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{{short description|Primary game controller for the Nintendo Wii}}
{{Infobox VG system
| title = Wii Remote<!---It is "Wii Remote," not "Wiimote"--->
| image = [[File:Wii Remote Image.jpg|frameless|upright=1.15|Wii Remote with original strap]]
| caption = Wii Remote with original strap
| manufacturer = [[Nintendo]]
| type = [[Motion controller]]
| generation = {{plainlist|
* [[Seventh generation of video game consoles|Seventh]]
* [[Eighth generation of video game consoles|Eighth]]
}}
| lifespan = 11 years
| releasedate = {{vgrelease|NA|November 19, 2006<ref name=NArelease>{{cite web|first1=Kathleen|last1=Sanders|first2=Matt|last2=Casamassina|url=http://ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/us-wii-price-launch-date-revealed|title=US Wii Price, Launch Date Revealed|website=[[IGN]]|date=September 13, 2006|access-date=January 17, 2015}}</ref>|JP|December 2, 2006<ref name=JPrelease>{{cite web|last1=Sanders|first1=Kathleen|title=Japanese Wii Price, Release Date Revealed|url=http://ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/japanese-wii-price-release-date-revealed|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=January 17, 2015|date=September 13, 2006}}</ref>|AUS|December 7, 2006<ref name=AUSrelease>{{cite web|author1=Nintendo Australia|title=Wii Australian Details|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/pr/12068/wii-australian-details|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=January 17, 2015|date=September 15, 2006}}</ref>|EU|December 8, 2006<ref name=EUrelease>{{cite web|author1=Nintendo of Europe|title=Europe Gets Wii Last|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/pr/12069/europe-gets-wii-last|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=January 17, 2015|date=September 15, 2006}}</ref>}}
| discontinued = {{vgrelease|WW|2017}}
| power = 2 × [[AA battery]]
| storage = 16&nbsp;[[Kilobyte|kB]] [[EEPROM]] chip <small>(16.3 [[kilobyte]]s)</small>
| Sound = 1 speaker
| input = * [[Accelerometer]]
* [[Gyroscope]] <small>(with [[Wii MotionPlus]] adapter or Wii Remote Plus)</small>
* [[Consumer IR|Infrared sensor]]
* 8 digital buttons<br /><small>(A, B, −, +, HOME, 1, 2, POWER)</small>
* [[D-pad]]
| connectivity = * [[Bluetooth 2.0]]
* Accessory connector port <small>(400&nbsp;kHz [[I²C]])</small>
| predecessor = [[GameCube controller]]
| successor = {{Unbulleted list|
|[[Wii U GamePad]]
|[[Joy-Con]]
}}
}}

The '''Wii Remote''',{{efn|{{nihongo|<!-- leave blank -->|Wiiリモコン|Wī Rimokon}}}} colloquially known as the '''Wiimote''', is the primary [[game controller]] for [[Nintendo]]'s [[Wii]] [[home video game console]]. An essential capability of the Wii Remote is its [[Motion controller|motion sensing]] capability, which allows the user to interact with and manipulate items on screen via motion sensing, [[gesture recognition]], and [[pointing device|pointing]] using an [[accelerometer]] and [[image sensor|optical sensor]] technology. It is expandable by adding attachments. The attachment bundled with the Wii console is the [[#Nunchuk|Nunchuk]], which complements the Wii Remote by providing functions similar to those in [[gamepad]] controllers. Some other attachments include the [[Classic Controller]], [[Wii Zapper]], and the [[#Wii Wheel|Wii Wheel]], which was originally released with the racing game ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''.

The controller was revealed at the [[Tokyo Game Show]] on September 14, 2005, with the name "Wii Remote" announced April 27, 2006. The finalized version of the controller was later shown at [[E3#1995–2006: Growth and success through first decade|E3 2006]]. It received much attention due to its unique features, not supported by other gaming controllers.

The Wii's successor console, the [[Wii U]], supports the Wii Remote and its peripherals in games where use of the features of the [[Wii U GamePad]] is not mandated. The Wii U's successor, the [[Nintendo Switch]], features a follow-up named [[Joy-Con]].

==History==
Development of a motion-enabled controller began when development of the Wii console started in 2001. In that year, Nintendo licensed a number of motion-sensing patents from Gyration Inc., a company that produces wireless motion-sensing [[mouse (computing)|computer mice]].<ref name="Gyration">{{cite web|title=Unearthed: Nintendo's Pre-Wiimote Prototype|url=https://gizmodo.com/gadgets/exclusive/unearthed-nintendo-2001-prototype-motion+sensing-one+handed-controller-by-gyration-294642.php|date=August 29, 2007|access-date=August 30, 2007|publisher=[[Gizmodo]]|first=Wilson|last=Rothman|archive-date=September 29, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929120608/http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/exclusive/unearthed-nintendo-2001-prototype-motion+sensing-one+handed-controller-by-gyration-294642.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> Gyration had previously pitched their idea and patents of a motion controller to [[Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony]] and [[Xbox Game Studios|Microsoft]], who both declined.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/378029/features/revolution-the-story-of-wii/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118053208/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/378029/features/revolution-the-story-of-wii/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-11-18|title=Wii Feature: Revolution: The story of Wii - ComputerAndVideoGames.com|date=2012-11-18|access-date=2018-07-29}}</ref> Nintendo then commissioned Gyration to create a one-handed controller for it,<ref name="Gyration"/> which eventually became the "Gyropod", a more traditional [[gamepad]] which allowed its right half to break away for motion-control.<ref name="Gyration"/> At this point, Gyration brought in a separate design firm, [https://web.archive.org/web/20081222061845/http://www.bridgedesign.com/ Bridge Design], to help pitch its concept to Nintendo.<ref name="Bridge">{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/gadgets/exclusive/wii+mote-prototype-designer-speaks-out-shares-sketchbook-295276.php|title=Exclusive: Wii-mote Prototype Designer Speaks Out, Shares Sketchbook|publisher=Gizmodo|date=August 30, 2007|access-date=August 31, 2007|first=Wilson|last=Rothman|archive-date=May 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501200439/http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/exclusive/wii+mote-prototype-designer-speaks-out-shares-sketchbook-295276.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> Under requirement to "roughly preserve the existing GameCube button layout", it experimented with different forms "through sketches, models and interviewing various hardcore gamers".<ref name="Bridge"/> By "late 2004, early 2005", however, Nintendo had come up with the Wii Remote's less traditional "wand shape", and the design of the Nunchuk attachment.<ref name="Miyamoto Speaks">{{cite web |url=http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061116_750580.htm |title=The Big Ideas Behind Nintendo's Wii |access-date=August 30, 2007 |work=BusinessWeek |last=Hall |first=Kenji |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015021224/http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061116_750580.htm |archive-date=October 15, 2007 |df=mdy }}</ref> Nintendo had also decided upon using a motion sensor, infrared pointer, and the layout of the buttons,<ref name="Miyamoto Speaks"/> and by the end of 2005 the controller was ready for mass production.<ref name="Miyamoto Speaks"/>

During development of the Wii Remote, video game designer [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] brought in mobile phones and controllers for [[automotive navigation system]]s for inspiration, eventually producing a prototype that resembled a cell phone.<ref name="Miyamoto Speaks"/> Another design featured both an [[analog stick]] and a [[touchscreen]], but Nintendo rejected the idea of a touchscreen on the controller, "since [[Nintendo DS|the portable console]] and living-room console would have been exactly the same".<ref name="Miyamoto Speaks"/> Coincidentally, this idea would later be implemented on the [[Wii U]]'s GamePad controller, as well as the [[Nintendo Switch]].

Sources also indicate that the Wii Remote was originally in development as a controller for the [[GameCube]], rather than the Wii. [[Video game developer]] [[Factor 5]] stated that during development of launch title ''[[Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader]]'', it had an early prototype of a motion-sensing controller.<ref name="Factor5">{{cite web|title=Factor 5 worked with GameCube motion controller|url=http://www.aussie-nintendo.com/?v=news&p=15571|date=July 28, 2007|access-date=August 30, 2007|publisher=Aussie-Nintendo.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927182302/http://www.aussie-nintendo.com/?v=news&p=15571|archive-date=September 27, 2007|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Video game journalist [[Matt Casamassina]], from gaming website [[IGN]], stated that he believed that Nintendo had planned to release the Wii Remote for the GameCube, noting that "Nintendo said that it hoped that GCN could enjoy a longer life cycle with the addition of top-secret peripherals that would forever enhance the gameplay experience."<ref name="Mailbag">{{cite web|title=Wii Mailbag – January 26, 2006|url=http://uk.wii.ign.com/mail/2006-01-26.html|date=January 26, 2006|access-date=August 30, 2008|publisher=IGN|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207185136/http://uk.wii.ign.com/mail/2006-01-26.html|archive-date=December 7, 2008|df=mdy-all}}</ref> He suggested that Nintendo may have wanted to release the Wii Remote with a new system, instead of onto the GameCube, as "[the] Revolution addresses one of the GameCube's biggest drawbacks, which is that it was/is perceived as a toy."<ref name="Mailbag"/> Images of the GameCube prototype of the Wii Remote, including the Nunchuk, were found online in October 2018 when one of the prototypes was made available through an online auction.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-10-28-heres-our-first-look-at-wiimote-and-nunchuk-prototypes-for-the-gamecube | title = Here's our first look at Wiimote and Nunchuk prototypes for the GameCube | first = Vicki | last =Blake | date = October 28, 2018 | access-date = October 29, 2018 | work = [[Eurogamer]] }}</ref>

===Counterfeit units===
As the Wii gained in popularity, reports surfaced of counterfeit Wii Remotes entering circulation. Although these devices may provide the same functionality as official Wii Remotes, the build quality is typically inferior and components such as the rumble motor and speaker are noticeably different. It is also unclear whether official accessories operate correctly with counterfeit units due to the differences in internal components.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/pirates-come-up-with-their-own-wiimote-nunchuk |title=Pirates come up with their own Wiimote, nunchuk |last=Hinkle |first=David |date=June 9, 2008 |publisher=joystiq.com |access-date=December 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515211405/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/pirates-come-up-with-their-own-wiimote-nunchuk |archive-date=May 15, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.randomsnippets.co.uk/2009/12/beware-of-fake-wii-remotes-with-pictures|title=Beware of fake Wii remotes!|date=December 12, 2009|publisher=randomsnippets.co.uk|access-date=December 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119041644/http://www.randomsnippets.co.uk/2009/12/beware-of-fake-wii-remotes-with-pictures/|archive-date=January 19, 2010|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

==Design==
[[File:Wii Remote.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Demo Wii Remote shown at a Nintendo event at the Hotel Puerta America]]
The Wii Remote assumes a one-handed [[remote control]]-based design instead of the traditional [[gamepad]] controllers of previous gaming consoles. This was done to make motion sensitivity more intuitive, as a remote design is fitted perfectly for pointing, and in part to help the console appeal to a broader audience that includes non-gamers. The body of the Wii Remote is {{convert|148|mm|in|abbr=on}} long, {{convert|36.2|mm|in|abbr=on}} wide, and {{convert|30.8|mm|in|abbr=on}} thick. The Wii Remote model number is RVL-003, a reference to the project code-name "Revolution". The controller communicates wirelessly with the console via short-range [[Bluetooth]] radio, with which it is possible to operate up to four controllers at a distance of up to 10 metres (30&nbsp;ft) from the console.<ref name="hard_inf">{{cite web|url=http://wii.nintendo.com/controller.jsp|title=Nintendo Wii – Hardware Information|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=May 9, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212080618/http://wii.nintendo.com/controller.jsp|archive-date=February 12, 2008}}</ref> The Wii Remote communicates with the Sensor Bar by infrared, providing pointing functionality over a distance of up to five metres (16&nbsp;ft) from Wii Remote to Sensor Bar.<ref name="cont_japan">{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/e3_2006/wii/controller.html |title=Wii の概要 コントローラ |publisher=Nintendo Company, Ltd. |access-date=May 9, 2006 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060706011413/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/e3_2006/wii/controller.html |archive-date=July 6, 2006 |df=mdy }}</ref> The controller can be used in either hand; it can also be turned horizontally and used like a [[Nintendo Entertainment System|Famicom/NES]] controller, or in some cases (including ''[[Excite Truck]]'', ''[[Sonic and the Secret Rings]]'', ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', and ''[[Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing]]'') as a steering wheel. It is also possible to play a single-player game with a Wii Remote in each hand, as in the ''Shooting Range'' game contained in ''[[Wii Play]]''.

