Nintendo Wii Navigation Controller/Nunchucks

Frequently Asked Questions About the Wii Nunchuck

Named after its nunchuck-like shape, the Wii Nunchuck is an attachment to the Wii Remote that expands the functionality of the controller beyond its motion-sensing abilities. On eBay, it is either sold separately or sold with the Wii Remote controller. However, because the Nunchuck is not a standalone device, it must connect to the Wii Remote in order to work at all.

Most games do use the Nunchuck in some capacity. These include just about any kind of traditional game that involves moving characters around in a 2D or 3D environment. Some games use the Wii Remote exclusively or make the Nunchuck completely optional. If the game uses the Nunchuck, then it will show a picture of the Nunchuck controller on the back of the box alongside a picture of the Wii Remote.

The official Nintendo version is wired, but some third-party companies do sell wireless Nunchuck controllers.

The Nunchuck connects to the Wii Remote through a port at the bottom of the controller. The cord connecting the Nunchuck to the Wii Remote is about four feet long, giving you plenty of space to use the motion controls. Here are some additional features of the Nunchuck controller:

• Analogue stick: The Nunchuck is the only way to control traditional Wii games with the analogue stick. The Wii Remote does not have one. In most types of games, the Nunchuck and the Wii Remote will work in conjunction with each other. For example, in a first-person shooter, you can move the character with the analogue stick and aim your gun with the Wii Remote.
• Trigger buttons: The Nunchuck has two trigger buttons located at the top. They are easily accessed by the index and middle fingers, which wrap around the top of the controller.
• Internal accelerometer: The Nunchuck, like the Wii Remote, can detect motion. This essentially allows the Nunchuck to act like a secondary Wii Remote for certain games.

Yes, you can connect them together. The Wii MotionPlus is an accessory that expands the motion-sensing capabilities of the Wii Remote. Later models built the MotionPlus directly into the controller, but when it first came out, the MotionPlus was a separate accessory that attached to the same expansion slot as the Nunchuck. However, the MotionPlus accessory also has another port at the bottom that will attach to the Nunchuck without any problems.