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Wii WiiID Wiimote Battery Cover Kit
Manufacturer: Talismoon
Site: Buy from Divineo China
Price: $7.95


Overview : The Wiimote is a smart device, allowing you to carry your "Mii" on the go, and use it at a friends house. But, all wiimotes look the same. Enter the wiiID. The WiiID includes a custom battery cover with a clear window in it, and 8 different templates that you can put behind the window so you can easily tell your wiimote apart from everyone else's.

The WiiID is practical and entertaining at the same time, as you can put funny pictures inside your wiimote (like rusty gears, or an ear of corn) making your wiimote unique and fun.

Of course, you can also make your own template simply by printing your favoriate photo on your printer, and cutting it to the appropriate size.

Let your wiimote join the party, with the wiiID.

Included:

• 1 replacement battery cover
• 20 ready to use templates

Quality/Usability : The Nintendo Wii is a great console for the entire family to enjoy regardless of ones age. In order to get the family to play, you'll need multiple controllers. Of course, all the controllers look the same but like some people, they have their own dedicated controller. I know I do. Its my controller and no one else uses it.

To distinguish which controller belongs to who, some paint them, some put stickers on them, some put different colored silicone skins or even a dot of red nail polish like on turtles. Ok, maybe not the last part.

Talismoon has released Wii-ID Wiimote Battery Cover Kit. This is a battery cover but whats different is the clear screen. This allows you to insert your own design and is displayed right on the battery cover. The battery cover has a bit of a glossy look to it. At the bottom, instead of a Nintendo logo, it has a Talismoon logo.

Included are 20 ready to use designs but I counted 19. The included designs is nothing fancy and looks a little cheesy to me. Also included is a plastic template. This allows you to print out your design, use the template to trace the size and cut it. The size of the design/cut is 1.5" (width) x 3.25" (height). Although it gives you a plastic template to cut it to size, it doesnt include anything for when you design it. A Photoshop file should at least be hosted or something so you can design around that instead of designing it from scratch and having to play around with size.

Conclusion : Overall, the Wii Wii-ID Wiimote Battery Cover Kit is a nice idea when it comes to customization and/or knowing which Wiimote belongs to who but it falls short in some areas. The cover is glossy and the plastic clear screen looks like it can scratch easily. It comes with a plastic template that lets you trace the size but nothing is provided for when you design it. No size, no template, nothing. So if you're designing, you'll have to set it up yourself. Once you set up the correct size, you'll have to find out where the design becomes visible and where it is covered by the battery door.

If Talismoon is reading this, I suggest releasing a template file that allows people to just import their design, adjust accordingly and print. Who wants to buy a product that makes you do extra work by having to play around configuring your own template just to print your own design? I dont.

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Wii Wireless Crazy Guitar Controller
Manufacturer: PEGA
Site: Buy from Goldenshop
Price: $45.00


Overview : Get your ROCK on with this alternative Les Paul Guitar Controller.

Quality/Usability : When a new Guitar Hero game comes out, it only comes with one guitar. But what if you want your friend to join in on the fun or help you out or even duel it out. You either have to wait for manufacturer to release standalone guitars or buy two sets and sell the extra game. If you're late to jump on the bandwagon, who wants to buy or try and locate previous version of the game?

PEGA, Nyko and other 3rd party peripheral manufacturers try to fill that void as well as offer a cheaper alternative but is the price what you pay, what you get?

I tend to have friends over and we rock out on Guitar Hero on the Nintendo Wii. We usually have to take turns using the guitar as I only have one. Since it gets a bit repetitive and tiresome of having to pass the guitar around, I thought I'd review the Wii Wireless Crazy Guitar Controller.

The Wii Wireless Crazy Guitar Controller looks almost exactly as the Official Les Paul Guitar that comes with Guitar Hero for the Nintendo Wii..front and back. The Crazy Guitar comes in 2 pieces..3 if you include the detachable faceplate. Also included is a shoulder strap.

