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Gold nunchucks for sale at North American Club Nintendo
The North American Club Nintendo hub has on sale a limited quantity of gold nunchuck accessories, priced at 900 coins each. We think that's a very reasonable price for a handful of pure, unfiltered gold with some wiring down the middle. Seriously, Nintendo has to be taking a hit for each one of these it sells, right? Oh – they're not solid gold? And Nintendo made sure to point that out in the description, reminding us once again that somewhere, someone might have actually thought a scenario like that was possible? Oh.The gold (colored, not plated or solid) nunchucks match the gold Wii Remote Plus that came with limited editions of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Interested parties can purchase a gold nunchuck right here.
Wii Controller Demo brings your Wiimote and Android phone 2gether, 4ever
Ryan Frawley still has a fair bit of work ahead of him, but his Wii Controller Demo app for Android sure holds an awful lot of promise. Available now for no charge (though a $1 paid version is available for those who dig his work), this here software allows Android users to create a Bluetooth link between their Wii remote and handset, and then log input information on the mobile's display. As of now, there's not a whole lot of value outside of Wiimote troubleshooting, but it's a few lines of code away from being able to act as a controller for gaming. Just think -- a Wiimote, your Android phone, an emulator, an HDMI output and four other nerds surrounding your television. Needless to say, we'll be keeping a close eye out for updates coming to this one. [Thanks, Jonathan]
Black Wii Remote, MotionPlus add-on and Nunchuck arrive on November 16th
We knew they were coming for the holidays, and now Nintendo's black Wii gear has some prices and a November 16th release date. The black Wii Remote comes bundled with a MotionPlus add-on -- obviously Nintendo doesn't want to risk too many more people picking up a controller without one -- and retails for $50, while the black Nunchuck (shown after the break) is all by its lonesome for $20. Unfortunately, still no word of a black Wii in the US to hang out with these finely tinted accessories.
Video: surviving Pleo loses remaining autonomy, gets controlled by Wii Nunchuk
Aw, how timely. Shortly after the Pleo lineage fell victim to economic pressures, an all-too-cute video has surfaced showing a remaining creature being controlled by a Wii Nunchuk. In reality, the underlying abuse here is quite sad -- for those unaware, Pleo was designed to be entirely autonomous, and the first step to regaining control over it is to implement a "Pleo Stunner" in order to shock him into silence. From there, an XBee-based solution is used to tap into his control system and override every single instinct the poor sap ever had. If you're into this type of sadistic torture (or you're just an aspiring dictator), check the read link for all the instructions you need to fulfill your own evil desires. For those just interested in a good chuckle, the vid's after the break. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Zeemote JS1 wireless controller syncs up with the G1 for game time fun
We've already seen the Zeemote JS1 bring wireless nunchuck gaming action (and its vaguely copyright-infringing name) to Sony Ericsson and Nokia handsets. Now it seems the device is leaving those corporate ventures behind, going open source and syncing up with HTC's G1 as shown in the video below. The game the demonstrator is playing doesn't look like much fun (surely some sort of abstract re-imagining of Cosmic Ark), but more entertaining games will likely be showing up in the Android Market soon -- assuming they don't do anything with tethering.
Nintendo, Nyko settle lawsuit over wireless nunchuks, Nyko agrees to stop hitting itself with ugly stick
After six months of what we can only imagine were pained, laborious negotiations, Nintendo and Nyko announced today that they've settled that lawsuit over Nyko's Kama wireless nunchuk controllers. No mention of how much Nyko had to pay up to make this all go away, but apparently the company's agreed to tweak the Kama's design to make it looks less like Ninty's original -- we'd say a good beginning exercise would be to try and figure out why anyone actually needs an off-color wireless nunchuk, and then going on from there.[Via Joystiq]
PopStar Guitar's slip-on fret sheath exposed
Okay, so the prophylactic jokes are strong with this one, but bear with us as we attempt to stick to the straight and narrow about XS Games' PopStar Guitar for Wii. It's a game that, if this were an SAT exam, would be to Guitar Hero as Mini-KISS is to KISS: somewhat short of the real thing. The screen shots look rather simplistic and, of course, familiar, but what stands out is the sheath accessory that slips onto your Wiimote, giving you four (yes, just four) fret buttons to manipulate while you "strum" with the Nunchuck. After a few hours of this we think you're more likely to be in a wrist brace than rock 'n roll heaven. It's an experience you can feel for yourself when the game hits stores at the end of the month.
