Nintendo's $19.99 MotionPlus Wiimote add-on ships to US on June 8th

Alright, so maybe the rumors weren't that far off, but the Big N just did us a solid by establishing US availability of its MotionPlus Wiimote accessory a few weeks ahead of when we were expecting. Granted, it's downright baffling that these things still aren't out on the market, but we're fully anticipating perfection from something that has been in the Crock-Pot® for so long. Shortly after E3 2009 concludes (June 8th, to be precise), Nintendo will ship its MotionPlus add-on stateside. The device itself will run you $19.99, though you could wait until July 26th to pick up the totally attractive Wii Sports Resort for $49.99, which naturally comes bundled with one of the accessories.

[Nomi @ Apr 14th 2009 8:55AM]

YEY! More accessories! How bout some good games Nintendo?

[Jake B @ Apr 14th 2009 4:27PM]

Do not complain of how Nintendo makes their money. They could destroy you if they wished! *Whispers: Nintendo has the place wired, follow me to the cellar.*

[Horsey @ Apr 15th 2009 9:57AM]

The Conduit, maybe? Also happens to ship in June...

[Buenos ding dong diddly dias @ Apr 16th 2009 8:35PM]

Well, in their defense, at least this accessory brings something to the table other than a form factor rework. The current Wiimote has really terrible fidelity due to its low resolution IR sensor and cheap accelerometer. The crappy IR sensor isn't changing, which is unfortunate as it's the worst performing component with the most important role (yaw and pitch control), but this should at least help. So, in a wasteland of crappy Wiimote accessories, this should at least help address some clear deficiencies in the product.

[lhfan04 @ Apr 14th 2009 9:01AM]

Please god tell me this isn't going to be like the DSi where some games are going to require you to have this. Please make those games just enhanced for the Wii.

[AVG @ Apr 14th 2009 9:10AM]

Ah, to be young and naive again...

[Tim Brown @ Apr 14th 2009 10:06AM]

@AVG

I admit, it does make you feel old when you see comments like this. We cynical old timers just don't have that kind of optimism any more. Is there some sort of meta surgery that happens when you buy a gadget that slowly cauterises any optimism out as you pay for the next refresh/upgrade?

[AVG @ Apr 14th 2009 11:29AM]

@Tim Brown

Truth. It's a simple fact that as you get older, you slowly realize that gaming isn't there so you can have fun... it's there so the game companies can turn a profit. Business doesn't love you. Business loves your money.

Not necessarily a bad thing - without money there'd be no more games. But with a new (as of the 2000s, at least) population of bro-gamers and grandma-gamers, nickel-and-diming is quickly becoming a way of life.

[m2h @ Apr 14th 2009 9:02AM]

Looks like Nintendo was feeling left out, and have now made the cost of their controller on par with 360 and PS3.

[crashcarstar @ Apr 14th 2009 9:08AM]

40 for a Wiimote and 20 for a nunchuck is already as much as the other guys.

[Hardcore @ Apr 14th 2009 5:00PM]

Yes, Nintendo has actually managed to develop controller DLC - Genius! They sell their controller in pieces with each individual piece being cheaper than their competitors controller, but as a whole it is more expensive. I wonder if I break my Wiimote into pieces will I be able to sell it on eBay at a higher price.

[Kevin @ Apr 14th 2009 9:03AM]

I have been looking forward to this, but I think I will wait for Wii Sports Resort. The sports games are receiving extremely good impressions, though.

[jm9843 @ Apr 14th 2009 1:32PM]

Woohoo!! Tiger Woods is going to rock, and I don't even like golf!

[Joseph @ Apr 14th 2009 12:36PM]

You rock and I don't even like tools.

[Hyde_n_out @ Apr 14th 2009 9:27AM]

If interested, pre-order is available for Resort+Remote at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Wii-Sports-Resort-Nintendo/dp/B001COQW14/ref=sr_tr_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1239715444&sr=8-1

[Homeboy @ Apr 14th 2009 9:28AM]

Sorry but this is robbery. A feature like this should be implemented in the stupid remote. Imagine is one has four controller, having to fork over a total of $80 for this isn't fair. Especially when Nintendo keep pushing out new accessories every other month. It won't be too long before people's Wii hardware and pile of accessories are worth more than there 42 inch flat screen TV.