At [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] 2006, a few minor changes were made to the controller from the design presented at the Game Developer's Conference. The controller was made slightly longer, and a speaker was added to the face beneath the center row of buttons. The {{key press|B}} button became more curved resembling a trigger. The "Start" and "Select" buttons were changed to plus {{key press|+}} and minus {{key press|–}}, and the {{key press|b}} and {{key press|a}} buttons were changed to {{key press|1}} and {{key press|2}} to differentiate them from the {{key press|A}} and {{key press|B}} buttons, while also evoking the [[keypad]] of typical television remotes. Also, the symbol on the {{key press|Home}} button was changed from a blue dot to a shape resembling a home/house, the shape of {{key press|Power}} was made circular rather than rectangular, and the blue LEDs indicating player number are now labeled using 1 to 4 small raised dots instead of numbers 1 to 4, resembling the dots used to mark the four controller ports of the GameCube console. The Nintendo logo at the bottom of the controller face was replaced with the Wii logo. Also, the expansion port was redesigned, with expansion plugs featuring a smaller snap-on design.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-wiimote-change-before-after-puberty|title=Nintendo Wiimote change: before & after puberty|publisher=Destructoid|author=Niero|date=June 14, 2006|access-date=March 19, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070204033225/http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-wiimote-change-before-after-puberty <!-- Bot retrieved archive -->|archive-date=February 4, 2007}}</ref>  The Wii Remote had the capability of turning the main console's power on or off remotely with a power button, further reinforcing the impression that it looks like a television remote.

The blue LEDs also indicate the battery's state: on pressing any button (other than the power button) while the controller is not being used to play games, four LEDs flash to indicate full battery, three for 75%, two for 50%, and one for 25% life remaining.

Similarities have been noted between the Wii Remote and an early [[Dreamcast]] controller prototype.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.racketboy.com/retro/2005/12/dreamcast-prototype-insipires.html|title=Dreamcast Prototype Insipires Revolution Controller?|publisher=racketboy.com|author=racketboy|date=December 29, 2005|access-date=July 15, 2008|archive-date=September 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929072128/http://www.racketboy.com/retro/2005/12/dreamcast-prototype-insipires.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the ''[[Red Steel]]'' trailer shown at E3 2006, the Wii Remote had a smaller circular shaped image sensor instead of the larger opaque IR filters shown on other versions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://media.wii.ign.com/media/821/821973/vid_1492011.html|title=IGN: Red Steel Video 1492011|publisher=IGN|format=video|access-date=July 15, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205194037/http://media.wii.ign.com/media/821/821973/vid_1492011.html|archive-date=December 5, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In the initial teaser video that revealed the controller at [[Tokyo Game Show]] 2005, the 1 and 2 buttons were labeled X and Y.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/09/16/tgs-2005-revolution-teaser-video|title=TGS 2005: Revolution Teaser Video|date=16 September 2005 |publisher=IGN|access-date=June 7, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511170028/http://media.cube.ign.com/articles/651/651334/vids_1.html|archive-date=May 11, 2008|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

===Strap===
[[File:Wii Remote Straps.jpg|thumb|100px|right|New strap (left) next to the original strap design]]
The Wii Remote has a wrist strap attached to the bottom to prevent it from flying away during game action if not held securely. The wrist strap is tied with a [[Cow hitch|cow hitch knot]].  Every Wii game contains safety warnings concerning wrist strap use during its startup sequence<ref>{{cite video game|title=''[[Wii Sports]]''|developer=[[Nintendo EAD]]|date=November 19, 2006|platform=[[Wii]]|level=Startup|quote='''Safety Notice:''' "Put on and tighten the wrist strap.  Hold the Wii Remote securely and do not let go of it.  Use the Wii Remote Jacket."}}</ref> and also at or near the beginning of its instruction booklet (even if the game does not use motion controls).<ref>{{cite web |title=Kirby Dream Collection - Instruction Booklet |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Kirby_Dream_Collection.pdf |website=Nintendo |access-date=2 September 2020 |pages=3}}</ref>  The latter is a word-for-word reproduction of a standard wrist strap warning notice established by Nintendo.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis - Instruction Booklet |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Play_Control_Tennis.pdf |website=Nintendo |access-date=2 September 2020 |pages=4 |quote="CAUTION: WRIST STRAP USE - Please use the wrist strap to help prevent injury to other people or damage to surrounding objects or the Wii Remote in case you accidentally let go of the Wii Remote during game play. Also remember the following: • Make sure all players put on the wrist strap properly when it is their turn. • Do not let go of the Wii Remote during game play. • Dry your hands if they become moist. • Allow adequate room around you during game play and make sure that all areas you might move into are clear of other people and objects. • Stay at least three feet from the television. • Use the Wii Remote Jacket."}}</ref>  The wrist strap is also used to restrain the Nunchuk's connector by its hook,<ref>{{cite book|title=Wii System Operation Manual|publisher=Nintendo|location=p. 25-26|url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/WiiOpMn_RVK_EN_setup.pdf|access-date=3 September 2020}}</ref> safely slowing any sudden movement of the Nunchuk's cord if the connector is forcibly disconnected.  In spite of widespread wrist strap safety notices, there are certain Wii games, in whole or part, that are played by moving the Wii Remote in such a way that would be hindered by a wrist strap, such as ''[[Let's Tap]]'', most House Party games in ''[[Wii Party]]'' and the Treasure Twirl game in ''[[Wii Play Motion]]''.  In such games, on-screen prompts as well as instruction booklet text, will specifically state that they must be played without the wrist strap.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wii Party - Instruction Booklet |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Wii_Party.pdf |website=Nintendo |access-date=6 September 2020 |pages=17–19}}</ref>

Video game web site [[IGN]] reported that the strap tends to break under heavy use,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://media.wii.ign.com/articles/745/745202/vid_1742357.html|title=Broken Wii Controller|publisher=IGN|format=video|access-date=February 24, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070220002410/http://media.wii.ign.com/articles/745/745202/vid_1742357.html|archive-date=February 20, 2007|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> which would potentially send the Wii Remote flying. ''[[WarioWare: Smooth Moves]]'' also sometimes requires the Wii Remote to be dropped, which would cause problems in the event of a strap failure. In response, Nintendo has posted guidelines on proper use of the strap and the Wii Remote.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/wiiplay.jsp|title=Customer Service > Wii > Safety Information|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=February 24, 2007}}</ref> On December 8, 2006, units with thicker straps began to appear in some areas of the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/08/jumpin-jinkies-new-wii-straps/|title=Jumpin' jinkies, new Wii straps|last=Sliwinski|first=Alexander|date=December 8, 2006|publisher=joystiq.com|access-date=February 24, 2007}}</ref> On December 15, 2006, Nintendo denied reports of a Wii wrist strap recall. While Nintendo denied claims that three million straps had been recalled, it replaced broken wrist straps free of charge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/news_151206_wrist.html|publisher=Official Nintendo Magazine|title=Nintendo Issue Replacement Wii Wrist Straps|date=December 15, 2006|access-date=February 24, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070318213933/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/news_151206_wrist.html|archive-date=March 18, 2007|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The [[U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission]] became involved in the "replacement program".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07061.html|title=Nintendo of America Initiates Replacement Program for Wrist Straps Used with Controllers for the Wii Video Game System|publisher=U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission|date=December 15, 2006|access-date=February 24, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070220132659/http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07061.html|archive-date=February 20, 2007|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The old {{convert|0.6|mm|in|abbr=on}} diameter strap is replaced by a larger, {{convert|1.0|mm|in|abbr=on}} diameter version. Nintendo's online [https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/strapreplace.jsp "Wrist Strap Replacement Request Form"] allows owners to receive up to four free straps when a Wii serial number and shipping details are provided.

On August 3, 2007, a new wrist strap was found to be supplied, with a lock clip instead of a movable slide to prevent the strap from working loose during prolonged play;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=14160|title=New Wii Wrist Straps Circulating|first=Stephen|last=Rodriguez|publisher=Nintendo World Report|date=August 3, 2007|access-date=July 15, 2008}}</ref> the lock clip strap became the standard form.

In 2012 with the launch of the Wii U, the wrist strap was once again updated to allow users to push the sync button through the new jackets and battery covers.

===Jacket===
[[File:Wiimote-Safety-First.jpg|thumb|right|Jacket on Wii Remote]]
Nintendo announced a free accessory for the Wii Remote,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/meGSAugqYGKxlEMVLDtePEEQweFFdtSM|title=Nintendo announces new Wii Remote Jacket accessory|date=September 1, 2007|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=December 15, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214005824/http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/meGSAugqYGKxlEMVLDtePEEQweFFdtSM|archive-date=December 14, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> the Wii Remote Jacket, on October 1, 2007. The removable [[silicone]] sleeve wraps around the Wii Remote to provide a better grip, and cushioning to protect the Wii Remote if dropped. Nintendo started including the jacket with the controller on October 15, 2007.  The safety jacket included with every Wii Remote is usually translucent.  However, for black Wii Remotes and red Wii Remote Plus controllers, the safety jacket would be of the same color.

