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Best Wii U Motion Controllers

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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Nintendo Wii U Remote Plus w/ Built-In Motion Plus
Nintendo
Wii U Remote Plus w/ Built-In Motion Plus

This officially licensed remote motion controller offers plenty of visual design options and accurate control, and has Motion Plus built in.

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Bottom Line

This officially licensed remote motion controller offers plenty of visual design options and accurate control, and has Motion Plus built in.

Pros

Excellent, fine-point motion control. Uses battery power efficiently. Available with Nintendo-themed artwork, like Bowser or Toad, and in various colors. Works with both Wii and Wii U systems.

Cons

Pricey, as it’s a licensed product. Users will need to buy additional nunchuk controller for many games.

TechKen 2-Pack Wii and Wii U Remote  with Wii Motion Plus Inside and Nunchuk Controllers
TechKen
2-Pack Wii and Wii U Remote with Wii Motion Plus Inside and Nunchuk Controllers

Solid replacement or spare remotes that work as well as originals for many games.

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Bottom Line

Solid replacement or spare remotes that work as well as originals for many games.

Pros

Two remotes, two nunchuks, two wrist straps. Works the same as official controllers for some games. Remotes feature onboard speakers. Slightly lighter than original controllers. Uses 2 AA batteries.

Cons

Some report motion lag. Speakers are a little louder than original versions. Can take several attempts to connect.

PowerLead Built-in Motion Plus Remote, Nunchuck Controller and Silicon Case for Nintendo Wii and Wii U
PowerLead
Built-in Motion Plus Remote, Nunchuck Controller and Silicon Case for Nintendo Wii and Wii U

A slightly smaller remote that's good for the little hands in your house.

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Bottom Line

A slightly smaller remote that's good for the little hands in your house.

Pros

Remote, nunchuk and silicon case. Smaller and lighter weight than original. Responsive nunchuk. Built-in speakers. Many users say it works as well as original remotes.

Cons

Questionable longevity. Drains batteries quickly.

Nintendo Wii Nunchuk Controller
Nintendo
Wii Nunchuk Controller

Worth its higher sticker price as a licensed controller for Wii and Wii U, with good button action and long-lasting reliability.

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Bottom Line

Worth its higher sticker price as a licensed controller for Wii and Wii U, with good button action and long-lasting reliability.

Pros

As a licensed OEM product, matches original controllers in ergonomics, quality, and control. Stays responsive without degradation in quality for months or longer. Pairs easily with remote controller and Wii U.

Cons

Becomes less responsive after a few months of use. Pricey compared to non-OEM versions.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
December 21, 2021
30
Models
considered
12
Hours
researched
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Buying guide for Best Wii U motion controllers

Arnold Carreiro
Written by Arnold Carreiro

Updated February 2024

It’s been more than a decade since Nintendo’s Wii video game console made waves with its use of motion controls. With their wildly innovative combination of advanced movement-tracking technology and gyroscopes, motion controls proved so successful that the Japanese game developer ran with the concept, integrating motion controls into the heart of its successor, the Wii U.

Longtime Wii players still enjoy playing a variety of games on the new system using their older Wii motion controllers alongside the new Wii U GamePad. But if you don’t already have a closet full of Wii motion controllers, or are completely new to the Wii U, it’s easy to get lost while trying to understand which controllers you need for getting the most from the Wii U.

Nintendo created the Wii Remote, Wii Remote Plus, and Nunchuck controller accessory to work perfectly with the Wii U, and third-party controller manufacturers have gone to great lengths to ensure that their devices look and perform like the originals.

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The GamePad controller included with your Wii U console features a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, allowing it to utilize motion controls like a Wii Remote Plus controller. Try it out with games like Pikmin 3 and Mario Kart 8.

Key considerations

Responsiveness

When it comes to responsiveness, the original Wii Remote, colloquially known as the Wiimote, is a serviceable motion controller. That said, it may be a little finicky at times, especially if used more than three feet from the Wii U console. The Wii Remote Plus is much more sensitive to your body’s natural movement, making Wii U games that rely on motion controls far more enjoyable.

Comfort

Nintendo has gone to great lengths to ensure that their motion controllers feel comfortable in your hands, especially since you’re probably going to be punching and karate chopping the air for hours at a time. While official Wii U motion controllers fit perfectly, third-party controllers are hit and miss. The good ones copy the ergonomic design of official controllers as closely as possible.

Durability

Nintendo encased the Wii U motion controller’s gyroscopes in an ultra-sturdy plastic shell designed for children. While third-party Wii U motion controllers may be more affordable, there can be long-term reliability concerns. Still concerned about extending the life of your Wii U motion controller? There’s a wide range of protective silicone, foam, and plastic motion controller skins available online.

Wii U motion controller features

Because the singular goal of a Wii U motion controller is to reliably match your movements as you enjoy your favorite Wii U games, there aren’t many bonus features to keep an eye out for while considering different models. Third-party controller manufacturers have gone to great lengths to ensure that their devices look and perform like the original. That said, there are a few defining features to keep in mind.