As mentioned above, the Crazy Guitar looks identical to the original Les Paul Guitar but there are some differences. The corner near the joystick on the original Les Paul is rounded. On the Crazy Guitar, its pointed. If you were to swap faceplates with each other, the tabs will fit, however since that one specific corner is rounded or pointed, it wont fit in that section.

The back looks the same. There is a locking and unlocking mechanism for the neck of the guitar as well as for the faceplate. I dont know why there is a removable faceplate for the Crazy Guitar if there doesnt seem to be any replacements. You can paint on the faceplate but its already glossy. The compartment to store the Wii remote also has a little compartment to store the wrist band.

To connect the neck of the guitar to the guitar itself, simply line up the neck and just push in. It will lock in place. To remove the neck, simply slide and hold the unlock and pull the neck out. When I first opened the box, I noticed something different on the neck. There is grease along the inside. This is suppose to allow the neck to slide in easily. Although it does, it makes a bit of a mess. I had grease along the side of the Guitar as well as the faceplate. The buttons on the Crazy Guitar are color coded but white while the original Les Paul is color coded and black. The buttons are slightly raised higher on the Crazy Guitar.

The controls worked great and as they should. The Guitar Hero game registered each button press. However, the strum bar doesnt have that loud clicking noise. Some prefer it to be more quite but at the same time, this also means it did not register my presses which would result in me missing crucial notes and from gaining full Star Power.

Conclusion : Overall, the Wii Wireless Crazy Guitar Controller worked great as a spare guitar controller. It feels and fits like the original Les Paul Controller. It would be nice if it was shaped like the Les Paul so that the faceplates were interchangeable but I can see that there would be legal issues with that. If it wasnt for the pointed corner near the joystick and missing Guitar Hero logo on the back, a normal person wouldnt know this was made by a 3rd party manufacturer. Thats how close it looks to the original guitar.

Images via comments. Additional images from DealExtreme. ...

Nyko Classic Controller Grip
Manufacturer: Nyko
Site:
Price: $19.95


Overview : Play the classics with convenience and comfort with the Classic Controller Grip for Wii. The Classic Controller Grip provides the best possible experience while playing with the Classic Controller on the Wii. The ergonomically designed grips give the Classic Controller a less-strenuous feel, providing long lasting comfort during intense retro-gaming sessions. The Wii Remote Mount clips onto the back of the Classic Controller allowing for basic menu navigation while keeping the remote and cord conveniently out of the way during gameplay.

Features :

• Ergonomic: Specially designed grips provide a comfortable hold for long game sessions
• Remote Cradle: Easily attach the Wii Remote to the Classic Controller for convenient control and navigation
• Pointer Functionality: Use the Wii Remotes unique pointer functionality while attached to the Classic Controller
• Cord Management: Keep your game time tangle free with the cord management system integrated into the Classic Controller Grip
• Provides comfortable grips for the Nintendo Wii Classic Controller
• Easy snap-on assembly
• Wii Remote mount attaches remote to Classic Controller
• Organizes the Classic Controller cord
• Comfortably play retro games without messy wires

Quality/Usability : One of the nice features of the Nintendo Wii is the ability to play your favorite classic games ranging from old school NES, N64, Genesis and many more. But in order to play these games, you'll need a classic controller and in order to use the classic controller, you'll need to connect it to the Wii Remote controller.

That is where the Nyko Classic Controller Grip comes in handy. The Classic Controller Grip consists of two plastic pieces; grip for Classic Controller and clear plastic to hold Wii Remote. In between the two plastic pieces, you'll be able to wrap the cord from the Classic Controller around for cable management. Without the Nyko Classic Controller Grip, the Wii Remote would be dangling and you'll have a hard time moving around with the controller dangling while holding the Classic Controller.

Installing the Classic Controller Grip is easy as as opening the package. Simply slip the Classic Controller Grip into the grip, wrap the cord around the plastics, slide the Wii Remote into the plastic holder and connect cable to controller.

