Wii Wheels

Wii Wheels

Some of the most exciting accessories for the Wii system of motion-controlled video games are tied in with its driving games. Wii wheels are exactly what they sound like – driving wheels that can be used in tandem with Wii remotes to control the car in the game like a car in real life. Used for top-selling games like Mario Cart Wii, GT Pro Series, and ExciteBots, the Wii Wheel is a must-have addition to your gaming repertoire.

What Games Use the Wii Wheel?

* Mario Kart Wii
* GT Pro Series
* ExciteBots: Trick Racing
* ExciteTruck
* Need for Speed
* Madagascar Kartz
* Monster 4×4: World Circuit
* Sonic and Sega All-Stars
* And many more!

As you can see, the list of racing games for the Wii is quite expansive, and is only going to get bigger as developers figure out more and more interesting ways to use the Wii Wheel to enhance the gaming experience.

How Is the Wii Wheel Used?

For most games, you have to snap the Wii remote into the center of the wheel. Place your hands at 9-o-clock and 3-o-clock as if you’re driving a car. You can use your left thumb to use the A button, right thumb for the D-pad, and many wheels have a B button in the back, which you can operate with one of your other fingers. Then, you hold the wheel generally perpendicular to the TV screen, so the remote sensor can see the Wii receiver. It doesn’t have to be exact. Then, turn the wheel left and right as if you were driving a real car!

Wii Wheels are generally quite sensitive, so don’t overdo it. It might take some time to get used to, as you have to isolate the muscle motions so you only turn left and right. You don’t want to jerk the wheel around a lot, as it will confuse the system and your car won’t do what you want it to do.

What Are The Different Wii Wheels?

Wii wheels will generally fall into two categories: Nintendo-official wheels and third party wheels. Third party wheels are produced by companies such as Logitech, CTA, Wu and Dreamgear, and are generally slightly less expensive.

What’s The Difference Between Different Companies’ Wheels?

Ease of use, price, and additional features comprise the main difference between the different wheels. Dreamgear’s wheel comes with a B button in back and suction cups on the bottom, so you can attach it to a stable surface while you play. Wu’s wheel is strictly best for the price – it is about half the price of a Nintendo-official wheel, but it doesn’t have a B button and is as bare-bones as it gets. CTA’s wheel comes with a sleek design and nifty lights, while Logitech offers a proprietary wheel controller which doesn’t require you to clip in a Wii remote. Logitech’s wheel is specifically designed for easy button access, with a base that can attach to any surface, but it’s bigger, bulkier, and costs more. Note that it is often somewhat difficult to force the Wiimote into various third-party wheels, as they want you to buy their own Wiimotes as well.

Nintendo Official Wii Wheels

Nintendo offers two different models in different colors. These models are:

* Standard Wheel (only comes in gray)
* Comfort Racing Wheel (comes in blue, black and pink)

The standard wheel is sturdy, basic, and extremely well-crafted. It has a large B button extension in back of the left thumb. It’s just gray plastic though – no bells and whistles.

The Comfort Wheel is padded, has additional color options, and generally looks a little cooler. It delivers more precise performance than the standard wheel, perfect for high-speed games like GT Pro Series and Need for Speed, and offers better battery life.

Individual Gaming Issues and Other Things to Be Aware Of

For ExciteTruck, many players have reported difficulties in using the Wii Wheel to perform tricks, as the wheel needs to be shaken up and down while driving.

In the Need For Speed games, two Wii Wheels can’t be connected at the same time.

In Mario Kart Wii, players can perform wheelies by flicking the Wii Wheel up. Fun!

Ultimately, the Wii Wheel is an extremely fun toy to use in tandem with the already fun Nintendo Wii. With so many options for ways to use it, you should study this article and choose the games and types of wheel you think best suit your playing style. Enjoy, and happy driving!