Double Wiimote Power Pack with Charger Stand
Review by: wraggster
Provided by: DCEmu Reviews
Manufacturer: Dragon
Site: Buy from GameInfinity
Price: $19.95


Overview : Stop wasting money on batteries and easily charge a set of Wiimotes with the Dragon Double Wiimote Power Pack with Charger Stand! A light indicator will let you know once remote controllers are fully charged, and you are ready to play again with many hours after around 2 hours of charging.

Easily charge and store your Wii Remotes with this Charge Station for Wii. It includes 2 NiMH rechargeable batteries, exclusively designed for the Wii Remote, each providing up to 25 hours of play time.

Features :

• 2 hours quick charge function
• Full charge auto detect function
• High quality and efficient product
• Remote controller stand function
• Rechargeable AAA size dry batteries compatible
• 4 * AAA size rechargeable batteries are included
• Power charge cable is included
• Normal alkaline AAA size dry batteries compatible
• Simultaneously charge 2 Wii-remote controllers

Quality/Usability : The Dragon Double Wiimote Power Pack with Charger Stand consists of a USB Cable to get the power, A Base Deck for the actual charging with 2 points to charge your WiiMotes, you also get 4 750MAH AAA Batteries and the plastic casing they fit in which gives you the ability to charge the Wiimotes without having to take the batteries out every time.

The review sample came with no instructions but it is very simple to most people

Firstly make sure you put the batteries the right way around in the plastic battery casing, failure to do so could cause problems and well its not going to work.

The USB Cable can be connected to your Nintendo Wii or any USB Compatible Device, if you have a PC or Laptop i suggest using them over using your Nintendo Wii, put simply the less stress on the Nintendo Wii causes less problems with over heating. Once the USB Cable is connected to both Base Charging Unit and USB Host you can then put your Wiimotes onto the Base Unit.

Once you have connected the Wiimotes (with the plastic casing/rechargeable batteries) correctly, the light will light up to let you know its charging. Once the Wiimotes are charged the red light will go out. Now your ready for Wii Gaming

As the Wii is more a casual console its very hard to test how long the batteries are before they run out but being rechargeable you should easily get a day out of them before charging.

Conclusion : Overall, with the Wiimote being a bit on the hungry side with batteries its a great idea to use rechargeables and the ability to recharge without taking the batteries out every time is very handy The AAA batteries arent as powerful as 2 2500MAH AA Batteries but the ability to recharge without taking it all apart is a major plus. The only problem with this method is that you'll need to sync the Wiimote before using the Double Wiimote Power Pack. The charging of the Wiimotes took me longer than 2 hours but that may be down to my laptop I used to charge.

Do I recommend this product? Yes, very much so if your still using normal batteries then get one now.

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Joytech Sharp Shooter Gun
Manufacturer: Joytech
Site:
Price: $27.95


Overview : Lock and load with the Sharp Shooter™ from JOYTECH. Fully compatible with all forms of TV's and displays including plasma and LCD, the Sharp Shooter brings Wii™ shooting games to life with amazing realism. Connecting quickly and safely to the Wii™ Remote and Nunchuck, the Sharp Shooter™ is lightweight, simple to use and requires no batteries, no leads and no worries! Shoot to thrill!

Features :

• Convert your Wii Remote and Nunchuk into a precision shooter
• Easy-load and Quick-Eject design connects and dismantles to the Wii Remote and Nunchuk in seconds
• Maintains full access to the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controls

Quality/Usability : While us gamers wait for Nintendo to release the Wii Zapper, we have to resort to 3rd party peripherals to fill in that void. There have been various different types of light gun attachments on the market. Before the Wii Zapper was announced, the Joytech Sharp Shooter was the talk of the town.

Unlike the Wii Light Gun, the Sharp Shooter's main trigger is the "Z" button on the Nunchuk rather than the "B" button on the Wii Remote. The Wii Remote is placed on top of the barrel while the Nunchuk is used as the handle/grip.

To insert the Wii Remote into the barrel, there is a locking mechanism with a spring on it, that holds the handle and barrel closed. Pulling back the locking mechanism will allow the barrel to fold down. This will allow you to insert the Wii Remote as well as connect the Nunchuk to the bottom of the Wii Remote. The bottom of the barrel has an opening for easy access to the "B" button. The barrel also allows easy access to any of the buttons on the Wii Remote.

Once the Wii Remote is in place, you'll have to pull the locking mechanism back to gain access to connecting the Nunchuk to the Wii Remote. On the side of the Sharp Shooter, there is a small opening on the side. This is where the cord of the Nunchuk is placed so that it is not in the way of the locking mechanism.

Placing the Nunchuk in place is fairly simple. Simply pull back on the locking mechanism and place the Nunchuk into the cradle. The locking mechanism covers the top of the Nunchuk slightly so that it does not fall out of its cradle. Accessing the "Z" or "C" button on the Nunchuk is accessible without a problem along with the joystick.