Conclusion : Overall, the Nyko Classic Controller Grip makes playing Virtual Console games a lot easier. Not only does it make things easier when playing, its light weight and comfortable to hold. You can also remove the Wii Remote and leave the Classic Controller still connected. This allows for easy setup for later use simply by re-attaching the Wii Remote. Only downside of this is that any Wii buttons under the "A" button such as the HOME, (-), (+), 1 and 2, is obscured and inaccessible due to the Classic Controller being in the way. Oh yea, the price is the same as the Classic Controller itself.

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Talismoon Retractable Sensor Wiire
Manufacturer: Talismoon
Site: Buy from TotalConsole
Price: $19.99


Overview : For those who take their Wii on the road, the retractable wii sensor bar reduces the bulk and weight that you need to carry with you. Convenient with many TV systems as it requires less space than a full length sensor bar and can fit in many places! The sensor Wiire consists of two sensor blocks on a retractable spool. Approximately two feel (2') in length, when fully extended.

Features :

• Fits anywhere!
• Fully adjustable - for use close up or far away
• Clever "Pack and Go" design
• Suitable for use away from home, including at hotels, show cars, and in recreational vehicles
• Ultra compact, completely compatible with Wii.

Quality/Usability : The size of the Nintendo Wii is fairly small compared to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Its also the most carried around system from house to house in my family since everyone in the family can play with the Nintendo Wii. Transferring the Nintendo Wii in a case isnt the problem, its the sensor bar. Its probably the longest and probably most fragile accessory due to its size. Not to mention, the sensor bar is usually attached to the display and the double-sided tape will eventually wear off and having to deal with the long wire. Even using a third party sensor bar such as the Nyko Wireless Sensor Bar. It can be too big, too wide and/or uses too many batteries.

With the Retractable Sensor Wiire by Talismoon, they're reducing the size, batteries and wire. The size is really small. It measures approximately 2" long, 1/4" thick (3/4" when snapped together) and can fit in a pouch or small pocket. Talismoon reduced the size simply by removing the middle section of a sensor bar. Honestly, all it is is an empty space. Its the right and left side that is important since that is where the LED is located.

The sensor itself works great. Then again, using candles or Christmas lights will also work. Simply detach Sensor Wiire and put one sensor on each side of your TV. There was no delays or any problems with the Wiimote recognizing or moving with the Sensor Wiire. The only thing that may be a problem is the wire. Although it is fairly long measuring approximately 2 feet long, the retractable wire is iffy. Majority of the time, the wire will retract but if retracting is not aligned, the wires will not retract and you're left with dangling wires. When the wires do tangle, I am able to pull on the wires and try to retract it again. But how long will I have to do this before the wires no longer retract? I've experienced retractable ID badges and once they're jammed up, its not longer usable.

Conclusion : Overall, the Talismoon Retractable Sensor Wiire is highly recommended for those who bring their Nintendo Wii around, just to have a spare or is looking for a replacement.

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PEGA Wii 2-in-1 Combined Gun
Manufacturer: PEGA
Site: Buy from Goldenshop
Price: $14.00


Overview : Set this gun 2-in-1 gun up like a Wii Zapper or detach the Nunchuk holder and hold each one in each hand.

Features

• High quality 3rd party product.
• Easy to install.
• Natural Nunchuk trigger combined with the functional innovation of the Wii Remote.
• Ergonomically balanced and weighted gun, comfortable for 1 handed or 2 handed gameplay.
• Maintains Wii Innovation Motion.
• Secure and easy installation. Extended grip for the directional control of the rear nunchuk analog joystick.
• Full access to all buttons and digital pad.
• Can be used as handgun only.
• Can be used as tommy gun.
• The Nunchuk can be separated easily.
• Rubberized handle.

Quality/Usability : With every gamer anticipating the release of 1st party gun, Wii Zapper, everyone was disappointed. The feel and comfortability was not to their liking and gamers around the world are looking for an alternative.

PEGA has released another light gun attachment for the Nintendo Wii which looks similar to the Wii 5-in-1 Laser Pointer Gun minus the laser pointed, detachable Nunchuk and white casing.

The top of the main gun has a cover that keeps the Wiimote in place and allows the Nunchuk cable to come out from the side. Pulling the trigger has a spring action which requires you to pull back a bit in order for the "B" to register. The Nunchuk itself fits snug in the attachment. The attachment itself slides into the gun but can easily slip off during an intense gun battle.

