Ultimate Guide to the Wii MotionPlus

When the Nintendo Wii was released back in 2006, although it was a huge success, many lamented the lack of true motion control. Three years later, Nintendo looks to have finally conquered that problem with the release of the Wii MotionPlus, a Wii Remote add-on that amplifies the accuracy of the Wii Remote's motion-sensing capabilities. With it, Nintendo claims to have achieved true 1:1 motion capability.

The Wii Remote makes use of infrared technology and accelerometers to achieve the motion control that you experience with the Nintendo Wii. The IR sensors detect where the Wii Remote is and where it's pointing. The accelerometers, one for each axis, detect how it's positioned, in which direction it's moving, and how quickly.

The Wii MotionPlus attachment, which attaches to the rear of the Wii Remote, supplements the Remote and makes it more accurate. It contains an angular rate sensor which can detect rotational motion using vibration. This, when accompanied with the Wii Remote's accelerometers, allows for true 1:1 motion control.

It's important to note that the accessory only works with Wii MotionPlus compatible titles. So far those games include Wii Sports Resort, Tiger Woods 2010, Grand Slam Tennis, and Virtua Tennis 2009. There are plenty more on the way, -including the hotly anticipated Red Steel 2.

Those who have played Wii Sports Resort will be familiar with the calibration that takes place before (and during) many of the sports, where you're required to lay the Wii Remote on a flat, even surface for a few seconds. You then must point your Remote at the screen and click within the target box. This is because the Wii doesn't know how your controller is initially orientated. By doing this calibration, you create a starting position in which every motion you make is relative to.