The original [[Wii MotionPlus]] accessory also comes with a built-in safety jacket that is unsafe to remove, according to Nintendo.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://assets.nintendo.eu/image/upload/v1635389470/NAL/Support/WiiMotionPlusOperationsManual.pdf |title=Wii MotionPlus Operations Manual (Australia) |publisher=Nintendo |location= |at=Item #4 under "Important safety information when using the Wii System", located inside the front cover |access-date=21 May 2025}}</ref>

=== Colors ===
At the E3 2006 trade show, Nintendo displayed white, black, and blue controllers;{{Citation needed|date=June 2009}} press images released for the event featured white, red, silver, lime green, and black versions.<ref name="Rev colors control">{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/i/ne/p/2005/0916nintendopic4_500x375.jpg|title=Wii Remote Colors|publisher=news.com|access-date=July 15, 2006|archive-date=May 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528104908/http://news.cnet.com/i/ne/p/2005/0916nintendopic4_500x375.jpg|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Wii console and controllers launched in only white versions, with [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] commenting that new hues would be provided when supplies became available.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/732/732873p1.html|title=Wii Quotables|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=September 14, 2006|publisher=IGN|access-date=February 24, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219234037/http://wii.ign.com/articles/732/732873p1.html|archive-date=February 19, 2007|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

On June 4, 2009, Nintendo revealed that it would release black versions of the Wii, Wii Remote, Nunchuk, and Classic Controller PRO in Japan on August 1, 2009. Each black Wii Remote includes a matching solid-black Wii Remote Jacket.<ref name="Wii Color kuro">{{cite web|title=Wii.com JP – Wii（クロ） |url=http://wii.com/jp/articles/wii-color-kuro/index.html |work=Wii.com |publisher=Nintendo |language=ja |access-date=June 4, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090607022843/http://wii.com/jp/articles/wii-color-kuro/index.html |archive-date=June 7, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="black controllers">{{cite web|first=Eric|last=Caoili|title=Black Wii, Red DSi Announced For Japan|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/black-wii-red-dsi-announced-for-japan|work=Gamasutra|publisher=Think Services|date=June 4, 2009|access-date=June 4, 2009}}</ref> In addition, [[Club Nintendo#Japan|Club Nintendo in Japan]] held a contest between June 25, 2009, and August 31, 2009, wherein members who purchased and registered a copy of ''[[Wii Sports Resort]]'' would be entered into a [[Prize draw|draw]] to win one of 5,000 blue controller sets. Each set included a Wii Remote, Wii MotionPlus, and Nunchuk, all in a sky blue color referred to as Mizuiro and distinct from other blue Wii Remotes.<ref name="Blue promo">{{cite web|first=John|last=Tanaka|title=Nintendo Shares Summer Plans for Japan|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/991/991580p1.html|work=IGN|publisher=IGN Entertainment|date=June 4, 2009|access-date=June 4, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Blue Promo youtube">{{cite web|author=TheNintend0Channel |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eHPhWVPrYE |title=Club Nintendo Goodies Episode 4 |publisher=YouTube |date=January 12, 2010 |access-date=March 23, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218161843/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eHPhWVPrYE |archive-date=December 18, 2015 }}</ref>

For North America, Nintendo announced on September 1, 2009, that black versions of the Wii Remote, Wii MotionPlus, and Nunchuk would be released during the [[Christmas and holiday season|holiday season]].<ref name="black NA">{{cite web|title=Nintendo Unveils ''Wii Fit Plus'' Launch Date and New Colors of Nintendo DSi, Wii Remote|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090831006002/en|publisher=Nintendo of America|location=Las Vegas, Nevada|date=August 31, 2009|access-date=September 1, 2009}}</ref> On November 16, 2009, the black Wii Remote and Wii MotionPlus was released as a bundle, and the black Nunchuk was released as a standalone purchase.<ref>{{cite web|title=New color puts Nintendo's Wii Remote and Nunchuk in the black|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20091014005391/en|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=October 14, 2009|access-date=October 14, 2009}}</ref>

Blue and pink Wii Remotes were released in Japan on December 3, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|first=JC|last=Fletcher|title=Nintendo announces new Pokemon spinoff, new Wiimote colors, hardware bundles at retailer event|url=http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/nintendo-announces-new-pokemon-spinoff-new-wiimote-colors-hard/|work=Joystiq|publisher=Weblogs, Inc.|date=October 8, 2009|access-date=October 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091011100906/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/nintendo-announces-new-pokemon-spinoff-new-wiimote-colors-hard|archive-date=October 11, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> In North America, the blue and pink Wii Remotes were released February 14, 2010, in a bundle with a standard white Wii MotionPlus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20091214005506/en|title=Nintendo unveils its video game lineup for early 2010|date=December 14, 2009|publisher=Nintendo of America|access-date=December 14, 2009}}</ref>

In Australia, the black, blue and pink versions of the Wii Remotes were released on February 25, 2010. In addition, the black Nunchuk and black Wii MotionPlus were also released on that day as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamesites.nintendo.com.au/wii-remote-colours|title=Nintendo.com.au – Wii Remote Colours|publisher=Gamesites.nintendo.com.au|access-date=March 23, 2011}}</ref>

When Nintendo released the Wii Remote Plus in late 2010, which featured built-in Wii MotionPlus technology, it would initially be available in the same four standard Wii Remote colors, plus a special red variant that was included with red Wii consoles manufactured to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ''Mario'' series. In the years that followed, Nintendo released [[Wii Remote#Other colors|more Wii Remote Plus color schemes]] based on its first-party game franchises.


===Home Menu===

Accessed with the Wii Remote's Home button, the Home Menu displays information about the controller(s) currently being used, and allows the user to configure certain options. At the bottom of the menu screen, the battery life of all connected controllers is displayed. Below that is a bar labeled Wii Remote Settings. Selecting it brings users to an options screen where they can control the audio output volume, rumble settings, and reconnect the controllers, for example to connect Wii Remotes through one-time synchronization. Depending on when the Home Menu is accessed, a different number of buttons are displayed.

'''Wii Menu''': No matter when the menu is accessed, the [[Wii Menu]] button will always be present. Selecting this will exit a game or a Wii Menu channel and return the player to the Wii Menu, where users can choose another channel. When playing certain Virtual Console titles, with the exception of the [[Nintendo 64]] and [[Neo Geo]], this will also create a suspend point.

'''Reset''': In applications and games (both retail and downloadable), the Reset button is available. This performs a soft reset of that particular application, for example returning a game to its title screen or the loading screen of a Wii Menu channel, the same as what would happen if the player were to press the console's physical [[reset button]].

'''Operations Guide''': On Wii Menu channels, including the News Channel, [[Forecast Channel]], [[Internet Channel]], [[Everybody Votes Channel]], certain [[WiiWare]] titles and [[Virtual Console]]<!-- I think that the Nintendo Channel may use it too. --> titles, the Operations Guide button appeared on the Home Menu. The guide accessed acts as an instruction manual for the game being played.

The Home Menu can be compared to the [[Xbox 360]]'s in-game menu (accessed by pressing the "Xbox" button), or the [[PlayStation 3]]'s mid-game [[XrossMediaBar|XMB]]. It may be accessed under most circumstances during Wii operation, which pauses the on-screen action. Otherwise, a "home" symbol with a [[no symbol]] on it appears onscreen. It is also inaccessible during Nintendo GameCube play, as the Wii Remote cannot control Nintendo GameCube software.

==Features==

===Sensing===
[[File:Nintendo Wii Sensor Bar.jpg|thumb|Sensor Bar highlighting [[Infrared|IR]] [[Light-emitting diode|LEDs]] taken with a camera sensitive to infrared.  The lights coming from the edges of the bar are not visible to the human eye, just Wii Remotes and any other equipment that can sense IR light sources, including most digital cameras.]]

The Wii Remote has the ability to sense [[acceleration]] along three axes through the use of [[Analog Devices]] [[Microelectromechanical systems|MEMS]]-based three-dimensional [[accelerometer]]s.<ref name="cont_japan" /><ref name="mit review">{{cite web | url = https://www.technologyreview.com/2007/07/01/271887/hack-the-nintendo-wii/ | title = Hack: The Nintendo Wii | first = Daniel | last =Turner | date=  July 1, 2007 | access-date =December 1, 2020 | work = [[MIT Technology Review]] }}</ref>

The Wii Remote also has a PixArt optical sensor that allows it to determine where it is pointing.<ref name="Nintendo and PixArt">{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=11557|title=Nintendo and PixArt Team Up|publisher=Nintendo World Report|last=Castaneda|first=Karl|date=May 13, 2006|access-date=February 24, 2007}}</ref> Unlike a [[light gun]] that senses light from a television screen, the Wii Remote senses light from the console's Sensor Bar (RVL-014), which allows consistent usage not influenced by the screen used. The Sensor Bar is about {{convert|24|cm|in|abbr=on}} long and has ten [[infrared]] [[Light-emitting diode|LEDs]], five at each end of the bar.<ref name="sensorbarLED">{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wii/en_na/ts/wiiremote.jsp#language|title=Troubleshooting the Wii Remote & Sensor Bar|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=February 24, 2007}}</ref><!-- outdated source, may be useful later on for documenting history<ref>http://www.revogamers.net/Imag/Wiimadrid/barrita_Personalizado.jpg {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref> --> The LEDs farthest from the center are pointed slightly outwards, the LEDs closest to the center are pointed slightly inwards, while the rest are pointed straight forward. The Sensor Bar's cable is {{convert|353|cm|ftin|abbr=on}} in length. The bar may be placed above or below the television, centered horizontally, in line with the front of the television or the front of the surface the television is placed on. The Remote should be pointed approximately towards the Sensor Bar; precise pointing is not necessary so long as it is within the limited viewing angle of the Wii Remote.

Use of the Sensor Bar allows the Wii Remote to be used as an accurate pointing device up to 5&nbsp;meters<!-- Note: 10 meters from the console, five meters from the Sensor Bar. This is not a contradiction. --> (approx. 16&nbsp;ft) away from the bar.<ref name="hard_inf" /> The Wii Remote's image sensor<ref name="Nintendo and PixArt" /> is used to locate the Sensor Bar's points of light in the Wii Remote's field of view. The light emitted from each end of the Sensor Bar is focused onto the image sensor which sees the light as two bright dots separated by a distance "mi" on the image sensor. The second distance "m" between the two clusters of light emitters in the Sensor Bar is a fixed distance. From these two distances m and mi, the Wii CPU calculates the distance between the Wii Remote and the Sensor Bar using [[triangulation]].<ref>Nintendo patent application 2007/0211027, Fig. 17 and pages 10–11.</ref> Rotation of the Wii Remote with respect to the ground can also be calculated from the relative angle of the two dots of light on the image sensor.<ref>Nintendo patent application 2007/0211026, Fig. 16 and page 13.</ref> Games can be programmed to sense whether the image sensor is covered, which is demonstrated in a microgame featured in launch title ''[[WarioWare: Smooth Moves]]'', where if the player does not uncover the sensor the champagne bottle that the remote represents will not open.

