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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Penguin United Remote Charging Dock + Rechargeable Battery
Manufacturer: Penguin United
Site: Buy from Penguin United (dock + battery) / Buy from Penguin United (dock + 2x battery) / Buy from Penguin United (battery only) / Buy from Penguin United (2x docks + 4x batteries)
Price: $19.99 (dock + battery) / $24.99 (dock + 2x battery) / $7.99 (battery only) / $44.99 (2x docks + 4x batteries)

Overview : The included rechargable battery will provide you with 38 hours of game playing time and tons of $$ saved on batteries. To recharge your Wii Remote, simply place your Wii Remote on the charging dock. Your Wii remote will be charged from USB cable using modified battery cover provided.

Includes : (dock + battery)

• Wii Remote Chargin Dock
• USB Connection Cable
• Rechargeable battery pack lasting 38 hours
• Recharge enabled battery cover

Includes : (dock + 2x battery)

• 1X Wii Remote Charging Dock
• 1X USB Connection Cable
• 2X Rechargeable battery pack lasting 38 hours
• 2X Recharge enabled battery cover

Includes : (battery only)

• Rechargeable battery pack lasting 38 hours
• Recharge enabled battery cover
• Requires dock

Includes : (2x docks + 4x batteries)

• 2X Wii Remote Charging Dock
• 2X USB Connection Cable
• 4X Rechargeable battery pack lasting 38 hours
• 4X Recharge enabled battery cover

Quality/Usability : Ever since the release of the Nintendo Wii whether it be in Asia, Europe or North America, 3rd party manufacturers have been releasing rechargeable battery packs. Why? Because everyone wanted rechargeable battery packs to save money rather then spend it on regular alkaline batteries. The Wii Remote would eat through batteries like no tomorrow and would need to be replaced as if it was a handheld system.

With the need of rechargeable battery packs, Penguin United has jumped in to help fellow gamers. Penguin United released their Remote Charging Dock and Rechargeable Battery. PU originally offered only the dock and battery but due to demand, they are offering different bundles. You can pick up either a dock and battery, dock and two batteries, batteries only or two docks and 4 batteries, at relatively cheap prices!

Upon opening up the box (dock + battery), you'll find a USB cable, dock, rechargeable battery, battery cover and instructions. Setting up the dock is easy. Just plug one end of the USB cable into either your computer or the Wii and the other end into the dock. Thats it.

Putting the battery into the remote isnt as easy. It takes a bit of trial and error but once you know what to do, it shouldnt be a problem. To insert the battery into the remote you would need to hold the remote right-side up and hold the battery with the (+) and (-) sign facing the bottom. While holding the battery at an angle, place the (+) and (-) into position and then push down. At the same time, push the top of the battery into place. The battery should now be inserted into the remote.

In order to charge the batteries, you must use the included battery cover as it has a custom connection that will work with the dock. The battery cover though is a bit darker then the Wii remote itself. But if you have a glove or case on the Wii remote, you wont notice it. Speaking of glove, you will either have to remove the glove or lift it up enough so that the remote can fit into the dock. When the remote is placed into the dock, there is a blue LED. A steady blue means it is charging and if the LED is blinking, it means it is done charging.

In the instructions that were included, they suggested that the battery require 12 hours of charging before use. The battery were done charging within 2 hours or so and the dock started to blink.

Once the battery was fully charged, I took it for a test (7 straight days of playing). After the first couple hours of WarioWare, Wii Sports and Zelda, the Wii remote still showed 3 battery bars. Played a couple more hours the next couple of days and it still showed 3 bars. Probably by the 4th or 5th day, the battery dropped a bar. By the 7th day, it was still at 2 bars. Had I played longer, it would of probably lasted me almost 2 weeks on one full charge! Thats insane.

Conclusion : Overall, the Penguin United Remote Charging Dock + Rechargeable Battery exceeds my expectations. The battery life is long lasting. Only minor complaints is the non-matching color of their battery cover to the Wii remote and the dock not stop charging if it is fully charged. If you're looking for a rechargeable battery pack, I suggest checking out PU's Remote Charging Dock + Rechargeable Battery. Interested International buyers can purchase this through their eBay store. PU will be releasing a dual charger sometime in April. But it would be nice to see a charger only for the battery rather then a dock.