Motion accuracy

Although the original Wii Remote is a fine motion controller that will work with the vast majority of Wii U and classic Wii games, there is no denying that the Wii Remote Plus is by far the more precise motion controller. To ensure that you have the best motion-gaming experience on the Wii U, we highly recommend using the upgraded Wii Remote Plus.

Compatibility

The Wii Remote Plus is compatible with the entire collection of Wii U games. While the original Wii Remote works with most Wii U games, Wii U owners will have to buy a Nunchuk accessory to play certain Wii U and backwards-compatible Wii games. If you’re unsure if you can use your controllers to play a specific Wii U game, check the back of its box for a clearly indicated list of compatible controllers before you buy it.

Color

If you want Wii U motion controllers and accessories that match the color of your console, black and white models are widely available. For gamers who want their controllers and accessories to pop, there’s a rainbow of models from which to choose.

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Expert Tip
If you want to enjoy original Wii games via the Wii U’s backwards compatibility feature, you will absolutely need at least one Wii Remote or Wii Remote Plus to play.
STAFF
BestReviews

Wii U motion controller prices

While Nintendo’s official controllers guarantee the best gameplay experience available, they’re also the most expensive models on the market. Savvy buyers who don’t mind playing with unofficial motion controllers that may have a shorter overall lifespan and include fewer features should shop around online for offers that include multiple Wii Remote controllers and Nunchuck accessories at a major discount.

Keep an eye out for Wii Remote and Nunchuk bundle packs. Not only will you likely save a decent amount of money by purchasing these essential motion controllers together, you’ll be able to play a wider variety of Wii U games right out of the box. On the other hand, you should watch out for bundles selling third party Wii Remotes that may not function as well as the official version would, or for sellers trying to pawn off used controllers.

Inexpensive

Third-party Wii Remotes and Nunchuk-like controller accessories are widely available for $10 to $25. These cheaper third party devices may seem like a nice deal at first with their low cost and availability in a rainbow of colors, but they often lack a rumble feature and have a far lower average lifespan than the official Wii Remote and Nunchuck offered by Nintendo.

Expensive

Official Wii Remote and Wii Remote Pro motion controllers cost $30-$50 each, and the official Nunchuk accessory costs $20-$30 on average. Nintendo’s controllers are pricier for a reason; they are the sturdiest and most precise motion controllers available for the Wii U. Although Nintendo has released a range of stylish Wii Remote designs, the most common Wii U controller colors, white and black, are often the cheapest as well.

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Did you know?
Some Wii U games that heavily rely on motion controls require the pinpoint precision of the Wii Remote Plus controller, meaning that original Wii Remotes are not compatible with all Wii U titles.
STAFF
BestReviews

Tips

  • You can instantly check the battery level of a Wii U GamePad, Wii Remote, or Wii Remote Plus by pressing the HOME button. The battery icon of each connected controller will be displayed at the top of the screen.
  • Wirelessly connecting controllers to the Wii U console is easy — simply tap the red SYNC button on the front of the Wii U, then the SYNC button on your Wii Remote, Wii Remote Plus, or Wii U GamePad. The lights on your controller will flash as soon as it connects to the Wii U.
  • If a Wii Remote’s motion control icon is moving erratically or disappears entirely, move within 1-3 feet of the Wii U console, recalibrate your motion controller by placing it on a flat horizontal surface for 10 seconds with the buttons facing down, and try again.
  • If you’re still having difficulty with the motion controls, go into the settings menu of your Wii U, scroll to the “Wii Remote and Sensor Bar” icon, and make sure that the “Set Sensor-Bar Position” option matches wherever you’ve placed the Wii U sensor bar: above or below your TV.
  • Always buy new video game controllers whenever possible to avoid worn-down control sticks, sticky buttons, and other awful controller complications!
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You may not realize it, but the Nunchuk controller accessory features motion-sensing technology and an accelerometer to match the Wii Remote’s. Perhaps the most famous use of the Nunchuk’s motion controls is in the boxing game from Wii Sports.

FAQ

Q. Do all Wii U games utilize motion controls?

A. No — and you will need to research a game’s specific features to learn if it incorporates motion controls. For example, Mario Kart 8 sports completely optional steering motion-based controls.

Q. Can I still use a Wii U motion controller with a game that doesn’t support motion controls?

A. Probably! There are many Wii U games like Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and New Super Mario Bros U that do not support motion controls, but which allow additional players with Wii Remote Plus or Wii Remote controllers to join in by holding the device like a traditional controller instead of a TV remote.

Q. How are Wii U motion controllers powered?

A. Wii Remote and Wii Remote Plus controllers require a pair of AA batteries, but if you get plenty of use out of your Wii U, consider buying a controller charging station to save money on batteries in the long run. The Nunchuk accessory runs off of the Wii Remote’s battery power.

The Wii U GamePad features a rechargeable battery and an included charging cable that allows users to keep playing as the controller recharges.

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