapest idea for a "peripheral" ever. At first glance it seems interesting, but I think I'd rather just play with the controller in my hand. If the foam wheel were docked, then I could see using it, because then I have some resistance and a relative center point and such...it would actually feel like I'm turning a wheel and not just playing pretend.

Dockable peripherals would be nice, though. Plug the Wii controller into a specific dock and it doubles as a steering wheel, or a flight stick, or whatever.

As for the Wii being unmarketable, you fail to look at something that's already won with unorthodox and "imprecise" control methods: the DS. Two screens to focus your attention on, and a touch screen, and it sells like hotcakes. It's not for everyone, but it IS popular, and the Wii will be, too.

I think it's laughable that people seem to forget that Wii will have a dedicated "traditional" controller, reminiscent of the SNES pad, as well as supporting the gamecube controller. People should give things more thought. I'm actually happy to see a controller that doesn't have 11 buttons. Consoles are about a button press away from just being PC titles.

[schtum @ Sep 11th 2006 1:36PM]

Someone should make Wii Legos (or K'nex, or [insert your favorite building toy here]). That way you could just make your own peripherals to suit the game you're playing.

Personally, I think this wheel is garbage. It adds nothing to the experience other than that your hands will be slightly further apart. If you're gonna make a steering wheel, give me something with a weighted base and make the wheel spring back to the center position automatically. It would still be dirt cheap because there are no electronics required. Of course a "premium" version could add enhanced rumble and buttons on the wheel.

[lacksBrain @ Sep 11th 2006 3:42PM]

I love to Wii!

[William Crabtree @ Sep 11th 2006 4:12PM]

"I think it's laughable that people seem to forget that Wii will have a dedicated "traditional" controller, reminiscent of the SNES pad, as well as supporting the gamecube controller. People should give things more thought. I'm actually happy to see a controller that doesn't have 11 buttons. Consoles are about a button press away from just being PC titles."

See..I've always had this annoyance. I love PC titles for the fact that every button is movable and you can put them where it feels right. In this case a bunch of buttons is good. I could never play Counter Strike or even HL on a console. The buttons are just wonky.

The same can be said about a few buttons. I love the basic SNES controller. I have never liked, and never will like, the Xbox controllers. Too many buttons and too cramped of a style. PS controllers are ok..but they can be bad for a lot of things too.

I just tried playing an Xbox 360 game last night at the store and gave up in 2 minutes because the controller is too confusing to me.

[Einhanderkiller @ Sep 11th 2006 7:47PM]

PS3 CONTROLLER????

[IIwyrmII @ Sep 11th 2006 9:06PM]

or you could tape it to the steering wheel of an old system... and you could tape the nunchaku to the shifter(as it looks like the top of one already) and use to motion sensor to detect shifting

[kingkoopaunion @ Sep 11th 2006 11:44PM]

I'm holding out for the wii-sword. two player soul caliber will never be the same...
or maybe the dual wiimotes with boxing glove attachments.
perhaps the wiifootball, tennisracket, baseball bat, giant mace, gunstock, (I should stop giving these ideas away for free...)
Seriously. I am first in line at EB when the wii hits the US.

[stayontheroofs @ Sep 12th 2006 4:51AM]

I do think this is very cool, as it shows that the Wii's controller is so versatile there's no need for masses of expensive add-ons. Just think what else can be made as a foam overlay for the wiimote? There's absolutely no limit, and they're bound to be far cheaper than buying 1st or 3rd-party peripherals.

[Seth @ Sep 12th 2006 5:06PM]

I have one thing to say to TexRob to refute his claims: Paintball. Ever played? I mean the real stuff, outside, all sticky and sweaty. It's pretty much hour upon hour of holding a 5-pound (or more) gun in your hands, aiming, shooting, running, ducking. I'm not the most in-shape guy, weigh about 280, but I can play that stuff all day long without complaint. Why? Because it's fun. If you're immersed in the game, you won't notice the minimal effort of holding a few ounces of controller in your hands. And if your success is dependent on how steady you can hold your hands out in front of you, you're going to get really good at holding them still.

Granted, that comparison would work for a shooting game. A driving game, like this is made for, might get tiring due to the fact that you're not really moving your arms around all that much to steer. On the other hand, if, as has been suggested, the forward angle controls speed, or even other options like drift or e-brake turns, then you will probably be thrashing that wheel around pretty good. And if that's the case, you won't get tired of it. Unless the game's boring, of course, but that's another discussion best left until AFTER WE HAVE A CHANCE TO PLAY WITH IT! :)

[weinerbridge @ Oct 9th 2006 8:27AM]

the only new thing they did is invent a good tounge-in-cheek name for it

[Cathy @ Feb 6th 2008 11:14PM]

I got the sports package with my wii but have no idea how to attach them, can anyone help me please

[Cathy @ Feb 7th 2008 10:20AM]

I got the sport package with my wii does anyone know how to attch them to the controller