Conclusion : Overall, the PEGA Wii 2-in-1 Combined Gun is just another light gun on the market. Nothing special. Personally, anything light gun attachment that requires you to hold hand over hand (i.e. Wii Zapper), I would stay away from. Its uncomfortable to play with. Even with the attachments taken apart, its not the same because the gun has this big piece sticking out in the back.

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Wlip Solderless Wii Modkit
Review by: souLLy
Manufacturer: Wlip
Site: N/A
Price: 24.95€


Overview: Wlip is an adaptor that has been designed especially to install any Modchip in your Wii in a faster and easy way and without damage for your console, because there is no need for welding. You can install it yourself without any technical procedure in a few minutes,

There are two models of Wlip: Model A is used for normal leg Wiis and Model B works with cut leg Wiis. For D2C chips there are not any Wlip yet, but we are working on it. Wlip can support any Modchips models except the ones for D2C.

Quality/Usability : I've wanted to get my Wii chipped for quite some time, the thought of some tasty Gamecube homebrew and the possibility of future Wii homebrew is a very tempting proposition. If you're like me and 99% of the population though that isn't too handy with a soldering iron, you're left with very little choice, send your beloved console along with a chunk of cash to some anonymous person who advertises on an Internet forum- not for the feint hearted, or buy a Wlip.

A Wlip is a small plastic device that clips onto your Wii's motherboard that you can fit a Wii modchip into, essentially a Wii modchip that doesn't require any soldering! Not only that but if you decide you don't want to use that chip any more you can just as easily take the Wlip out of your console with the minimum of fuss or risk. On paper then it's a very enticing proposition. At the moment it's only for earlier model Wiis; people who need D2C chips are out of luck at the moment, the official Wlip site says they're on the way though so keep an eye out if you're interested.

The modchip I chose was the Wiinja Deluxe, I grabbed mine from Futura Videogames which is an official reseller of the Wiinja chip so I could be certain it was genuine. At £23 including delivery it was fairly reasonable but be sure to hunt around for a good deal. To open your Wii you'll need a tri-wing screwdriver, I grabbed mine from DealExtreme for about 75p with free delivery, bargain!

Installation : Take your Wlip and insert your modchip into the space provided, it should be a reassuringly snug fit. Next you need to disassemble your Wii. This was no great problem, there's a number of guides around that help you find where all the screws are hidden, after that it's a few screws inside and disconnecting two ribbon cables - if you're careful you can do all of this without doing any cosmetic damage to your case.

Next firmly push your Wlip over a chip on the exposed Wii board, I watched the video on the official Wlip site to be certain it was in the right place, although it is obvious. Now it took me 5 or 6 times of doing this, reassembling my Wii and testing it before it would boot unsigned discs for me, I was definitely beginning to panic, so I didn't fit into the 'you can fit it in 10 minutes' category, however it did work in the end, perfectly well, so you may need to persevere to get good results.

Conclusion : Generally pretty good. Once it worked, it worked very well, which is the main thing, I didn't destroy my Wii and if I ever want to remove it it'll be a breeze. There are some obvious down sides though – the fact that I had to try a few times before it would work shows that this kind of mod will never be as stable as a soldered chip- but if you can solder, you're not reading this review right? Also it is slightly pricey for what it is, particularly with no sites doing any kind of bundle packages at the moment.

I guess overall if you're anything like me though, you want a modded Wii, you can't solder and don't know anyone else that can, you have a few Euros hanging around and are brave enough to open your Wii's case you could do a whole lot worse than picking one up. Especially with the Wii scene heating up!

Please note that none of the "upgrade" products listed in this site are endorsed by Nintendo, Sony and/or Microsoft. DCEmu Reviews and DCEmu Network does not condone piracy. The primary functions of a "modchip" and/or "flashcart" are to allow you to play imported games and homebrew software that you legally own or simply just for experimenting with hardware. We in no way endorse piracy, and encourage all users to do the right thing and support the developers/manufacturers that support them. We do not take any responsibilities for any use outside of these parameters or where the use of such a device is illegal. ...