The Sensor Bar is required when the Wii Remote is controlling up-down, left-right motion of a cursor or reticle on the TV screen to point to menu options or objects such as enemies in [[first-person shooter]]s.  Some Wii games that depend on infrared pointing, such as ''[[The Conduit]]'' and ''[[The House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return]]'', allow the player to [[calibrate]] the Wii Remote's pointer in-game.  Because the Sensor Bar allows the Wii Remote to calculate the distance between the Wii Remote and the Sensor Bar,<ref>Nintendo patent application 2007/0060384, Figure 16 and paragraph 0115</ref> the Wii Remote can also control slow forward-backward motion of an object in a 3-dimensional game.<ref>Termed "Pushing or Pulling" in the [https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/WiiOpMn_setup.pdf Wii Operations Manual], System Setup, page 25</ref> Rapid forward-backward motion, such as punching in a boxing game, is controlled by the acceleration sensors. Using these acceleration sensors (acting as tilt sensors), the Wii Remote can also control rotation of a cursor or other objects.<ref>Termed "Twisting" in the [https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/WiiOpMn_setup.pdf Wii Operations Manual], System Setup, page 25</ref>

The use of an infrared sensor to detect position can cause some detection problems in the presence of other infrared sources, such as incandescent light bulbs or candles. This can be alleviated by using fluorescent or [[LED lamp|LED]] lights, which emit little to no infrared light, around the Wii.<ref name="IGN secrets">{{cite web|last=Casamassina|first=Matt|author-link=Matt Casamassina|date=July 14, 2006|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/07/15/wii-controllers-unlocking-the-secrets|title=Wii Controllers: Unlocking the Secrets|publisher=IGN|access-date=June 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427143228/http://wii.ign.com/articles/718/718946p1.html|archive-date=April 27, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Innovative users have used other sources of IR light, such as a pair of flashlights or a pair of [[candle]]s, as Sensor Bar substitutes.<ref name="candle">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6paa4s8le10 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211214/6paa4s8le10 |archive-date=2021-12-14 |url-status=live|title=Using two candles as a Wii Sensor Bar replacement|publisher=YouTube|access-date=September 24, 2006}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The Wii Remote picks up traces of heat from the sensor, then transmits it to the Wii console to control the pointer on your screen. Such substitutes for the Sensor Bar illustrate the fact that a pair of non-moving lights provide continuous calibration of the direction that the Wii Remote is pointing and its physical location relative to the light sources. There is no way to calibrate the position of the cursor relative to where the user is pointing the controller without the two stable reference sources of light provided by the Sensor Bar or substitutes. Third-party wireless sensor bars have also been released, which have been popular with users of Wii [[emulators]] since the official Sensor Bar utilizes a proprietary connector to connect to the Wii console.

The position and motion tracking of the Wii Remote allows the player to mimic actual game actions, such as swinging a sword or aiming a gun, instead of simply pressing buttons. An early marketing video showed actors miming actions such as fishing, cooking, drumming, conducting a musical ensemble, shooting a gun, sword fighting, and performing dental surgery.<ref name="teaservid">{{cite web|url=http://media.cube.ign.com/articles/651/651334/vids_1.html|title=TGS 2005: Revolution Teaser Video|publisher=IGN|format=video|access-date=March 16, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060317093743/http://media.cube.ign.com/articles/651/651334/vids_1.html|archive-date=March 17, 2006|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The [[Light-emitting diode|LEDs]] can be seen by some digital cameras, phone cameras, and other devices with a wider visible spectrum than the human eye.

===Controller feedback===
The Wii Remote provides basic audio and [[Haptic technology|rumble]] (vibration) functionality, but the Nunchuk does not. At the 2006 [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] press conference, it was revealed that the Wii Remote has its own independent speaker on the face of the unit. This was demonstrated by a developer as he strung and shot a bow in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess]]''. The sound from both the Wii Remote and television was altered as the bow shot to give the impression of the arrow traveling away from the player.<ref name="Remote Speaker Quality">{{cite web|last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |date=December 12, 2006 |url=http://www.cnet.com.au/games/wii/print.htm?TYPE=story&AT=339272664-239036428t-230000032c |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |publisher=CNET |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080507032504/http://www.cnet.com.au/games/wii/print.htm?TYPE=story&AT=339272664-239036428t-230000032c |archive-date=May 7, 2008 }}</ref>  In addition to reproducing certain in-game sound effects that reflect the on-screen action, the Wii Remote speaker can also function as a voice receiver through which [[non-player character]]s can speak to the player with long-distance [[telecommunication]], featured in games like ''Red Steel'', ''[[Real Heroes: Firefighter]]'' and ''[[GoldenEye 007 (2010 video game)|GoldenEye 007]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Todd |first1=Brett |title=Real Heroes: Firefighter Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/real-heroes-firefighter-review/1900-6215772/ |website=Gamespot |access-date=28 September 2020 |date=19 August 2009}}</ref>  Some party games and hotseat multiplayer games also utilize the speaker to indicate changes between player turns.  The volume can be changed or muted with the "Home" button and selecting the corresponding controller icon at the bottom of the screen;<ref name="Ops Man 6465">{{cite book|title=Wii Operations Manual: Channels and Settings|url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/WiiOpMn_setup.pdf|pages=64–65|id=C/RVL-USZ-4|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|year=2008}}</ref> if the speaker is muted, any sounds intended to be emitted from the speaker will come from the television in most cases.  The rumble feature can also be switched on or off using the Home Menu.<ref name="Ops Man 6465"/>

===Memory===
The Wii Remote contains a 16 [[Kibibyte|KiB]] [[EEPROM]] chip of which a section of 6 kilobytes can be read and written to by the host.<ref name="IGN secrets"/><ref name="Wii-mote Guts">{{cite web|url=http://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/43|title=Wii-mote guts|last=Seidle|first=Nathan|publisher=Spark Fun Electronics|date=December 19, 2006|access-date=March 28, 2007|archive-date=October 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021024124/https://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/43|url-status=dead}}</ref> Part of this memory is available to store up to ten [[Mii]] avatars, which can be transported to use with another Wii console (but it can be used to upload Miis to the Mii Parade and keep it on the console (by copying Mii to remote, moving Mii to parade from console, and then moving from remote to the console)). 4,000&nbsp;bytes are available for game use before the Mii data. ''[[Pokémon Battle Revolution]]'' and ''[[Super Swing Golf]]'' also use this memory. This function is also used in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', allowing the user to save controller configuration data to the Wii Remote.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/gamemode/various/various14.html|title=Smash Bros. DOJO!!|publisher=Smashbros.com|access-date=March 23, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806193852/http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/gamemode/various/various14.html|archive-date=August 6, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''[[Monster Hunter Tri]]'' also uses this function by allowing players to save their profiles to the Wii Remote.  ''[[Pokémon Rumble]]'' uses this section to store Pokémon. [[Carnival Games: Mini-Golf|Carnival Games: Mini Golf]] and ''[[Club Penguin: Game Day!]]'' as well as other games use this to store the player's in game avatars.<ref name="Disney Club Penguin: Game Day!">{{cite book |title=Club Penguin: Game Day! Manual|date=September 21, 2010}}</ref> The game Petz: Monkey Madness allows players to transport their monkey between copies of the game.

===Power source===
The Wii Remote uses two [[AA battery|AA size]] [[alkaline batteries]] as a power source, which can power a Wii Remote for 60 hours using only the [[accelerometer]] functionality and 25 hours using both accelerometer and pointer functionality.<ref name="IGN secrets"/> In May 2013, Nintendo announced a rechargeable battery and dock accessory, and various third-party manufacturers market charging solutions for the controller (see [[Third-party accessories for the Wii Remote#Chargers|Wii Remote Chargers]]).<ref name="Ninty">{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/accessories/index.html|title=周辺機器 - Wii U|website=nintendo.co.jp}}</ref> Nintendo's industrial designer Lance Barr said that the Wii Remote's expansion port is unsuitable for internal battery charging.<ref name="recharging Barr">{{cite web|url=http://www.thewiire.com/news/306/1/Wii_Controllers__No_Recharging_Yet |title=Wii Controllers: No Recharging Yet |publisher=The Wiire |access-date=May 11, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060618045322/http://www.thewiire.com/news/306/1/Wii_Controllers__No_Recharging_Yet |archive-date=June 18, 2006 }}</ref> The only type of (externally charged) [[rechargeable battery]] supported is [[Nickel–metal hydride battery|nickel-metal hydride]] (NiMH).<ref name="Wii Remote Batteries">{{cite web|url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1268/~/what-types-of-batteries-can-be-used-with-the-wii-remote%3F|title=What Types of Batteries Can Be Used with the Wii Remote?|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=February 17, 2019}}</ref> A 3300&nbsp;μF capacitor provides a temporary source of power during quick movements of the Wii Remote when connection to the batteries may be temporarily interrupted.<ref name="Wii-mote Guts" /> If the Wii Remote is not used for more than 5 minutes, such as when the player is using a GameCube controller, it will shut off, and can be re-activated by pressing any button (this was also the case when using a now discontinued video-on-demand service).  Games are able to determine and react to the current battery life of Wii Remotes, with certain games using unique, extra-[[diegetic]] methods of alerting the player to low battery life.<ref>{{cite video game|title=The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword|title-link=The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword |developer=[[Nintendo EAD]]|date=November 18, 2011|platform=[[Wii]]|level=Low battery warning|quote='''Fi:''' "Master, the batteries in your Wii Remote are nearly depleted."}}</ref>
<!--*NOTE*:Contactless Charger info has been moved to "Chargers" section, now in a separate "Third-party accessories for the Wii Remote" page -->

==Wii Remote Plus==
{{Infobox VG system
| title = Wii Remote Plus<!--- Uh oh, It is "Wii Remote," not "Wiimote"--->
| image = Wii Remote Plus and Wii MotionPlus comparison.jpg
| caption = Wii Remote Plus <small>(left)</small> & Wii Remote with [[Wii MotionPlus|Motion Plus]] accessory <small>(right)</small>
| manufacturer = [[Nintendo]]
| type = 
| generation = 
| lifespan = 7 years
| releasedate = [[Australia|AU]]: October 28, 2010<br />[[EU]]: November 5, 2010<br />[[North America|NA]]: November 7, 2010<br />[[Japan|JP]]: November 11, 2010
| discontinued = {{vgrelease|WW|2017}}
| power = 2 × [[AA battery|AA Battery]]
| storage = 
| Sound = 
| input = * [[Accelerometer]]
* [[Gyroscope]]
* [[Consumer IR|Infrared sensor]]
* Digital buttons<br /><small>(A, B, −, +, HOME, 1, 2, Power)</small>
* [[D-pad]]
| connectivity = * [[Bluetooth]]
* Accessory connector port
| predecessor = Wii Remote with [[Wii Motion Plus|Motion Plus]] accessory
| successor = {{Unbulleted list|
|[[Wii U GamePad]]
|[[Joy-Con]]
}}
}}

In September 2010, rumors were circulating of a Wii Remote with Wii MotionPlus already built in after the box art for the upcoming ''[[FlingSmash]]'' revealed it to be bundled with "Wii Remote Plus". Nintendo initially declined to comment, but later announced the device on September 29, 2010, confirming it to be a Wii Remote with MotionPlus built in, allowing players to use peripherals like the [[Wii Zapper]] and [[Wii Wheel]] and comfortably use the Wii Remote horizontally without having to remove the Wii MotionPlus attachment from the Wii Remote. Wii Remote Plus competed with [[Microsoft|Microsoft Corporation]]'s [[Kinect]] and [[Sony|Sony Computer Entertainment]]'s [[PlayStation Move]] with [[PlayStation Eye]] [[motion controllers]], respectively. Nintendo later announced that the remote would be available in white, black, blue and pink. It was released in Australia on October 28, 2010, in Europe on November 5, 2010, in North America on November 7, 2010, and in Japan on November 11, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=20349|title=Wii Remote Plus coming to Japan next month|author=Thomas East|publisher=Official Nintendo Magazine|access-date=May 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101013001654/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=20349|archive-date=October 13, 2010|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

===Other colors===
[[File:Gold Wii Remote Plus.jpg|thumb|left|150px|The limited edition of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword]]'' was bundled with a gold-colored Wii Remote Plus.]]
In addition to being available in the four standard Wii Remote colors, specially colored Wii Remote Plus controllers themed after Nintendo's first-party video game franchises were also released in the years that followed, with one golden ''Legend of Zelda'' Wii Remote Plus and several others based on ''Mario'' [[Characters in the Mario franchise|characters]].  A red Wii Remote Plus, initially designed to celebrate the ''Mario'' series' 25th anniversary, was included in red Wii bundles released for the occasion along with a matching Nunchuk and console, ''Wii Sports'' and ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]''.<ref name="red_controllers">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/red-wii-and-dsi-xl-bundles-wii-remote-plus-and-flingsmash-in-n|title=Red Wii and DSi XL bundles, Wii Remote Plus, and FlingSmash in North America Nov. 7|first=JC|last=Fletcher|publisher=Joystiq}}</ref>  The red Wii Remote Plus would also be bundled with European copies of  ''[[Wii Play: Motion]]'',<ref name="Wii Play: Motion announced">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/04/12/wii-play-gets-an-unexpected-sequel|publisher=IGN|first=Lucas|last=Thomas|title=Wii Play Gets an Unexpected Sequel|date=April 12, 2011|access-date=April 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110416065547/http://wii.ign.com/articles/116/1161209p1.html|archive-date=April 16, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> which is replaced with a black one in other regions.  A red Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk of matching color is also included with every [[Wii Mini]].

