The Wii MotionPlus takes the Wii experience to a whole new level of gaming previously unmatched to this point. Although this innovation would have been appreciated three years ago with the introduction of the system, the new Wii MotionPlus definitely makes up for it in a major way.
The Wii MotionPlus is a brand new accessory for the Wii which plugs into the Wii remote and can be purchased for about $20. You can also buy it a package with Tiger Woods 10 for about $70 or so on Amazon.
The Wii MotionPlus accessory attaches to the end of the Wii remote. Combined with the accelerometer and the sensor bar, it allows for a more thorough and comprehensive tracking of the player's arm position and orientation. In short, it provides real time precision and immersion, giving the player identical real time 1:1 response to their gameplay. If you play a game like Tiger Woods 10 and play one round of golf using the MotionPlus and the other without, you’ll see what I’m talking about.
The Wii MotionPlus uses a “Multi-axis MEMS Rate Gyroscope from InvenSense which allows the MotionPlus accessory to capture detailed gesture date in full 3D space. Because the current technology in the Wii remote can only detect acceleration in only one direction, this new multi-axis system gives players the true full axis experience.
Because of higher costs for this technology three years ago, Nintendo wasn’t able to integrate it with the release of the Wii. However, they have now made it an affordable and effective accessory.
Does the Wii MotionPlus completely revolutionize the way we play video games? No. Does it revolutionize the Wii experience? No, but it definitely improves it.
After playing Grand Slam Tennis and Tiger Woods 10 both with and without the MotionPlus, you definitely know the MotionPlus is for real. It’s not a gimmick like the Rumble Pak for N64 or the Wii guns which don’t even properly work with most games.
What I like about the MotionPlus is that it’s simple. All you do is plug it in and you're ready to go. It comes with a nice silicone jacket, which I have to say is one of the things I enjoy most about the MotionPlus. It makes the controller more comfortable to the hand. To be honest, I keep it on when I'm playing other games because I like the feel that much better.
Am I upset that the Wii didn’t include with the original system? Definitely. Do I feel that I’ve missed out on games like Twilight Princess and Red Steel because they should have come equipped with this technology? Definitely.
But, it is true what they say that a gamer doesn’t stay disappointed for very long. With the upcoming games introduced for the MotionPlus, this is definitely the case. With Blockbuster games already out like Tiger Woods 10 and Grand Slam Tennis, and upcoming games like Red Steel 2 and Wii Sports Resort, it makes the Wii MotionPlus a must-have for any gamer.