[scooterbaga @ Apr 14th 2009 11:04AM]

I'm betting down the road they'll incorporate the add on into the remote itself. This is for the 'old' controllers.

[Wwhat @ Apr 14th 2009 11:46AM]

Their* 42 inch.

(there is a place, it's over there)

[joe23521 @ Apr 14th 2009 9:34AM]

I hope it comes with the sleeves. Nintendo never did send me the sleeves I requested over two years ago.

[Kevin @ Apr 14th 2009 10:21AM]

It does, because it requires a longer sleeve.

[joe23521 @ Apr 14th 2009 10:23AM]

At last, my wiimotes will be clothed.

[ilh @ Apr 14th 2009 11:47AM]

I think I might have yours, I got sent 2 lots of 4...

[Joseph @ Apr 14th 2009 12:36PM]

it comes w/ a magnum sleeve.

[Miggity @ Apr 14th 2009 12:45PM]

I hate the Wiimote jimmy-hats anyway. How many people here actually use them?

[Oli D @ Apr 14th 2009 9:35AM]

Whats the difference from a regular wiimote?

p.s. i despise that that word has caught on.

[Massmass @ Apr 14th 2009 10:27AM]

wiimote is far better than ieverything and anythingi.

[Oli D @ Apr 14th 2009 10:56AM]

remember when it used to be "eanything?"

back in the days when you paid for internet by the minute and it made that ridiculous sound..

[Massmass @ Apr 14th 2009 11:16AM]

lol, oh yeah, thanks for reminding me. It brings hope that someday the whole "i" thing will die. Albeit, slowly.

[Wwhat @ Apr 14th 2009 11:48AM]

It's a thing you attach to your regular wiimote and it'll enhance the precision greatly so you can really do fine control in games.

[alex1jam @ Apr 14th 2009 9:41AM]

Yes te Wii keeps getting better.

[AVG @ Apr 14th 2009 9:44AM]

Well it sure as hell couldn't get worse.

[Dorf @ Apr 14th 2009 9:51AM]

Get prepared for about 10000 sword fighting games.

[Hackettman @ Apr 14th 2009 9:57AM]

You know nintendo has really useful accessories for the everyday gamer. This makes the motion more precise and has games on the horizon for it. Its what I like nintendo for.... If you want something from them as far as playing the games you can get it...... Just dont ask for great games...... Mediocre games? Well I guess so.....

[Heimbachae @ Apr 14th 2009 10:06AM]

by "useful accessories" do you mean this --> http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/01/05/wiimote-add-ons-for-wii-sports-totally-stupid/

and i just don't see how for 2 1/2 years now the motion sensitivity was subpar, enough to warrant the need for a 20 dollar add on that most 'casual gamers', or the audience that is attracted to the Wii, really won't notice.

[Ian @ Apr 14th 2009 10:03AM]

Anyone know if you'll be able to use this AND the nunchuck? It would seem strange to not have that ability. It would also make fps games a lot better for the wii.

[Jeremy @ Apr 14th 2009 10:38AM]

* It'll only work with the Nunchuck Plus, which will come out just in time for the holiday shopping season this year, and will retail for $14.99.


* this is sarcasm, and not to be taken seriously.

[Tim @ Apr 14th 2009 10:58AM]

It has the port for the nunchuk/classic controller at the bottom, so yes.

[THRILLHO @ Apr 14th 2009 10:18AM]

yes, it has a nunchuk port. the wii motionplus also comes with its own longer jacket in the package.

[absolutc @ Apr 14th 2009 10:51AM]

Is it just me or does anyone else see this thing breaking off at some point. I am not sure that the device can support the wrist strap and all that flinging stress. I dunno, I have my doubts.

[Wwhat @ Apr 14th 2009 11:51AM]

Don't forget that the strap is for emergencies, you hold the wiimote and the strap is for if you goof and let it fly from your sweaty hands, and one assumes that only happens rarely.

[Massmass @ Apr 14th 2009 11:19AM]

$20 is corporate robbery. I don't like getting on the whole bandwagon of pricing, but seriously, $20 for $5 tech? $9.99-$14.99 would be better. Or at least bundle them in sets for cheaper or give rebates if more than one is bought. I guess I'll just practice my consumer right of looking the other way at products I deem too expensive.