At [[E3 2011]], it was revealed that a gold Wii Remote Plus with the [[Hylian]] Crest superimposed over its speaker would be released alongside ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword]]''.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20130127033935/http://www.esperino.com/e3-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-due-end-of-year-gold-tri-force-wii-remote-announced E3 2011: Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Due End of Year; Gold Tri-Force Wii Remote Announced]}}. Esperino.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-23.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://e3src.nintendo.com/presentation/ |access-date=February 22, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809214130/http://e3src.nintendo.com/presentation/ |archive-date=August 9, 2012 |title=Nintendo All-Access @ E3 2012 - Nintendo's E3 Media Presentation }}</ref> It was available as part of a bundle with ''Skyward Sword'' for a limited time.<ref name="SkySword">[https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/08/29/the-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-box-art-bundle-revealed The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Box Art, Bundle Revealed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925035854/http://wii.ign.com/articles/119/1191301p1.html |date=September 25, 2011 }}. IGN. Retrieved on 2020-06-07.</ref> A matching gold Nunchuk was also available to earn for [[Club Nintendo]] members for a limited time.<ref name="gold_nunchuk">{{cite web |last1=Hatfield |first1=Don |title=CLUB NINTENDO OFFERING UP LIMITED EDITION GOLD WII NUNCHUK! |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2465103/club-nintendo-offering-up-limited-edition-gold-wii-nunchuk/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914143613/http://www.mtv.com/news/2465103/club-nintendo-offering-up-limited-edition-gold-wii-nunchuk/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 14, 2020 |website=[[MTV.com]] |access-date=3 September 2020 |date=10 August 2012}}</ref>

In 2012, the Wii Remote Plus was reissued, and branded for the [[Wii U]], the Wii's successor.  Another sync button on the battery cover was added, allowing users to sync without removing the battery cover.  A year later, Nintendo began releasing Wii Remote Plus controllers that are themed after ''Mario'' characters, starting with [[Mario]] and [[Luigi (character)|Luigi]] on November 1, 2013,<ref>{{cite web|last1=King|first1=Kenny|title=Nintendo Announces Wii U Deluxe Set with Mario and Luigi Games Plus New Mario and Luigi Themed Controllers on the Way|url=http://www.biogamergirl.com/2013/10/nintendo-announces-wii-u-deluxe-set.html|website=BioGamer Girl|access-date=29 December 2017}}</ref> to accompany the release of the Wii U Deluxe set. A few months later, Nintendo released a [[Princess Peach]]-themed Wii Remote Plus, on April 24, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Creegan|first1=Dermot|title=Princess Peach Wii Remote Plus Announced For Release|url=https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/04/18/princess-peach-wii-remote-plus-announced-for-release/81767/|website=HardcoreGamer|date=18 April 2014 |access-date=29 December 2017}}</ref>  A year later, Nintendo also released Wii Remote Plus controllers themed after [[Bowser (character)|Bowser]], a [[Toad (Nintendo)|Toad]] and [[Yoshi]] in the fall of 2015 to accompany the releases of ''[[Super Mario Maker]]'' and ''[[Yoshi's Woolly World]]'', exclusively available at [[GameStop]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Seedhouse|first1=Alex|title=Bowser, Toad and Yoshi Wii Remote Plus Swing Toward North American Release|url=https://www.nintendo-insider.com/bowser-toad-and-yoshi-wii-remote-plus-swing-toward-north-american-release/|website=Nintendo Insider|date=September 2015 |access-date=29 December 2017}}</ref>

==Expansions==
[[File:Conectores nunchuk wiimote.png|thumb|upright|left|Female (top) and male (bottom) connector]]
The Wii Remote has an expansion port at the bottom which allows various functional attachments to be added. The connector, and any accessories that attach to it, use a 400&nbsp;kHz [[I²C]] protocol. This expandability is similar to that available with the port on the [[Nintendo 64]] controller. There is a female connector on Wii remotes, to which expansions with a male connector can be connected.

The multiple kinds of controllers that can connect to the Wii Remote make it into a more versatile controller, opening up new Wii controller configurations and likewise multiple control schemes. Various [[racing game]]s such as ''Mario Kart Wii'' and a few ''[[Need for Speed]]'' video games, as well as some [[fighting game]]s like ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', ''[[Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars]]'' and the ''[[Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution]]'' trilogy take advantage of the versatility the expansion port confers to offer multiple control schemes to suit different kinds of players.  
{{Clear}}

===Nunchuk===
{{Infobox VG system
| name = Nunchuk
| image = File:Nintendo-Wii-Remote-wNunchuck.jpg
| release date = {{vgrelease|NA|November 19, 2006|JP|December 2, 2006|AU|December 7, 2006|EU|December 8, 2006}}
| type = Device expansion
| generation = {{plainlist|
* [[Seventh generation of video game consoles|Seventh]]
* [[Eighth generation of video game consoles|Eighth]]
}}
| connectivity = Accessory connector plug for Wii Remote
| lifespan = 11 years
| discontinued = {{vgrelease|WW|2017}}
| input = {{Plainlist|
* [[Analog stick]]
* 2 × digital buttons <small>(C, Z)</small>
* Accelerometer
}}
}}
The Nunchuk (model number RVL-004) was the first attachment Nintendo revealed for the Wii Remote at the 2005 [[Tokyo Game Show]]. It connects to the Wii Remote via a cord 1 to 1.2 m (3.5 to 4 feet) long. Its appearance when attached resembles the [[nunchaku]] weapon, hence the name.  It also resembles the middle handle of the [[Nintendo 64 controller]].  Like the controllers of the Wii's two predecessors, the Nunchuk has an [[analog stick]] whose movement is restricted by an [[octagonal]] area.  The Nunchuk also has two trigger buttons (a last-minute modification changed the two triggers to one trigger and a {{key press|C}} button, as described below). It works in tandem with the main controller in many games. Like the Wii Remote, the Nunchuk also provides a three-axis accelerometer from [[STMicroelectronics]] for motion-sensing and tilting, but lacks any feedback features.<ref name="mit review"/> The presence of a motion sensor in the Nunchuk allows the Wii controller to recognize gestures from both of the player's hands independently, a feature that is leveraged to implement [[boxing]] controls for ''[[Wii Sports]]'' or [[dual wield]] combat in some [[hack and slash]] games, such as ''[[Prince of Persia: Rival Swords]]''.  Despite having fewer buttons, the Nunchuk can also be used as a controller itself, a feature that is leveraged by ''[[Opoona]]'', ''[[Bust-A-Move Bash!]]'' and ''[[SpeedZone (video game)|SpeedZone]]''.  This allows two players to share a single Wii controller, enabling the multiplayer modes of ''Bash!'' and ''SpeedZone'' to support five to eight players across the maximum four Wii controllers that can be synced to a single console.

One Nunchuk comes bundled with the Wii console. Additional Wii Remote units are sold separately without the Nunchuk.<ref name="noe_launch">{{cite web|last=Wales|first=Matt|date=May 22, 2006|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=140333|title=Reports claim Wii to slap down 16 at launch|publisher=Computer and Video Games|access-date=May 25, 2006}}</ref><ref name="GI Perrin interview 4">{{cite web |last=Berghammer |first=Billy |date=June 2, 2006 |title=The Ultimate in PR Spin: The Perrin Kaplan Interview: Part Four |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Images/downloads/movies/2006/interviews/perrin/perrin-4.wmv |access-date=June 8, 2006 |publisher=Game Informer |format=WMV}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{Dead|date=August 2024|fix-attempted=yes}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The two shoulder buttons, formerly named Z1 and Z2 respectively, have been reshaped and renamed from the [[Game Developers Conference]] on. The circular top shoulder button, now called C, is much smaller than the lower rectangular shoulder button, now called Z.<ref name="Hands-On with the Wii Controller">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6151046/index.html|title=Hands-On with the Wii Controller|date=May 12, 2006|access-date=May 12, 2006}}</ref>

The body of the Nunchuk is {{convert|113|mm|in|abbr=on}} long, {{convert|38|mm|in|abbr=on}} wide, and {{convert|37|mm|in|abbr=on}} thick.<ref name="cont_japan"/> The connection port also has a larger size.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/09/16/tgs-2005-revolution-teaser-video|title=TGS 2005: Revolution Teaser Video|date=16 September 2005 |publisher=IGN|access-date=June 7, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511093603/http://media.cube.ign.com/articles/651/651334/vids_1.html|archive-date=May 11, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The Nunchuk can be connected to any microcontroller capable of [[I²C]] (e.g., [[Arduino]]'s [[Atmel AVR]]), where the accelerometer, joystick and buttons data may be accessed. Todbot has created the Wiichuk, an adapter to facilitate connecting the Nunchuk to an Arduino board.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kurt |first=Tod |date=18 February 2008 |title="WiiChuck" Wii Nunchuck Adapter Available |url=https://todbot.com/blog/2008/02/18/wiichuck-wii-nunchuck-adapter-available/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414011714/https://todbot.com/blog/2008/02/18/wiichuck-wii-nunchuck-adapter-available/ |archive-date=14 April 2011 |access-date=23 March 2011 |website=todbot.com}}</ref>

In 2008, wireless Nunchuks became available from third party providers, not requiring the cord that links the Wii Remote with the Nunchuk.<ref>{{cite web|last=Greenwald|first=Will|url=http://ces.cnet.com/8301-13855_1-9843460-67.html|title=Retrieved April 7, 2010|publisher=Ces.cnet.com|date=January 7, 2008|access-date=March 23, 2011|archive-date=January 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080110125547/http://ces.cnet.com/8301-13855_1-9843460-67.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Nunchuk is generally available in white and black.<ref name="black controllers"/><ref name="black NA"/> Sky blue Nunchuks were available in Japan as a prize for a contest used to promote ''Wii Sports Resort''.<ref name="Blue promo"/><ref name="Blue Promo youtube"/> Red Nunchuks are bundled with the red ''Mario'' anniversary Wii console<ref name="red_controllers"/> and Wii Mini. Blue Nunchuks are bundled with the European blue Wii Family Edition consoles with the inclusion of ''[[Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games]]'' released on November 18, 2011. A gold Nunchuk was offered to [[Club Nintendo]] members for a limited time to complement ''Skyward Sword''{{'}}s gold Wii Remote Plus.<ref name="gold_nunchuk"/>
{{Clear}}

===Classic Controller===
{{Main|Classic Controller}}
[[File:Wii-classic-controller.jpg|thumb|250px|right|The Wii [[Wii Remote#Classic Controller|Classic Controller]] (left) is designed to be connected to the Wii Remote (right) expansion port.]]