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CHUCKii Wiimote Replacement Shell
Manufacturer: Xtreme Enterprise
Site:
Price: $29.95


Overview : CHUCKii is a full replacement case set for both the Wii-mote and the Nunchuk of the Wii console (sold as a complete set) and available in several colors and transparency. Made from the highest quality materials and durable ABS plastic carbonates, as well as patented Japanese acrylic paint, CHUCKii suits your lifestyle and colors up your gaming console.

• Made from High Quality Durable Materials
• Patented Japanese Acrylic Paint
• Beautiful Finishing and Stylish
• Currently Available in 2 Colors
• Full Online Installation Instructions

Plastic Materials Used:
High quality ABS and polycarbonate composite plastic materials combined for greater durability and toughness.

Paint Materials Used:
Industrial grade Modified Acrylic paint branded RECRACK from Fujikura Kasei Co. Ltd, Japan. Paint provides excellent chemical, abrasion and weather resistance for long-lasting usage.

Package Contents:
Wii-mote

• Top/Bottom Case
• Buttons and Trigger
• Battery Cover

Nunchuk

• Top/Bottom Case
• Buttons

Quality/Usability : With the new look that I did to my Nintendo Wii by adding a Team Xtender I-Case Black Knight case mod, I thought it was only right to have a matching Wiimote and Nunchuk to go along with it. With that said, Xtreme Enterprise is the first to release Wiimote and Nunchuk replacement shell cases.

To open up the Wiimote and Nunchuk, I had to use the triwing from Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2. First I removed the battery cover and batteries, and unscrewed four (4) screws. Next, I split open the housing of the Wiimote. Be careful when doing so as you may break off a tab that holds the casing together (I snapped it off). Once the casing has been pried off, all you do is place all the innards from the original Wiimote into the replacement shell. Everything fits perfectly. You'll also have to remove the metal contacts that is inside where the batteries connect to. Once all components have been transfered to the new shell, everything fits perfectly. If you do not like the buttons that came with the replacement shell casing or just want to mix and match, the original buttons will also fit.

The Nunchuk itself has two (2) triwing screws on the bottom. Once both screws have been removed, same process of taking the casing apart on the Wiimote applies with the Nunchuk. With the Nunchuk, everything is connected except for the buttons. You'll have to wiggle the wire so that it comes off of the bottom housing of the Nunchuk. Once its off, just place it into the replacement shell along with buttons and screw the triwing screwdrivers back on and you're done!

Conclusion : Overall, the CHUCKii Wiimote Replacement Shell is identical to that of the original casing of the Wiimote and Nunchuk. The buttons though dont feel as fluid and smooth when pressing them. The ability to mix and match the buttons is great. I used the original power button, A and home button on the Cool Black housing and those buttons stand out more as they are colored and white as opposed to all black. Separating the casings will need to take some patience because if you just pull them apart without being careful, you'll snap off the tabs that keeps the cases closed. Once the tab breaks off, the controllers will stay closed but not completely.

DIGG THIS


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XCM II-Hot Rock Case
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from ConsoleSource
Price: $64.95


Overview : The XCM II-Hot Rock Wii Case is a new innovation in case modding technology. With a built in Digital LED thermometer, the XCM II-Hot Rock Wii Case is able to alert the user by changing the LED color when the Wii console reaches certain temperatures. Color changes takes place in 5 degree increments. For example, if your Wii console's temperature reaches over 55 degree Celsius, the LED will display 'RED' and start flashing.

Features :

• Below 29C : Light blue
• 30-35C : Blue
• 36-40C : Green
• 41-41C : Yellow
• 46-50C : Orange
• 50-54C : Red
• Over 55C : Red light flashing

Quality/Usability : The II-Hot Rock Case by XCM is similar to that of the Team Xtender II-Case Chameleon but the difference between the two is that the II-Hot Rock Case displays the temperature of the Nintendo Wii but doesnt cycle through the LEDs like the Chameleon case does. Main purpose is to display the Wii's temperature.

The XCM II-Hot Rock Case includes the console shell, doors, faceplate, buttons and even the rubber feets at the bottom of the Wii which makes up the whole exterior of the Wii. To match the clear crystal case, they also included a clear stand and tools to help you dismantle the Wii! Not a single piece was left out.

Like all of XCM's products, the quality of the case is excellent and solid. Feels like it came out from Nintendo's factory. The case is clear which allows you to see all the innards of the Wii. The Crystal clear case also comes with a metal DVD cover which houses the LEDs near the DVD drive.