Pate has posted more news concerning his Dos Emulator for the DS

This is a bit of an unscheduled blog post, but as my friend just lent me his Nintendo DSi, I decided to immediately test how DSx86 runs in the CycloDS iEvolution flash cart in DSi mode. The current (old) DSx86 version 0.23 does start fine, but the touchscreen does not work so it is pretty much useless. I believe CycloDS is working on a compatibility layer that might make it work, but my understanding is that making DSx86 run in DSi mode might simply need a recompilation with the latest libnds. Thus, I downloaded the latest libnds version and recompiled DSx86 with it. No errors when building the software, and indeed the brand new DSx86 version 0.24 does run fine in DSi mode!


The speed is about twice that of the "DSL mode" (as the CycloDS firmware calls the normal working mode). I'm not sure if this speed is yet enough to warrant adding 386-opcodes, but at least the smoother screen scaling features should work fine in DSi mode in the original (meaning non-DSTwo-specific) DSx86. I'll probably release the newly built DSx86 version 0.24 next weekend, so you can test that the latest libnds version did not break anything that used to work in 0.23 version. If/when you get the CycloDS iEvolution flash cart (or in case the DSi mode gets enabled in some other flash carts) you can then run DSx86 at double speed. The added performance will certainly help in some games that have been running too slowly in the current 0.23 version.

I doubt I will have time to add any enhancements (like the smooth scaling methods) by the next weekend yet, but I'll see if I can work on both DSx86 and DS2x86 side by side from now on, enhancing both of them simultaneously with new features.

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Pate has posted some news concerning his Dos Emulator for the DS

Doom in DS2x86
Okay, I'm back from my trip but somewhat tired so I don't think I will get much programming done today. However, just before I went on my trip I got Doom to actually run in DS2x86! One milestone reached! It does not play any sounds yet, which makes it not all that immersive or even playable yet, but it does run and it is possible to evaluate the performance of my protected mode 32-bit emulation with it. Doom runs only at a marginally playable framerate using the default settings, which is not all that unexpected considering that the emulation speed is only about 25MHz 486. I remember when I had a 486/33 machine and played Doom against a friend who had a 486/66 machine, and I usually lost simply because I had a slower machine. Things improved when I also got a 486/66 machine. However, some settings in both DS2x86 and Doom can be adjusted to make it run better, and the best settings I have found so far seem to be the following:

DS2x86 CPU speed at 396MHz
Screen mode Zoom (so the smooth interpolation does not take CPU cycles)
Screen refresh at 15FPS (so the emulation gets more CPU cycles)
Doom Options: Graphic Detail: Low
Doom Options: Screen Size: Less than maximum


There are still problems with the texture mapping of the sprites, at times the texture is not mapped correctly but has a weird vertical wrapping problem. Also, I want to look into adding some audio support (if not very difficult) for Doom, so I won't release the DS2x86 version 0.03 until the next weekend. Sorry for the wait, but at least you now have something specific to look forward to in the new version. :-)

I also hope to implement some fixes to the problems in the DS2x86 debug logs you have been sending, thanks again for those! I have been skipping them when trying to make Doom run, so I think it is time I look into those as well.

CycloDS iEvolution
I also received my pre-release developer copy of the CycloDS iEvolution flash cart last week. I haven't yet had time to do anything with it, and since I don't even have a DSi (only a DS Lite) myself, I need to wait for a friend of mine to borrow his DSi to me while I look into taking advantage of the DSi mode with the original DSx86. If I understand correctly what the people in the thread at http://www.teamcyclops.com/forum/sho...t=10826&page=3 talk about, there are still some problems with the ARM9/ARM7 FIFO handling when trying to take advantage of the DSi mode in homebrew software. I trust these issue will be fixed in the near future, but I think I will still work on the DSTwo version until libnds and iEvolution work fine together in DSi mode. It looks like I don't necessarily need to do all that much work in DSx86 to have it running at twice the current speed on a DSi, but I will know more after I have studied and understood this issue better.

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