To connect everything together, simply move the barrel back up and use the locking mechanism to lock the handle and barrel together. It will require you to put some pressure to lock it in place. To dismantle, simply pull back on the locking mechanism.

Conclusion : Overall, the Joytech Sharp Shooter Gun is probably the best constructed light gun attachment on the market..for now. Depending on the game available for the Wii, it may require either the "B" button or "Z" button to be used as the trigger button even though the layout of the Sharp Shooter suggests that the "Z" button is the trigger. So regardless of which is used as a trigger button, the Sharp Shooter accommodates both possibilities nicely. What I dont like is the Nunchuk cord dangling from the side of the gun. This can get annoying at times during gameplay.

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Legend of Zelda Wii Messenger Bag
Manufacturer: ALS Industries
Site:
Price: $54.95


Overview : The Legend of Zelda Wii Messenger Bag (Z180) is an official Nintendo licensed product. It can hold Wii Console, games, Wii remote, Nunchuk, Wii sensor bar and AC Adapter. Official licensed product.

Features :

• Main pocket holds Wii console
• Zippered paded inside pocket for Sensor bar
• Padded middle pocket holds AC adapter and controllers
• Front pocket holds games and additional controllers
• Comfortable carrying handle
• Convenient mesh side pockets
• Strong designer hardware
• Adjustable shoulder strap

Quality/Usability : The Nintendo Wii is the smallest console amongst the next-gen consoles (PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360). With the Nintendo Wii still hard to find in stores (Yes, even after a little more than a year of being released in the US, its still hard to find on store shelves), I had to bring my Wii to relatives house so we can all enjoy the family fun. Isnt that Nintendo's intentions?

As the name of the product/review states, the messenger bag has a Legend of Zelda theme to it. The flap has an a stitched image of Zelda and underneath is Zelda's shield made of hard rubber. The messenger bag has three compartments and two elastic mesh side pockets.

The two elastic mesh pockets can hold your cables or the other small accessories such as extra Wiimotes.

The flap has two clips to keep the flap closed and underneath the flap are two velcro strips that attaches to the bag. Also under the flap but above the main compartment is a small mesh pouch. This mesh pouch is for the sensor bar. Unfortunately, if you have a wireless sensor bar, it wont fit as they usually tend to be bigger and thicker. This is actually the first carry case or that I know of that has its own pocket for the sensor bar.

The main compartment holds the Nintendo Wii console. The compartment holds the Wii securely in place and has a lot of padding to give that extra protection. Inside the main compartment, is another compartment. This compartment allows you to hold two Wiimotes and AC adapter. There are even three elastic bands to hold them in place.

The front pocket lets you hold Nunchuks, Wii games and any other controllers or accessories you may need to carry such as classic controller, GameCube controllers, etc.

Conclusion : Overall, the Legend of Zelda Wii Messenger Bag is a well constructed bag. Even with all the pockets and compartments filled, the bag isnt too big compared to some carry cases on the market. Most cases on the market can only hold the system, cables, power supply and 1-2 controllers. This doesnt even include the sensor bar. While the Zelda bag can carry everything and then some. The images on ConsoleShop can be a little misleading as what I received (see image at top or attached) is not what is pictured on the site even though the images on the site is on the package itself. The image on the site is slightly different and the size of the bag looks like a regular normal messenger bag when the bag I received is smaller and almost the size of the Wii. The mesh pockets arent brown. They are black. The price isnt attractive at a very pricey $54.95 for a carry case. But if I had a choice of the Legend of Zelda Wii Messenger Bag or any of the 3rd party carry bags on the market, I'll choose the Zelda Messenger Bag as it offers more protection and it can store more.

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XCM II-Case Chameleon
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from TotalConsole
Price: $54.99

Overview : Stand out from the crowd with the ultimate Wii case: the ii-case that includes LEDS shining in the dark, with our Chameleon technology to rotate between colors! The ii-case is not only a full replacement transparent Wii case, but it also includes a LED system to enlight your Wii. Very complete, it includes Air Flow cover and DVD Rom cover (in metal).

The Chameleon version includes a system of color rotation for the ultimate light effect. An extra button allows you to select a specific color (Red, Purple, Green, Yellow, Blue, Apple Green or Orange) and keep it static on screen.

Includes matching color stand and special Tri-wing screwdriver for installation.


Quality/Usability : After receiving XCM's I-Case Black Knight and reviewing it, we received Team Xtender's second full replacement case, II-Case Chameleon on our doorstep (courtesy of TotalConsole). This time, it houses LEDs to make it even more unique. Those who love to have "flashy" consoles and when I mean flashy, I mean the type that will blind you, would want to read this review.

This is XCM's third? Fourth? Fifth, full replacement casing for the Nintendo Wii? I dont know, but I lost count as they have released so many ranging from chrome, to red, to blue, to even pink! As mentioned above, we reviewed their Black Knight, which is an all black casing. They have been known for slick and unique faceplates, casings, controller mods, cables and other accessories.