There are two versions of the Classic Controller, the original Classic Controller and the Classic Controller Pro.

At the 2006 [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]] Nintendo introduced the Classic Controller, which plugs into the Wii Remote via a cord in a similar fashion to the Nunchuk.<ref name="cont_japan"/> Unlike most accessories, the Classic Controller largely usurps the Remote's functionality, with the Remote's buttons duplicated on the Controller. The Remote is used primarily as a wireless transmitter for the Controller and where applicable retains its pointing-device functionality.  It can also still be used as a valid, active controller by another player in multiplayer modes of games like ''Bust-A-Move Bash!'' and ''SpeedZone''.

The Classic Controller is reminiscent of the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]] controller, being the same size and having the {{key press|A}}, {{key press|B}} {{key press|X}}, {{key press|Y}}, {{key press|L}} and {{key press|R}} buttons and directional pad in the same location. It also contains two analog sticks and two extra shoulder buttons used to replicate additional components found on the [[Nintendo GameCube controller]]. The controller is primarily used for [[Virtual Console]] titles, with several titles requiring either the Classic or GameCube controller to play, being optimized for the Classic Controller. [[List of Wii games with traditional control schemes|Dozens of Wii titles are also compatible with the controller]] to allow for a more traditional control scheme.{{Clear}}

===Wii MotionPlus===
{{Main|Wii MotionPlus}}
[[File:Wiimote-with-Motionplus-Attach.jpg|thumb|right|Wii MotionPlus attached to the Wii Remote]]
The Wii MotionPlus is an expansion device that allows the Wii Remote to more accurately capture complex motion. Incorporated with a custom version of the Wii Remote Jacket,<ref name="MotionPlus EU">{{cite web|title=Nintendo to set Summer '09 ablaze with Wii MotionPlus and Wii Sports Resort|url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/E6yRJ1_M9EA1zDpxcGszYx3haYyy7TGF|publisher=Nintendo of Europe|date=April 14, 2009|access-date=April 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417072930/https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/E6yRJ1_M9EA1zDpxcGszYx3haYyy7TGF|archive-date=April 17, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="MotionPlus NA">{{cite web|title=Nintendo to Set Summer '09 Ablaze with Wii MotionPlus and Wii Sports Resort|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090414005535/en|work= Business Wire |author=Nintendo of America|date=April 14, 2009|access-date=April 14, 2009}}</ref> the Wii MotionPlus affixes directly to the Wii Remote expansion port, extending the length of the controller body by approximately {{convert|4|cm|in}}.<ref name="pass-through">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6194443/index.html|title=Wii MotionPlus Hands-On|last=Yu|first=James|date=July 17, 2008|work=GameSpot|publisher=CNET}}</ref> The Wii MotionPlus uses a [[Vibrating structure gyroscope#Tuning fork gyroscope|tuning fork gyroscope]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.invensense.com/company/technology.html|title=MEMS Gyroscope Technology|access-date=July 17, 2008|publisher=InvenSense|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416215417/http://www.invensense.com/company/technology.html|archive-date=April 16, 2008}}</ref> which supplements the accelerometer and Sensor Bar capabilities of the Wii Remote, enabling controller motions to be rendered identically on the screen in real time, according to Nintendo.<ref name="Introducing MotionPlus">{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/eMMuRj_N6vntHPDycCJAKWhEO9zBvyPH|title=Introducing Wii MotionPlus, Nintendo's upcoming accessory for the revolutionary Wii Remote|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|date=July 14, 2008|access-date=July 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080715142736/http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/eMMuRj_N6vntHPDycCJAKWhEO9zBvyPH|archive-date=July 15, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is sold separately, and also included in bundles with some MotionPlus compatible games such as Nintendo's ''[[Wii Sports Resort]]'' and Ubisoft's ''[[Red Steel 2]]''.<ref name="MotionPlus EU" /><ref name="MotionPlus NA" /> Sky blue Wii MotionPlus expansions were available in Japan as a prize for a contest used to promote ''Wii Sports Resort''.<ref name="Blue promo"/><ref name="Blue Promo youtube"/> Black Wii Remotes bundled with the MotionPlus add-on of matching color were released in Europe and North America in November 2009.

===Wii Vitality Sensor===

The Wii Vitality Sensor was a cancelled peripheral; a fingertip [[pulse oximeter]] sensor that connected through the Wii Remote. According to Nintendo, the device "will initially sense the user's pulse and a number of other signals being transmitted by their bodies, and will then provide information to the users about the body's inner world." The Wii Vitality Sensor was announced by President and CEO [[Satoru Iwata]] at Nintendo's [[E3 2009]] media briefing on June 2, 2009. No specific applications were revealed for the device, but when presenting the device Iwata suggested that video games may soon be used for relaxation.<ref>{{cite web|first=Kris|last=Pigna|title=Satoru Iwata Announces Wii Vitality Sensor|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3174528|archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20160516064700/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3174528|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 16, 2016|work=1UP.com|date=June 2, 2009|access-date=June 2, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Nintendo Introduces New Social Entertainment Experiences at E3 Expo|url=http://e3.nintendo.com/pressrelease/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080731202111/http://e3.nintendo.com/pressrelease/|archive-date=July 31, 2008|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=June 2, 2009|access-date=June 2, 2009}}</ref> According to Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime, more details concerning the Wii Vitality Sensor were to be revealed during [[E3 2010]], although in the event the device was not mentioned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5406767/nintendo-dissatisfied-with-sales-of-some-games-dates-vitality-sensor-showcase|title=Nintendo Dissatisfied With Sales Of Some Games, Dates Vitality Sensor Showcase|first1=Stephen|last1=Totilo|date=17 November 2009|website=Kotaku}}</ref> Reggie told [[GameTrailers]], "(E3) was not the kind of environment for a game based on relaxation", and said that they were saving news on the device for another time and place.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/episode/gametrailers-tv/96?ch=1&sd=1|title=GameTrailers TV with Geoff Keighley|publisher=Gametrailers.com|date=June 18, 2010|access-date=March 23, 2011}}</ref> At E3 2010, [[Ubisoft]] introduced their own pulse oximeter sensor, "Innergy".<ref>{{cite web|title=Ubisoft – Innergy|url=http://www.ubi.com/US/Games/Info.aspx?pId=8864|publisher=Ubisoft|date=June 4, 2010|access-date=July 7, 2010}}</ref> At [[E3 2011]], Nintendo announced more about the Wii Vitality Sensor. [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] said that the Wii Vitality Sensor has a difficult time performing consistently across a variety of situations but still may be released.<ref>{{cite web|title=E3 2011: Wii Vitality Sensor still alive|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/44759/E3-2011-Wii-Vitality-Sensor-still-alive|access-date=2011-06-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613044353/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/44759/E3-2011-Wii-Vitality-Sensor-still-alive|archive-date=2011-06-13|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{Clear}}
On July 5, 2013, Satoru Iwata disclosed that the Wii Vitality Sensor project had been cancelled due to its lack of widespread compatibility, with Nintendo finding that the device failed to work with approximately 10% of people it was tested on,<ref name=Vitalityend/> noting that the device "was of narrower application than we had originally thought."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Goldfarb|first1=Andrew|title=Nintendo explains Wii Vitality Se|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/08/nintendo-explains-wii-vitality-sensor-delay|website=[[IGN]]|date=8 July 2013 |access-date=1 April 2016}}</ref> Iwata also mentioned the possibility of returning to the project in the future, when the technology allows for at least a 99.9% success rate.<ref name="Vitalityend">{{Cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-07-05-nintendo-explains-wii-vitality-sensor-cancellation|title=Nintendo explains Wii Vitality Sensor cancellation|last=Phillips|first=Tom|date=2013-07-05|website=Eurogamer|language=en-UK|access-date=2017-09-23}}</ref>

==Accessories==

===Wii Zapper===
{{Main|Wii Zapper}}
[[File:Wii Zapper-2009-03-12.jpg|thumb|Wii Zapper with Wii Remote and Nunchuk inserted]]
The Wii Zapper is a gun-shaped shell accessory for the Wii Remote. As shown in the image, the shell holds both the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, and contains a trigger that actuates the Wii Remote's B button; all other buttons are still accessible while the remote and Nunchuk are in the shell. The name is a reference to the [[NES Zapper]] [[light gun]] for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]]. According to an interview with [[Shigeru Miyamoto]], the idea of a Zapper-type expansion formed when the Wii Remote was first created. He expressed that "What we found is that the reason we wanted to have a Zapper is when you hold a Wii Remote, it can be difficult for some people to keep a steady hand. And holding your arm out like that can get your arm somewhat tired."<ref name="MiyamotoZapper">Dean Takahashi, (July 29, 2007). [https://web.archive.org/web/20070806063223/http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2007/07/an_interview_with_nintendos_super_game_designer_shigeru_miyamoto.html An interview with...Shigeru Miyamoto] [[San Jose Mercury News|mercurynews.com]]. Retrieved on August 5, 2007.</ref> The Zapper is useful for most games primarily involving firearms, such as [[light gun shooter]]s, [[first-person shooter]]s, and [[third-person shooter]]s.{{Clear}}

===Wii Wheel===
[[File:Wii-Wheel.jpg|thumb|Wii Wheel with Wii Remote inserted]]
The '''Wii Wheel''' accessory is designed for use in [[Racing video game|driving games]]: it is a [[steering wheel]]-shaped shell that a Wii Remote can be placed inside, enhancing driving games that allow for steering control by tilting the Wii Remote left and right. The Wii Wheel was first shipped alongside ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''<ref name=ign-mkwiireview>{{cite web|title=Mario Kart Wii Review|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/20/mario-kart-wii-review|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=23 December 2014|date= 20 April 2008}}</ref><ref name=ars-wiiwheel>{{cite web|title=Ars at E3: Nintendo shows new first-party peripherals Wii Zapper, Wheel|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2007/07/ars-at-e3-new-first-party-peripherals-wii-zapper-wheel/|website=Ars Technica|date=11 July 2007|access-date=23 December 2014}}</ref> and features prominently on the game's packaging.