I wont go much into detail regarding installation as you can find tutorials on how to dismantle or disassemble your Wii, here. The whole installation process took approximately 45 mins. This is not to say that is how long it will take you to assemble everything. I am a perfectionist and anal when it comes to things like this. For some who are pros or better at things like this can be a lot quicker while noobs, novices or perfectionists like me, may take longer. The whole process is just time consuming and tedious. It will require some patience. It took longer than the Black Knight casing was because the metal DVD cover and Air Flow (which also has LEDs) needed to be installed and wires needed to be connected in order to power the LEDs. To install the metal DVD cover and Air Flow, you can read the tutorial here.

Once installed and the Nintendo Wii put back together, the II-Hot Rock Case is fairly bright like the Crystal Chameleon. Luckily, you have the option of turning if off the LEDs. You also have the option of turning off the LED and the digital LED thermometer. But there is no way to have the LED off but the digital LED thermometer turned on.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM II-Hot Rock Case is a nice product to tell you if your Nintendo Wii's temperature is too hot. With the reports the WiiConnect24 bricking Nintendo Wii's when in standby mode, this would come in handy but doesnt work when the system is turned off. There is also another cheaper do-it-yourself alternative to finding out what the temperature in your Nintendo Wii is but will not be as fancy with the bright lights.

DIGG THIS

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Dragon Wireless Sensor Bar
Manufacturer: Dragon
Site:
Price: $14.95


Overview : Play your Wii in total freedom without that messy (and fragile) sensor bar cable with Dragon wireless sensor bar. With a range of 5 meters to the Wii console and 5 meters to the Wiimote, you can set up your playing area as you wish.

Features:

• Can be placed anywhere
• High quality and efficient
• Wireless function and easy to set up
• 5 meters operating range to Wii console
• 5 meters operating range to Wiimote controller
• Requires 6 pieces of alkaline dry AA batteries (72 hours of continuous play time)
• Compatible with any Wiimote

Quality/Usability : Well known 3rd party peripheral manufacturer, Dragon, has released their own version of the wireless sensor bar. The wireless sensor bar has the style and look of the Nintendo Wii and the sensor bar. With the style and look, comes size.

The size of the wireless sensor bar is HUGE. With the Nintendo Wii placed on the stand that came with the Wii and standing up, the sensor bar is as wide as the Wii and is even taller than the Wii. Compared to the original sensor bar that came with the Wii? With the sensor bar laying flat, its takes about four original sensor bars stacked on top of each other to be the same height as the Dragon Wireless Bar. It takes about two sensor bars back to back to be the same depth as the wireless sensor bar.

On the front of the wireless sensor bar is a button that looks similar to that of the Nintendo Wii. This powers on and off the sensor bar. Next to it is an LED to let you know if the sensor bar is on or off. To power this monstrous peripheral takes 6...yes, SIX!!! AA batteries. The batteries are placed on the back of the sensor bar.

The batteries lasted about two weeks depending on how much and how long it was used. This may vary either less or more depending on the usage. So the more you use the wireless sensor bar, the more the battery will be drained. The opposite is said if it was used less.

Conclusion : Overall, the Dragon Wireless Sensor Bar is just way too big. It lasts a decent amount of time but thats because it uses 6 AA batteries. It would cost you a lot of money if using regular alkaline batteries. You can use rechargeable batteries but majority of chargers can charge up to 4 batteries at one time.

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Multi Complex Mini-Stick
Manufacturer: Dragon
Site:
Price: $6.95


Overview : Improve your Wiimote comfort, grip and performance on games with Dragon multi complex mini stick. Not only does it turn you Wiimote directional pad into a small joystick, but special grips are included to fit best with various type of games.

Features :

• Easy to use and setup
• Comfortable and suitable for long gaming session
• Compact design and comes with 5 different types of silicon cap for various
  game style
• Compatible with all Wiimote

Quality/Usability : The Multi Complex Mini-Stick turns your Wiimote into a semi-joystick. This attachment goes over the directional pad and "A" button on the Wiimote. Underneath the directional pad and "A" button of the Multi Complex Mini-Stick are foam. This is what touches the pad and button on the Wiimote to prevent any scratching.

What makes the joystick move around is a spring. This allows flexibility in the movement whether it be up, down, left or right. The "A" button on the Multi Complex Mini-Stick doesnt have any springs on it but lays right on top of the "A" button on the Wiimote.