The XCM II-Case Chameleon 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 Chameleon 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 50 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. Even though I had already installed the Black Knight case on to my Wii, you would think that the installation time would be shorter. It all depends on your skills and perfectionism.

Once installed and the Nintendo Wii put back together, the Crystal Chameleon case is fairly bright. Luckily, you have the option of turning if off but also the option of either having the LEDs fade into different colors or stick with one color.

Click here to see a video of the II-Case Crystal Chameleon case in action.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM II-Case Crystal Chameleon is unique and flashy product but a bit pricey. But thats the price you have to pay to be unique and different amongst Wii owners. Those looking to kick it up a notch with the look of their Nintendo Wii should definitely look into purchasing the II-Case Crystal Chameleon case. You would be the cool kid on the block (HAHA, that was so cheesy). Again, the time it took me to install the II-Case depends on the person, experience and perfectionism. With the new mods for the Nintendo Wii such as the PulseVU, LED mods for both console and controllers, the Chameleon case would be able to flag a plane (just kidding). Be sure to check out the other colors that XCM has to offer if you want to be even more wild and crazy with colors!

Here is a video of the Chameleon Case with PulseVU and a few other LED changes installed: (by M37R01D)


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Wii Blue Light Charge Station
Manufacturer: PEGA
Site: Buy from Goldenshop / Buy from DealExtreme
Price: $15.00

Overview : Charge two Wiimotes at the same time. Includes 2 1800mAh battery packs.

Features :

• High quality 3rd party product.
• Comes with 2pcs of 1800mAh rechargeable batteries for the Wii remote controls - no need to take out the battery when charging.
• No need to add extra power supply - get the power from the USB port of the Wii console.
• 2pcs of Wii remote controls can be charged simultaneously.
• Light indicators to show the charging status.

Quality/Usability : Yes, another review on a batter charger (COME ON NINTENDO! Where's yours?!). This time is from the popular 3rd party peripheral manufacturer, PEGA HK.

All the battery packs that we have reviewed such as Penguin United Remote Charging Dock + Rechargeable Battery, Wii Remote Battery Charger & Stand or Wii Remote Charge 'N Play, all have the same type of look...plain. Nothing stands out. Nothing fancy. Well, PEGA went and took it to the next step, lights.

The Wii Blue Light Charge Station comes with a dock, USB cable and two battery packs. Both battery packs are 1800mAh's which is pretty much standard for the 3rd party batteries.

The battery are ordinary battery packs and looks similar to Wii 1800mAh Rechargeable Battery. Instead of the 1800mAh being printed, the PEGA version is stickered. Also on the battery pack is a sticker that informs you that before using the battery pack for the first time, you must charge the battery for over 12 hours, or else the battery life will be reduced. Honestly, whether you use it first or charge it, gradually the battery life will be reduced like any other battery. I personally use the battery first and let it die out completely before doing a full recharge. Like the Wii 1800mAh Rechargeable Battery, there is a hole on the battery pack for easy access to the SYNC button.

The dock is what makes the product stand out from the rest of the crowd. Did you purchase the sweet looking Wii Crystal Blue LED Cooler Stand and change the casing of your Nintendo Wii to the Team Xtender II-Case Chameleon? Well your lighted collection isnt complete without this. Thats because the dock lights up also! No, not those cheesy small GREEN LEDs that goes on and off to let you know if its fully charged and done. All around the bottom of the dock is a clear window. This lets the lights from the LED shine through. There are 4 LEDs on the bottom of the dock. To turn on and off the blue lights, there is a switch on the back of the dock. On the top of the dock near the Wiimotes, are two more LED lights, one for each dock. When the battery packs are charging, the light will turn RED...more like pink. When the battery pack is done charging, the light turns blue.

In order to charge the battery pack, you need to have it inside the Wiimote. Sorry, but you'll also have to remove the wrist strap or the contact on the dock wont touch the contacts on the battery pack. Like all other recharging docks, it wont work with silicon skin/glove on. So you'll have to take that off as well.

Charging time took approximately 2-3 hours like all other docks but I left it on there for 12+ hours as recommended even though it wasnt necessary. During game play, I was able to get about a 4.5 hours out of a full charge.

Conclusion : Overall, the Wii Blue Light Charge Station ups the ante in looks for rechargeable docks. The blue lights look great! The battery packs? Well, they're just battery packs. Nothing special. Nice to have an ON/OFF switch for the lights on the bottom of the dock but the lights to show you if the Wiimotes are charging is permanently on. There is no way to turn them off. Placing the Wiimotes on the dock can take some fiddling around so that the contacts on the dock and battery pack touch each other. Having to remove the wrist strap off the Wiimote can be annoying for some Wii'ers. The price of the Blue Light Charge Station of $15 is fairly reasonable considering it comes with two rechargeable batteries and the dock lights up!

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