[Ffejery @ Apr 14th 2009 12:33PM]

I agree that it's overpriced, although depending on what sort of hardware is in there, it may likely be worth more than $5. Considering I can get a good 3-axis accelerometer from STmicro for $10 (single quantity) (I'd presume this includes another accelerometer), your $10-15 price-point sounds reasonable.

[Ozzman_79 @ Apr 14th 2009 12:55PM]

$20 for $5 tech? And you arrived at this $5 number..............................how exactly? Through an extensive search of component pricing, ballpark estimation at the R & D expenditures it required and a thorough tabulation of production and distribution expenses? Yeah, that's what I thought. Your argument is worth about 5¢ based on the current market list pricing for BS.

[Massmass @ Apr 14th 2009 1:07PM]

How is your dismissal any more "scientific". Oh right, it isn't. There would be extremely little R&D involved in this. It was already established in the Wii controller. Distribution doesn't add a lot of money when considering the weight and size of this accessory. It's small and light, so large amounts can be moved at a time. The network is already established as well so adding another shipment isn't much more money. The chip that senses "motion" would be extremely cheap, especially at mass quantities and possible exclusive deals to those that provide the chip.Anything else included is likely to costs PENNIES at quantity. Seriously, you have no idea how cheap most electronic components cost. There is no new tech involved in this. Nintendo is basically mating better technology and that's that.

Plus, considering they are essentially putting a band-aid on their poor decision in using cheaper tech, but not that much cheaper, especially since they could easily forecast the amount they'd need, this is CORPORATE ROBBERY. Are they making mass profits? No, but they're making more than they should and power to them if the consumers want to give it to them.

[Jon A. @ Apr 14th 2009 2:35PM]

A similar gyroscope to the one that's going in the WiiMotion+ (the IDG-500) is $40 direct from the manufacturer. Gyroscopes are not cheap tech.

[Jon A. @ Apr 14th 2009 2:36PM]

Here's the link: http://www.invensense.com/store/index.html

[Massmass @ Apr 14th 2009 4:31PM]

That is the best you can do, huh? lol. Seriously... That price is just aimed at hobbyists that will suddenly be interested in the tech because of it's high profile atm. If someone will pay for it, of course they'd charge that much, and also it keeps away N00Bs from bothering them. Any legitimate price quote will be just that, a quote based on quantity and more often than not, credentials.

Are you going to say that touch sensors are now elite tech too? These consumer grade products are nothing to make once the tech has been established. It's the high end stuff with extremely low tolerances and conditions where things get pricey. Go ahead, do the research, it'll enlighten you how all sensors actually work. ;)

[Ozzman_79 @ Apr 14th 2009 5:11PM]

My "dismissal" was never meant to be more "scientific," nor did I ever claim it to be. No one brought that up anything "scientifc" about it other then you. I asked at how you arrived at the cost of $5 and then mentionned a bunch of broad catagories that involve cost for developing products. You seem pretty sure there would be "little" cost for R & D and distribution, yet provide no eveidence other then running your mouth further. you mention chips and other cost Pennies, but, again, provide no proof other then "taking your word." You seem to know an aweful lot about Nintendo's R & D costs, AND their parts purchasing costs AND their distribution costs. You must be a very high up exec at Nintendo to have access to all this information.

"Seriously, you have no idea how cheap most electronic components cost"

Actually, I am a electronic engineering technologist and assembling and testing electronics, and having to replace components in a most cost effective manner make me VERY familiar with the cost of electronic componetns.

Sure is a bitch having to actually justify something you spout on the internet, isn't it?

[Massmass @ Apr 14th 2009 8:00PM]

"Actually, I am a electronic engineering technologist and assembling and testing electronics, and having to replace components in a most cost effective manner make me VERY familiar with the cost of electronic componetns."

I usually don't bother, but you're very, very, very, very, very likely to be lying. Also, I am perfectly content with my opinion and I know it's accurate and with general electronic component pricing, it is fact. In your position it must be easy to come with some hard evidence of IC and sensory unit pricing, preferably 10k units or above . So please, put me in my place once and for all. I'd love it and so would all the haters. I am happy to admit that I am wrong, when in fact, I am wrong.

[Ebzy @ Apr 14th 2009 11:30AM]

"the Big N just did us a solid"

Did nintendo just shit on something for you?