Included are 5 silicon caps (1 on joystick and 4 additional ones). Each joystick vary in style/shape that best suits your needs during gameplay. Removing the caps is very simple. Placing them on the joystick can take some time..for me that is. Since there isnt much space between the top of the joystick where the caps go and the body of the Multi Complex Mini-Stick, its hard to lift and pull the opening of the silicon cap to go over the joystick.

Conclusion : Overall, the Multi-Complex Mini Stick was a cool idea when I first saw and read about it but after using it an experiencing with the peripheral, my thoughts on the use/need of this has changed. I really dont see the use or need for this since majority of Wii games all use motion. This may come in handy for Virtual Console (VC) games but thats about all. Since the joystick uses a spring to help maneuver over the directional pad, the spring rubs against the plastic which gives that "nail on the chalkboard" or scratching feel to it.

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Nextronics Wii Wireless Sensor Bar
Manufacturer: Nextronics
Site: Buy from Nextronics
Price: $19.00

Overview : Talk about a great range! The Nextronics wireless sensor bar has been reviewed by IGN, and found to have a range of up to 30 ft! This small and stylish sensor bar is only 9 inches long, and 1/2 inch tall which makes it even smaller than Nintendo's own sensor bar. Nextronics sensor bar needs no connection to the Wii, and includes an AC adapter, and battery pack for multiple power options.

30 ft range should be considered maximum possible range, adjust sensitivity settings in Wii menu to optimize range.

Quality/Usability : With the release of the Nintendo Wii, there have been a lot of requests for accessories such as controller gloves, rechargeable battery packs and even wireless sensor bars.

The first wireless sensor bar to released was wirelesssensorbar.com's Wireless Sensor Bar, followed by Nyko's Wireless Sensor Bar, and now Nextronics' Wireless Sensor Bar. Sure you can use IR ports from your TV remotes, candles or Christmas lights, but its not the same.

People have complained of the original sensor bar that came with the Wii being way too long and that is why companies are jumping on the bandwagon of wireless sensor bars.

There is no packaging for the Nextronics Wireless Sensor Bar. It came wrapped in bubble wrap. Its like a hybrid of the garage built wirelesssensorbar.com's and Nyko's put into one. In the package was the wireless sensor bar, battery pack and AC adapter.

You read that right, you can either use AC adapter or 3 AA batteries! The sensor bar is slightly shorter then the official Nintendo sensor bar. There is double sided sticky tape placed on the bottom of the sensor bar. Does anyone even use the double sided sticky tape?

Unlike the other wireless sensor bars, Nextronics is the first to use an AC adapter to power the wireless sensor bar. With the included AC adapter, you wont have to worry about the sensor bar dying out on you while you're playing an intense game. In addition to the AC adapter, as mentioned above, you can also use 3 AA batteries via battery pack. There is a screw on the battery pack to keep the cover closed. The battery pack is then connected to the cable that is attached to the sensor bar. The cable on the sensor bar is approximately 6 inches long as well as on the battery pack.

During testing, running on the sensor bar on batteries were pretty strong. It tracked every movement accurately and even during gameplay up to 20 feet (may have gone further). Since there is no warning of when the batteries are dying on the sensor bar, you'll have to go by the hand cursor or during gameplay. You'll either have no control or the hand cursor will start to flicker.

Battery life is pretty decent lasting about 15-20 hours or so on 3 AA batteries. I suggest using rechargeable batteries but is kind of awkward only having to use 3 batteries. Why couldnt it have been 2 or 4 batteries? Some rechargeable kits require 2 batteries at the same time to charge so having to charge 3rd battery wont be possible. Luckily, the battery pack has an ON/OFF switch.

Conclusion : Overall, the Nextronics Wii Wireless Sensor Bar is a pretty good product. The ability to either use 3 AA batteries or AC adapter is a great thing to have. Although it doesnt look professionally built from a manufacturer, it looks close enough. Only drawback is no way of telling if the battery is near dead and if you have an LCD or plasma TV, using the battery can be trouble some. There is no place to put it on top of the monitor unless you put it at the bottom. The weight of the battery pack will just drag the sensor bar with it. They could of also left out the screw but it looks as if someone built this out of their garage by purchasing the required parts and building it themselves. But it damn looks good and works as well!

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