Wii nunchuck braves the outdoors to steer electric canoe
While it's not quite the feat that an actual Wiimote-paddled canoe would be (or nearly as silly), this nunchuck-steered contraption is still pretty impressive in its own right, and quite the change in pace from the usual Wiimote-controlled robots. At the heart of the rig is the always-useful Arduino platform, which employs some custom software to control the two electric motors powered by a pair of golf cart batteries, along with some robot servos and a battle bot motor driver. That apparently all adds up to about 6 to 8 hours of cruising time and a leisurely top speed of four miles per hour, not to mention some apparently spot on controls, which you can see in action for yourself in the video after the break.[Thanks, Yash]
Nintendo sues Nyko over nunchucks, ninjas still silent
It looks like Nyko's nunchuck controllers for the Wii could possibly be getting a whole lot more limited, at least if a recently filed lawsuit plays out the way Nintendo would like. As Bloomberg reports, Nintendo is claiming that Nyko's wireless Kama nunchucks not only infringe on its trademarks for the Nunchuk name and packaging, but that they wholly appropriate the "novel shape, design, overall appearance and even the color and materials used in the Nintendo Nunchuk controller." For its part, Nyko is not surprisingly only saying that it has "not knowingly violated anyone's intellectual property," and that they're "still examining this."[Via Wii Fanboy]
Nyko intros "limited edition" Kama Wii nunchucks
Nyko's already let loose a wireless nunchuck and a cord-free adapter for your standard issue nunchuck, but if those options are a little too subdued for your taste, you may want to consider one of the company's new "limited edition" Kama models, which are also wireless and available in your choice of four colors of varying degrees of garishness. That includes gray, black, pink and gold (or gold details, it seems), each of which are limited to between 150 and 300 units and cost $35 each. Yes, that's a premium over the standard model, but just imagine the looks of adoration you'll get when you whip one of these out at your next Wii Sports tourney.[Via Wii Fanboy]Update: Nyko's PR rep informs us that the limited edition Kama wireless 'chucks are in fact the same price as their standard wireless nunchuck ($35), which itself demands a premium over Nintendo's regular wired model.
Wiimote cuff links: an accelerometer short of greatness
It's somewhat unfortunate that they kept you waiting, but the same folks who brought those Sony fanboys their very own PlayStation controller cuff links have now doled out an option for Mario's closest of friends. The Wiimote cuff links don't stop with just a sterling silver Wiimote -- oh no, you'll also find a finely crafted nunchuk on the bottom end to keep the purists smiling. Sure, an actual Wii console only demands an extra Benjamin over the $150 pair, but it's not like you can find the former in stock anywhere, anyway.[Thanks, Paul]
Wiimote 'extreme' LED mod is dazzling
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/mods/Wiimote_extreme_LED_mod_is_dazzling'; When we hear the word "extreme" in the title of anything, we usually assume we'll hate it. (Note: This rule of thumb is especially important when the "ex" syllable is replaced by the letter "x".) We were therefore surprised to see how utterly freaking awesome SiebenDX's "Wiimote extreme LED mod" was. It's not even just the Wiimotes, Nunchucks, and Classic Controllers modded with LED bling that make them worth checking out, but the video itself is entertaining. While "Through the Fire and the Flames" wouldn't be our first choice at accompanying music (well, maybe it would be someone's first choice), we enjoy how the LEDs coordinate with the music. It's like watching some sort of LED-mod-meets-Guitar Hero hybrid.Then again, maybe we're just easily amused. Ooh, look at the pretty colors![Via Gemaga]
Valve, Nunchuck release Ninja Reflex over Steam
Valve and Nunchuck Games have tiptoed around caltrops and poison rice balls in order to release Sanzaru Games' "ninja party game" Ninja Reflex over Steam. The game, recently released for both the Wii and DS, leverages Valve's Steamworks tool set, adding some 50 new achievements not found in the previous versions. Even better, the companies hint at an in-game "basket" of Easter Eggs lifted from the Half-Life and Portal universe. Whatever that means, we want it. Beyond the added achievements, the appropriately dubbed "Steamworks Edition" also carries an attractive asking price of just $9.95 $8.95, making the alternative $39.99 Wii and $29.99 DS versions seem laughable by comparison. The game is up on Steam now, and is next on our list of things to get -- right after we finish eating this rice ball.
