What Is a Wii Nunchuck Controller?

Wii Remote

• The Wii Remote is the standard controller for the Nintendo Wii. It resembles a TV remote control with its rectangular shape and is used as a pointing device, making use of its motion-sensing capabilities. There are also a set of buttons on the controller as well as a small speaker to play in-game sounds.

Nunchuk Attachment

• The Nunhcuk controller attaches to the Wii Remote via a 4-foot cable. Like the Wii Remote, this attachment also features motion sensing technology, allowing players to manipulate in-game objects with the movement of their hands. Whereas the Wii Remote is rectangular, the Nunchuk is curvy and fits more ergonomically in the palm of the hand.

Button Layout

• The Nunchuk attachment adds several new buttons to the Wii Remote. The first addition is that of an analog joystick, similar to the Nintendo GameCube. The Wii Remote only comes with a D-pad. Also included on the Nunchuk attachment are a circular "C" button and a trigger "Z" button.

Uses

• The Nunchuk can have various uses depending on the game you play. For first-person shooters, the analog stick on the Nunchuk can be used for character movement while the Wii Remote is used for aiming. In games such as "Wii Sports: Boxing," the Nunchuk is used as a left hand while the Wii Remote controls the right, allowing players to throw punches.

Wireless

• While the standard Nunchuk attachment is wired, there are several third-party controls that give the Nunchuk wireless functionality. Some, such as the Intec Wireless Nunchuk, make the unit itself wireless, with a receiver attachment for the Wii Remote. Others, such as the Nyko Cord Free Adapter, turn the wired Nunchuk you already have into a wireless one.