===Third-party accessories===
{{main|Third-party accessories for the Wii Remote}}

Since the release of the Wii console, many aesthetic, ergonomic, and functional accessories have been developed for the Wii Remote by third parties.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aussie-nintendo.com/?v=news&p=7102|title=Futuretronics unveils Wii Remote shell range|author=Captain|date=November 17, 2006|publisher=Aussie-Nintendo.com|access-date=February 24, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070309115945/http://www.aussie-nintendo.com/?v=news&p=7102|archive-date=March 9, 2007|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

==Third-party development==
[[File:WiiMote Whiteboard.ogv|thumbtime=23|thumb|200px|alt=Wii Remote pointing at MacBook laptop screen, a button-activated infrared (IR) pen made using a Berol marker pen, WiiMote Whiteboard software calibration in which infrared pen marks four points on calibration image, drawing test in which "Doug!" is written directly on the canvas of a paint program|Johnny Lee's WiiMote Whiteboard software used for [[light pen]]-type computer input]]
Since the release of the Wii console, people have been exploring different new ways in which to use the Wii Remote. Many third-party applications are currently in development through [[Wii homebrew]].<ref>{{cite journal | title = Hacking the Nintendo Wii Remote | first=  Johnny Chung | last = Lee | author-link = Johnny Lee (computer scientist) | journal =  IEEE Pervasive Computing| volume = 7 | issue = 3 | doi = 10.1109/MPRV.2008.53 | date = 15 July 2008 | pages= 39–45 | s2cid= 11121544 }}</ref><ref name="RemoteHomebrew">{{cite web | first = Jamin | last= Brophy-Warren | url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB117772630151685703 | title =  Magic Wand: How Hackers Make Use Of Their Wii-motes | work = [[The Wall Street Journal]] | date = April 28, 2007 | access-date = December 4, 2020 }}</ref> One popular [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] program called GlovePIE allows the Wii Remote to be used on a personal computer to emulate a [[Computer keyboard|keyboard]], [[mouse (computing)|mouse]] or [[joystick]]. Connecting the Wii Remote to a personal computer is done via a [[Bluetooth]] connection. The Bluetooth program [[BlueSoleil]] has been proven to successfully connect a Wii Remote to a PC. Still another program (like GlovePIE) is needed to utilize the Wii Remote's protocol and to use the data it offers.

The Wii Remote Bluetooth protocol can be implemented on other devices including cell phones, which often have poor usability with games. Two students have demonstrated this concept by creating driver software that has the capability to connect the Wii Remote to a [[Symbian]] [[smartphone]]. The idea behind this driver is that a mobile phone with a [[TV-out]] port can replace the game console.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mobi-pad.com|title=mobiPad project|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080801235102/http://mobi-pad.com/|archive-date=August 1, 2008 }}</ref>

Programmer [[Johnny Lee (computer scientist)|Johnny Lee]] posted video demos and sample code at [http://johnnylee.net/projects/wii/ his website] related to the use of the Wii Remote for [[finger tracking]], low-cost multipoint [[interactive whiteboard]]s, and head tracking for desktop VR displays. He demonstrated several such applications at a [[TED (conference)|TED conference]]. The [http://www.wiimoteproject.com/ WiimoteProject] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100208151809/http://www.wiimoteproject.com/ |date=2010-02-08 }} forum became the discussion, support and sharing site for Lee's Wii Remote projects and other newer developments.

Studies have been conducted to use the Wii Remote as a practice method to fine-tune [[surgery|surgeons]]' hand motions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wii.qj.net/New-research-conditionally-supports-gaming-for-surgeon-trainees/pg/49/aid/111793 |title=Engineers adapt Wiimote technology to control bomb disposal robot |publisher=qj.net |access-date=May 9, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123034528/http://wii.qj.net/New-research-conditionally-supports-gaming-for-surgeon-trainees/pg/49/aid/111793 |archive-date=January 23, 2009 }}</ref> Utilizing [[DarwiinRemote]], researchers at the [[University of Memphis]] adapted the Wii Remote for data collection in cognitive psychology experiments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080304200905.htm|title=Nintendo Wii With A New Mission: Wiimote As An Interface Bridging Mind And Body|publisher=Sciencedaily.com|date=March 9, 2008|access-date=March 23, 2011}}</ref> [[Autodesk]] released a plugin that allows the Wii Remote to control orientation of 3D models in ''Autodesk Design Review''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/wiimote_adr/|title=Autodesk Labs Utilities|publisher=Labs.autodesk.com|access-date=March 23, 2011|archive-date=February 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219094756/http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/wiimote_adr/|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{Clear}}

==Reception==
Overall reception to the Wii Remote has changed over time. The control styles, which are provided by the controller, were met with praise at its first public exhibition at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]].<ref name="E3 Awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2006winners.html|title=2006 Winners|access-date=August 13, 2006|publisher=Game Critics Awards}}</ref> Since then, comments have been noted by the press on its functionality. Matt Wales of [[IGN|IGN UK]] highlighted the aiming and precision of ''[[Red Steel]]'' and stated "Taking down swathes of enemies with nothing more than a twitch of the wrist proves immensely satisfying and, more importantly, incredibly involving."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/11/24/red-steel-uk-review|title=Red Steel UK Review|publisher=IGN|first=Matt|last=Wales|date=November 24, 2006|access-date=June 7, 2020}}</ref> ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' listed the Wii Remote as an innovative controller, citing it as innovative for several firsts, including the first use of motion control, the first built-in speaker, and the first Infrared Pointer.<ref>{{cite book|title=Nintendo Power 250th issue!|year=2010|publisher=[[Future US]]|location=South San Francisco, California|page=45}}</ref> This is incorrect, however; the first video game controller to make use of motion sensitivity was Le Stick for the Atari 2600 and Commodore 64, manufactured by [[Datasoft]] Inc., and released in 1981.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://classicgames.about.com/od/consoleandhandheldgames/p/LeStickProfile.htm|title=Le Stick – The First Motion Controller|publisher=About.com|first=D.S.|last=Cohen|access-date=November 3, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090522173103/http://classicgames.about.com/od/consoleandhandheldgames/p/LeStickProfile.htm|archive-date=May 22, 2009}}</ref>

Other publications have noted specific complaints regarding control. [[GameSpot]] expressed that some motions in ''[[Cooking Mama: Cook Off]]'' failed to transmit or meet expectation during gameplay.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/cookingmamacookoff/review.html|title=Cooking Mama: Cook Off Review|first=Alex|last=Navarro|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|date=March 23, 2007|access-date=May 7, 2007}}</ref> Similar observations were made on other titles made available during the [[Wii launch]] period. [[ComputerAndVideoGames.com]] reported that "Most prominent is the first batch of games, many of which do a better job at exposing the obstacles of full motion control, rather than the benefits... ''[[Need for Speed: Carbon|Need For Speed [Carbon]]]''...is near unplayable, ''[[Far Cry Vengeance|Far Cry]]'' got it all wrong, and the motion control in ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]'' just feels tacked on."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/158325/features/is-the-novelty-of-wii-wearing-off|title=Is the novelty of Wii wearing off?|first=Mike|last=Jackson|publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com|date=February 18, 2007|access-date=May 8, 2007}}</ref>

The overall situation was described by [[Joystiq]] thus: "Over the months since launch, the unpredictable Wii Remote has led to a maddening dichotomy. Some games are too easy, while others are too hard – for all the wrong reasons...Gamers who crave a deeper challenge have to settle for battling incomprehensible controls."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/cooking-mama-cook-off-highlights-wii-remote-issues/|title=Cooking Mama: Cook Off highlights Wii Remote issues|publisher=Joystiq|first=Tony|last=Carnevale|date=April 2, 2007|access-date=May 8, 2007}}</ref> Critics felt that fault was largely attributed to the developers' lack of experience with the Wii Remote. Jeremy Parish of the magazine ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' compared the initial phase of control implementation to that of the [[Nintendo DS]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|first=Jeremy|last=Parish|title=Elebits review|date=January 2007|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|pages=64}}</ref> [[Matt Casamassina]] of IGN also presumed that the first generation of Wii games were of an experimental stage and that potential for refinement had yet to be exploited.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/mail/2006-10-18.html|title=N-Query|publisher=IGN|first=Matt|last=Casamassina|date=October 18, 2006|access-date=May 8, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303144654/http://wii.ign.com/mail/2006-10-18.html|archive-date=March 3, 2007|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Later-released titles saw mixed reactions in terms of control. Of ''[[Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07]]'' from [[Electronic Arts]], Matthew Kato of ''[[Game Informer]]'' stated that the controller "has a hard time detecting your backswing. Thus, it's harder to control. There were even times the game putted for me by accident."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200705/R07.0314.1211.18257.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070528135338/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200705/R07.0314.1211.18257.htm|archive-date=May 28, 2007|title=Tiger Asks for a Mulligan|publisher=[[Game Informer]]|first=Matthew|last=Kato|url-status=dead|access-date=May 11, 2007}}</ref> A ''[[GamePro]]'' review for ''[[Medal of Honor: Vanguard]]'' said that the title "is an encouraging sign that developers are finally starting to work out the kinks and quirks of the Wii Remote."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/wii/games/reviews/107549.shtml|title=Review: Medal of Honor: Vanguard|publisher=[[GamePro]]|date=March 28, 2007|access-date=May 11, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070410023644/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/wii/games/reviews/107549.shtml|archive-date=April 10, 2007}}</ref>

[[Video game development party#First-party developer|First-]] and [[Video game development party#Second-party developer|second-party]] video games produced more favorable utilization of the Wii Remote's unique capabilities. ''[[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]]'', in particular, was nearly universally praised for its unique control scheme, which was seen as being unrivaled by any other console game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/27/metroid-prime-3-corruption-review|title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Review|publisher=IGN|first=Matt|last=Casamassina|date=August 27, 2007|access-date=June 7, 2020|pages=4}}</ref> ''Corruption'' utilizes the Nunchuk for strafing and the infrared pointing capability of the Wii Remote for turning and special "gestures", which are used to select visors. Other Nintendo titles take a more minimalist approach, using mostly the pointer and buttons only, as with ''[[Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree]]'', or use the controller in a sideways configuration to resemble a [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] controller while the player de-emphasizes more advanced capabilities, as used in ''[[Super Paper Mario]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/04/05/super-paper-mario-review|title=Super Paper Mario Review|publisher=IGN|first=Matt|last=Casamassina|date=March 5, 2007|access-date=June 7, 2020|pages=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126091821/http://wii.ign.com/articles/778/778606p2.html|archive-date=January 26, 2009|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The Wii Remote and Nunchuk combined sold over 8.5 million units in the United States, and took the top two spots in video game accessories sales in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=17006|archive-url=https://archive.today/20080118235201/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=17006|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 18, 2008|title=NPD: 2007 U.S. Game Industry Growth Up 43% To $17.9 Billion|first=Brandon|last=Boyer|publisher=[[Gamasutra]]|access-date=January 18, 2008|date=January 18, 2008|quote=...The Wii Remote and the Nunchuk combined for over 8.5 million in units sales last year, capturing the top two spots in accessories sales.}}</ref> In the United States, the Nunchuk was the best-selling video game hardware for January 2008, with 375,000 units sold, in a month where the Wii was the best-selling console with 274,000 units sold.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/852/852438p1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216015010/http://wii.ign.com/articles/852/852438p1.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 16, 2008|title=NPD: Wii Wins January|first=Matt|last=Casamassina|publisher=IGN|date=February 14, 2008|access-date=February 15, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/357172/what-was-januarys-biggest-seller|title=What Was January's Biggest Seller?|access-date=February 16, 2008|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|date=February 15, 2008|work=[[Kotaku]]|publisher=[[Gawker Media]]}}</ref>

According to Nintendo's [[Shinya Takahashi]], player feedback for the Wii Remote, particularly on reducing its form-factor, led into the development of the [[Nintendo Switch]], a console small enough and with smaller controllers to also be used as a portable unit.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/the-nintendo-switch-joy-cons-and-even-labo-are-the-result-of-wii-era-feedback | title = The Nintendo Switch, Joy-Cons, and even Labo are the result of Wii-era feedback | first = Alissa | last= McAloon | date = February 9, 2018 | access-date = February 9, 2018 | work = [[Gamasutra]] }}</ref>

==Legal issues==
The Wii Remote has come under a number of lawsuits from several different companies.

