Nintendo Wii Remote Plus Review: Conditional Buy Verdict
A verified Amazon buyer declared this was “the Wii remote that Nintendo Wii should have made in the first place,” a sentiment echoed across multiple platforms. The Nintendo Wii Remote Plus (Renewed, Black) integrates Wii Motion Plus technology into a standard-size remote, removing the need for bulky add-ons. Scoring a solid 8.8/10 from aggregated sentiment, it’s praised for authenticity, responsiveness, and price competitiveness—though complaints about missing accessories and occasional defects suggest cautious purchasing.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Built-in Wii Motion Plus—no need for add-on | Some refurbished units arrive defective |
| Maintains original size/weight for comfort | Nunchuk not included despite some images showing it |
| Good value compared to buying new | Missing rubber jackets in some refurb listings |
| Works with Wii and Wii U | Counterfeit versions exist in resale markets |
| Often indistinguishable from brand new | Mixed reports on button sensitivity |
| Attractive color options | Instructions sometimes missing in shipped units |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing emphasizes “simple, intuitive” control with integrated Motion Plus eliminating compatibility issues and extra purchases. On paper, the upgrade offers better motion tracking and backwards compatibility.
Yet, digging deeper into user reports reveals inconsistencies. While officially “brand new in box” and “ships with all relevant accessories,” Reddit users and Best Buy reviewers noted missing jackets or straps. One Best Buy customer shared: “Mine looked like new and worked fine… but the rubber Wii remote jacket is not included, even though Best Buy pictures it.”
Nintendo’s claim of precise motion recognition is confirmed in many cases. An Amazon buyer praised: “The new controller… means you have much better control over your characters,” highlighting gaming precision in Wii Sports Resort. But contrast this with another reviewer who lamented poor Just Dance scores despite the upgrade: “There’s something missing between my Wii mote and my sensor.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised:
Responsiveness and motion accuracy top the praise lists. For action or sports games, users notice smoother motion capture. One Amazon reviewer noted, “Your arm doesn’t get tired… easier to do fine control,” making it particularly appealing for long sessions. Families benefit too—distinct color variants reduce ownership confusion during multiplayer matches, as another user detailed: “Everyone knows which controller is theirs… and it picks up every movement far better than old remotes.” Refurbished units from Nintendo's official store often arrive indistinguishable from new, as helix ium on Reddit remarked: “They work flawlessly… no sign of refurbishness at all.”
Common Complaints:
Accessory confusion is rampant. Many listings show nunchuks or jackets that do not ship with the product. A Best Buy buyer recounted: “I expected a remote, nunchuk, and protective grip… the latter two were not included.” Durability is a mixed bag—while some units last “a long time” with care, others arrive DOA. One Amazon user said bluntly: “One… doesn’t work… the other 2 work fine.” This creates frustration for buyers expecting consistent refurb quality.
Divisive Features:
Button layout opinions vary. The 1 & 2 side-by-side placement causes discomfort in certain racing games—a user playing Madagascar commented: “My thumb got really sore… maybe there should be an additional button on the side.” Others see no issue, citing ergonomic familiarity from older models. Authenticity concerns also divide buyers; some get genuine Nintendo units, others receive convincing fakes. Vincent P. on Revain warns: “Beware of non-OEM hardware… very convincing, but not the real deal.”
Trust & Reliability
Scam concerns are real due to counterfeit remotes mimicking official branding. Fakespot analysis notes reports of “absolutely horrible quality” in suspected knock-offs. Savvy buyers stress purchasing from sellers with proven authenticity. On the refurb side, Nintendo’s official store earns high trust—returns and replacements for defective batches happen at no cost, as bdonohoo recounted when his units’ “motion plus components [were] reversed.”
Long-term users report solid durability. One Amazon reviewer still uses the same Remote Plus years after Skyward Sword, playing Pikmin 3 on Wii U without issues. Others find lighter weight than older remotes, with no performance drop.
Alternatives
Alternatives mainly involve older Wii Remotes with separate Motion Plus accessories, which some users find bulky. Generic brand remotes tempt with lower prices but often carry performance issues—one buyer avoided them, suspecting they'd “go kapot after a week.” Collectible character-themed remotes (Mario, Luigi, Peach) add style but carry similar functional cores.
Price & Value
Current eBay listings range from $5.99 for worn units to $69.99 for sealed OEM remotes; refurbished Nintendo store pricing hovers around $17.99. Community advice tilts toward official refurb purchases for the balance of cost and authenticity. As helix ium advised, bundling purchases saves repeated shipping fees.
Refurb buyers highlight value: “Much better deal than a brand new one for $40+,” said a Best Buy customer. However, resale values depend heavily on condition and included accessories—OEM strap/jacket boosts perceived value.
FAQ
Q: Does the refurbished Wii Remote Plus include the nunchuk?
A: No. Despite some product images showing it, the nunchuk is sold separately—multiple reviewers confirmed this mismatch.
Q: How do you sync the Remote Plus to a Wii or Wii U?
A: Press the sync button inside the battery cover, then press sync on the console (front SD card slot cover on Wii). LEDs stop blinking when connected.
Q: Is the Remote Plus lighter than older models with Motion Plus add-ons?
A: Yes—users note it’s the same size as the original remote, without the bulk from add-ons, improving comfort.
Q: Are refurbished remotes from Nintendo store reliable?
A: Generally yes; many buyers report units indistinguishable from new. Defective ones are replaced at no cost.
Q: Will this work with Wii U games?
A: Yes, it’s compatible with both Wii and Wii U titles requiring motion controls.
Final Verdict: Buy if you need an authentic Wii Remote with integrated Motion Plus for precision-heavy games like Skyward Sword or Wii Sports Resort. Avoid if you want bundled accessories without hassle—these usually ship remote-only. Pro tip: source from Nintendo’s refurb store or established sellers to dodge counterfeits and DOA units.