One-handed Wii controller is a feel-good mod
digg_url='http://digg.com/nintendo/One_Handed_Wiimote_and_Nunchuk_Helps_the_Disabled_Play'; While we love gaming, it's often easy to overlook the fact that people with certain handicaps tend to get left out of the hobby. That's why reader Ryan Culy recently modded the Wiimote and Nunchuck into a controller that can be used with one hand. Designed for a friend who lost most of his left arm, Ryan moved the "Z" and "C" buttons from the Nunchuck to the Wiimote. The joystick was separated and can be put on a table, knee, or foot, allowing the player to control it with his or her elbow.Although Ryan makes his creation look and sound easy, we know the process wasn't simple. Everyone's favorite mod genius, Ben Heck, was so impressed that he featured it as his "Pick of the Wii-k."To read about the creation of the one-handed Wii controller in detail, hit up Ryan's site and check out the "projects" section.%Gallery-16339%
Nyko reveals cord-free adapter for Wii Nunchuck, retrofitters rejoice
Oh sure, one could argue (quite successfully, we might add) that Nyko's Wireless Nunchuck was quite the blessing for those sick and tired of the factory tether, but what about all us chaps and dames who already purchased Nintendo's version of the Nunchuck? Fret not, Wii faithful, as Nyko is coming to your rescue once more. The aptly-titled Cord-Free Adapter for Wii Nunchuck enables current wired Nunchuck owners to simply holster their peripherals, wind up the cord and enjoy all sorts of wireless freedom. Granted, we still feel that this February-bound accessory is priced a touch high at $19.99, but hey, it's cheaper than buying an all new third-party 'chuck, eh?
Another Nunchuk detangler on the way from Nyko
Nyko earned great acclaim at CES for their Wireless Nunchuck peripheral, which is like the Nunchuk, only wireless. A new GameStop product listing has shown up, indicating that Nyko already plans to expand their Nunchuk-emancipation product line, with a new item that will release two months before the Wireless Nunchuck. There are no pictures, but the description of the "Wii Cord-Free Wireless Adaptor" states that the item "converts your wired Nunchuk attachment into a wireless peripheral" powered by two AAA batteries. The battery case is integrated into a "self-standing sleeve" that also tucks the Nunchuk's cord away. It sounds pretty bulky, but if the Wireless Nunchuck is any indication, they seem to know what they're doing -- with Nunchuks, anyway. The Cord-Free Wireless Adaptor is currently listed for a February 20 release, for $20.
Wireless Nunchuck is the best at CES, according to CNET
There seemed to be a lot of mixed reactions when we posted about the Nyko Wireless Nunchuck. Responses were divided between excitement, cynicism, and "huh?" CNET is a fan of the product, though, as the website recently titled it as the "Best of CES" in the gaming category. We wouldn't recommend placing too much stock in this CES decision. We're not saying that the Wireless Nunchuck is bad or useless, but CES's impressions of the product made it sound like a decent accessory rather than a must-have item. It makes us wonder if CNET made this choice based on a round of drunken roshambo (which is how we make all our decisions here at Nintendo Wii Fanboy).If CNET is right, though, we can't say we're disappointed about having missed CES this year.[Via GoNintendo]
Speaker setup tries to resemble the Wii, fails
One of the reasons why the Wii is nice to look at is because it's small and chic. With that said, it's easy to understand why we're not fans of this "Wii Phat" 2:1 speaker setup (no, it's not really called that), although the Nunchuck speakers themselves are a nice touch. That subwoofer, though, is nothing but an eyesore, and we wouldn't want our Wiis anywhere near it.This speaker setup is also somewhat mysterious, since 4Games seems to be advertising the product but not actually selling it. It's therefore hard to tell if this will ever actually be for sale, but if not, we can't say we'd be disappointed.[Via GoNintendo]
Zeetoo's Zeemote: the Wiimote for your cellphone
Zeetoo's Zeemote has actually been around the block a time or two before, but now it looks like this drawing board darling has grown legs. Reportedly, the Boston-area firm has secured some €4.7 million ($6.9 million) in funding from Nauta, Commonwealth Ventures and Egan Capital, which it will likely use to further develop and commercialize a wireless joystick for mobiles that looks (and sounds) strikingly similar to some other peripheral we've grown fond of. The Zeemote would purportedly communicate via Bluetooth in order to make gaming slightly more palatable on vanilla handsets, but we can't say we're champing at the bit to clutter up our precious pocket space with one of these things anytime soon.[Via Joystiq]
Nyko's Wireless Nunchuck makes you that much less coordinated
Well, this was inevitable. And we suppose it's not a terrible thing in itself, some people really loathe that cord tying the Wiimote and Nunchuck together, especially in light of how minimalistic the Wii is in most other regards. We, on the other hand, appreciate the defence the tether provides against injuring our house guests any more than necessary with our crazed arm flailings. Who knows if Nintendo will ever get around to releasing a wireless version of the Nunchuck, but Nyko's going to make a buck here either way with its Wireless Nunchuck setup, which is headed for CES next month. There's a 2.4GHz receiver module that has to be plugged into the Wiimote, but the Nunchuck itself is pretty much a virtual clone of Nintendo's -- which is appreciated. No word on price or a release date just yet.