[[Interlink Electronics]] filed a patent-infringement lawsuit against Nintendo in December 2006 over the pointing functionality of the Wii Remote, claiming "loss of reasonable royalties, reduced sales and/or lost profits as a result of the infringing activities" of Nintendo.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/08/nintendo-sued-for-patent-infringement|title=Nintendo Sued for Patent Infringement|first=Micah|last=Seff|publisher=IGN|date=December 8, 2006|access-date=June 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061213042423/http://wii.ign.com/articles/750/750001p1.html|archive-date=December 13, 2006|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The lawsuit was terminated in March 2007.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/gov.uscourts.ded.37438|title=Interlink Electronics Inc. v. Nintendo of America|publisher=RECAP US Federal Court Documents}}</ref>

On August 19, 2008, [[Hillcrest Labs|Hillcrest Laboratories]] Inc. filed a complaint against Nintendo with the [[United States International Trade Commission|U.S International Trade Commission]], alleging that the Wii Remote infringed on three of its patents. A fourth Hillcrest patent (for graphical interfaces displayed on television screens) was also allegedly violated. Hillcrest sought a ban on Wii consoles imported to the U.S.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121925111060757011|title=Start-Up Says Nintendo Violated Patents|publisher=Wall Street Journal|first=Nick| last=Wingfield|date=August 21, 2008|access-date=September 25, 2008}}</ref> On August 24, 2009 Nintendo and Hillcrest reached a settlement, although the terms were not publicly disclosed.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nintendo settles US trade fight over Wii|url= http://www.theage.com.au/world/nintendo-settles-us-trade-fight-over-wii-20090825-ewno.html|date=August 24, 2009|work=www.theage.com.au| publisher=[[The Age]]|access-date=August 24, 2009|location=Melbourne}}</ref><!-- Published in Australia on August 25 at 1AM, so it was August 24 Wikipedia time when it was published. -->

In September 2011, ThinkOptics Inc. filed a lawsuit against Nintendo in [[U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Texas|United States District Court of the Eastern District of Texas]] over their controller, the Wavit Remote, claiming that the Wii violated its patent for a "handheld vision based absolute pointing system", a "Handheld Device for Handheld Vision Based Absolute Pointing System", and a "Handheld Vision Based Absolute Pointing System", which make up the basis for the Wavit Remote. They also said that the Wii U infringes on their patents as well and claims that Nintendo was aware of the fact that the Wii allegedly violates ThinkOptics' patents. The lawsuit sought an [[injunction]] against violating products, [[Royalty payment|royalties]], [[attorney's fee]]s, and damages for lost profits.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/09/07/nintendo-gets-sued-over-the-wii/|title=Nintendo Gets Sued Over The Wii|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-09-05|language=en-US|first1=Jordan|last1=Crook|date=7 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.law360.com/texas/articles/269491/thinkoptics-sues-nintendo-over-remote-control-patents|title=ThinkOptics Sues Nintendo Over Remote Control Patents - Law360|website=www.law360.com|language=en|access-date=2018-09-05}}</ref> The lawsuit was dismissed by ThinkOptics in August 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://insight.rpxcorp.com/lit/txedce-132096-thinkoptics-v-nintendo-of-america|title=ThinkOptics, Inc v. Nintendo of America, Inc. et al|website=insight.rpxcorp.com|access-date=2018-09-05}}</ref>

Starting in December 2012, iLife Technologies sued several large companies over patent infringement over a set of patents they held related to "systems and methods for evaluating movement of a body relative to an environment", principally aimed at the medical field; Nintendo was sued by iLife in December 2013 for the Wii Remote's infringement on their patents, with the lawsuit seeking $144 million in damages, based on a $4 fine for the Wii units it had sold to date.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.dallasobserver.com/news/a-dallas-inventor-is-suing-nintendo-for-stealing-his-idea-for-wii-us-motion-sensors-7124540 | title = A Dallas Inventor Is Suing Nintendo for Stealing His Idea for Wii U's Motion Sensors | first = Eric |last = Nicholson | date = December 16, 2013 | access-date = December 28, 2017 | work = [[Dallas Observer]] }}</ref><ref name=":0" /> A jury trial was heard in August 2017, and the jury ruled in favor of iLife Technologies and Nintendo was forced to pay {{USD|10.1 million}} in damages.<ref name=":0">{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/09/jury-finds-nintendo-wii-infringes-dallas-inventors-patent-awards-10m/ | title = Jury finds Nintendo Wii infringes Dallas inventor's patent, awards $10M | first =Joe | last = Mullin | date  =September 1, 2017 | access-date = December 28, 2017 | work = [[Ars Technica]]}}</ref> While Nintendo attempted to appeal this ruling, the [[United States Court of Appeals]] upheld the jury's decision in December 2017.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/appeals-court-upholds-ilife-patent-in-10m-wii-gaming-judgment-w514792 | title = Appeals Court Upholds iLife Patent in $10M Wii Gaming Judgment | date = December 28, 2017 | access-date = December 28, 2017 | work = [[Glixel]] | archive-date = December 28, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171228155104/https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/appeals-court-upholds-ilife-patent-in-10m-wii-gaming-judgment-w514792 | url-status = dead }}</ref> However, in January 2020, a federal court overturned the judgement and ruled that iLife's patent was too broad.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2020/01/21/nintendo-10-million-overturned-wii-remote/ | title = Court overturns $10 million judgment against Nintendo's Wii Remote | first = Stephany | last =Nunneley | date = January 21, 2020 | access-date = January 21, 2020 | work = [[VG247]] }}</ref>

=== Wrist strap issues ===
The wrist strap of the Wii Remote has also been an issue.

In mid-December 2006, the law firm Green Welling LLP filed a [[class action]] lawsuit against Nintendo for its "defective wrist straps". A few days later, Nintendo issued a [[product recall]] for the wrist straps and issued a new version of the strap with an improved securing mechanism for the wrist, leading to the lawsuit to be dropped sometime thereafter.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.chron.com/news/article/BW-Nintendo-Recalls-Defective-Wii-Wrist-Straps-1850489.php|title = Nintendo Recalls Defective Wii Wrist Straps After Class Action Filed by Green Welling LLP|access-date = March 23, 2007|publisher = Business Wire|date = December 16, 2006|via = [[Houston Chronicle]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/5108362/nintendo-faces-new-remote-strap-lawsuit | title = Nintendo Faces New Remote Strap Lawsuit | first = Mike | last = Fahey | date = December 12, 2008 | access-date = December 28, 2017 | work = [[Kotaku]] }}</ref>

A second class-action lawsuit was filed by a mother in Colorado in December 2008, claiming the updated wrist straps were still ineffective.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/3725869/Nintendo-sued-over-dangerous-Wii-controllers.html | title = Nintendo sued over 'dangerous' Wii controllers | first = Claudine | last =  Beaumont | date = December 12, 2008 | access-date = December 28, 2017 | work = [[The Daily Telegraph]] }}</ref> This suit was dismissed by September 2010, finding for Nintendo that the wrist straps were not knowingly faulty under Colorado consumer protection laws.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.law360.com/articles/196315/nintendo-sends-wii-safety-strap-case-packing | title = Nintendo Sends Wii Safety Strap Case Packing | first = Samual | last = Howard | date = September 24, 2010 | access-date = December 28, 2017 | work = [[Law360]]}}</ref>

=== Trademark issues ===

In 2000, the term "[[Weemote]]" was trademarked by [[Miami]] based TV remote manufacturer [[Fobis Technologies]] and was later used as the name of their remote designed for young children.<ref name="time3">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1824499,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080721004946/http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1824499,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 21, 2008|title=The Weemote vs. Wiimote Tiff|author=Padgett, Tim|date=2008-07-18|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=2008-08-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.remotecentral.com/weemote/index.html|title=RC: Fobis Technologies Weemote Kids' Remote Control Review (1)|website=www.remotecentral.com|access-date=2018-07-22}}</ref> While spelled differently, the term "Weemote" is phonetically identical to "Wiimote", the unofficial term for the Wii Remote.<ref name="time3" /><ref name="gp13">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepolitics.com/2008/07/23/small-firm039s-weemote-came-first-steamrolled-nintendo039s-wiimote|title=Small Firm's Weemote Came First, But Steamrolled by Nintendo's Wiimote|date=2008-07-23|work=GamePolitics.com|access-date=2008-08-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080730052700/http://www.gamepolitics.com/2008/07/23/small-firm039s-weemote-came-first-steamrolled-nintendo039s-wiimote|archive-date=July 30, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Sales of the Weemote, which totaled less than one million as of 2008, had fallen due to confusion with the Wiimote.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.time.com:80/time/business/article/0,8599,1824499,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808075839/http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1824499,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 8, 2008|title=The Weemote vs. Wiimote Tiff - TIME|date=2008-08-08|access-date=2018-08-29|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Fobis Technologies claims this to be [[trademark infringement]], however Nintendo does not actually use the term "Wiimote" in official promotional materials; but many retailers that sell the Wii Remote do use the term.<ref name="gp13" /> Fobis sent out up to 100 [[cease and desist]] letters to retailers and have made offers to Nintendo for them to purchase the trademark.<ref name="time3" /><ref name="gp13" /> Nintendo declined the offer, stating that it "does not use and does not plan to use the Weemote trademark".<ref name="gp23">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepolitics.com/2008/07/24/nintendo-comments-weemote-wiimote-flap-online-retailer-pressured|title=Nintendo Comments on Weemote-Wiimote Flap; Online Retailer Pressured|date=2008-07-24|work=GamePolitics.com|access-date=2008-08-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080730052718/http://www.gamepolitics.com/2008/07/24/nintendo-comments-weemote-wiimote-flap-online-retailer-pressured|archive-date=July 30, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The trademark application for the Wii Remote was initially rejected by the [[United States Patent and Trademark Office]] after the trademark was filed in March 2008. The USPTO claimed that the word "[[Remote control|remote]]" is commonly used, and therefore should not be trademarked. The USPTO said they would accept Nintendo's trademark filing if the company disclaims exclusive rights to the word "remote" in the term and if the word "Wii" would always precede the word "remote" in marketing and manuals. The USPTO accepted the "Wii Remote" trademark in July 2012.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/wee-bit-of-trouble-nintendo-cant-trademark-wii-remote/|title=Wee bit of trouble: Nintendo can't trademark 'Wii Remote'|work=Engadget|access-date=2018-08-29|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://trademarks.justia.com/774/27/wii-77427250.html|title=WII REMOTE Trademark of Nintendo of America Inc. - Registration Number 4177430 - Serial Number 77427250 :: Justia Trademarks|website=trademarks.justia.com|language=en|access-date=2018-08-29}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of Nintendo controllers]]
* [[List of Wii games]]
* [[Wii Balance Board]]
* [[Wii Speak]]
* [[PlayStation Move]]
* [[Razer Hydra]]
* [[Xbox Kinect]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080427045850/http://www.nintendo.com/wii/what/controllers Wii Controllers page]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080223094835/http://www.nintendo.com/wii/what/accessories Wii Accessories page]
* {{US patent application|number=2007049374}}

{{Wii}}
{{Wii U}}
{{Nintendo hardware|Wii}}

[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:Gesture recognition]]
[[Category:Pointing devices]]
[[Category:Wii controllers]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 2006]]
[[Category:Products and services discontinued in 2017]]
[[Category:Nintendo litigation]]