@OneLetter: I had that problem too.

Instead of a "flicking" motion, try tilting the wheel towards you. I originally "flicked" (which meant I would jerk my entire arm straight up) and had the same problem.

If you just tilt your wrists up, I've found that it allows you to get the trick, but still have control of the kart enough to make a solid landing.

Of course, you may be doing this...and our definitions of "flick" differ.

TRT-X

I've actually found that the classic controller scheme is the most comfortable, especially when you're not in the mood to assume the correct posture for the wheel or the nunchuck combo. And while I can see have reaching for the D-pad on the GC controller would be awkward, I haven't had that problem on 150cc races with the classic controller. I think it's better placed than on the GC controller.

And of all of them, the classic is the one that enables you to relax the most, which is what I play games for anyway. If I want to use a steering wheel, I'll get in my Toyota.

bluetom00

I dunno. I thought the classic controllers was best. Granted, i didnt use the wiimote and nunchuck set up, but the classic controller gave some pretty precise control and i didnt think it was that hard to do a trick using the d pad while steering

ArmyofJuan

I have one major complaint about the Wheel config. And that is the way items are deployed.

The way it's set up, you have to hold Left or Right on the D-Pad to keep the item dragging behind you. This can "feel" awkward when holding an item while also trying to Drift. (Holding the D-Pad right while turning left, or vice versa)

It would've been nice if they had set it up so that pressing Left/Right deploys the item, rather than having to HOLD it to keep it out.

The ability to fire forward or backward using up or down is fantastic, and could have stayed...but I just wish I could set "prep" the item with left or right then take my hand off the D-pad until I need it.

Oh, and Blue Shells should go back to how they were in Mario Kart 64 (though I'd prefer they go away entirely). I may get a Blue Shell in last place, but it doesn't do a dang thing for anybody but the 2nd/3rd place racers (depending on how bunched together the top four or so are.

I think they may even have changed it so it locks onto 1st place at launch, instead of when it's approaching. I've yet to prove this theory....

TRT-X

Um...I heart the GC controller? And am doing fine with it? Honestly, don't know what the high and mighty approach is earning you on this one but it really does work.

DarkHogosha

There's nothing wrong with the Wii Wheel, or ANY of these controller schemes for that matter.

That's the beauty of the situation, they give you choices. 5 different control schemes rather than just forcing one on you and saying "Do it this way because we said so." Same thing goes for Smash Bros.

There's no need to bash on any of these schemes because at least we all have the choice to use the one we like most. Everyone wins.

mva5580

My only real gripe with the Wheel is that when you go to flick it during a jump, sometimes you'll end up aiming a bit to the left or right, and on some skinny jumps, you end up flying off the edge, which sucks.

I haven't tried playing with the Wavebird yet, but that is what today is for. Thanks for the handy guide though.

OneLetter

I don't see why you got trouble with the Cube controller.

In the few weeks since the Euro launch I been playing Mario Kart Wii a whole lot and use 99% of the time the (wired) Cube controller. Pulling of tricks is so easy and natural that I'm assuming that your definition of awkward is very different from mine.

But to each his own. The fact that you can choose between 5 schemes shows that there is for everyone something they like. Which is why this control scheme review is pretty pointless to begin with as everyone has there own preference.

StormdragonBlue

GameCube Pad all the way.

I have had no problems pulling tricks with the dpad, I have finished all GPs but the 150cc Mirror GPs (and those are a matter of time).

Oldschool is never old.

Shiryu

So far I've been doing great with the wheel - its fun and good times for all. I tired the Wiimote/Nun combo and did better with the wheel - so i stuck with it.

Limafoxtrot

I'll just add my two cents in - having completed the 150cc mirror mode with only the Gamecube controller, and didn't have a single problem.

@DigiMish: No, you can't map the buttons.

Darkmoss

@Struct09: Same, I think maybe Luke just might suck at Mario Kart.

Captain_Canada

I love the wheel. I have had MKWII since u.k. launch and that is my only method of control. You need to give it a chance for a while before it feels good. I thought that I would end up using the wavebird controller as a MK veteran.....alas I have not used it and favor the fun Wii wheel.

topbanana

What? I've been doing fine with the wheel on 100/150cc.

Struct09

I super disagree with the Wii Wheel assessment. This sounds like an assessment from a person who either hasn't tried it or played with it for the first race in 50CC and then ran crying back to to their analog stick because what they experienced frightened them. I've played with the Wii Wheel since I started playing it yesterday afternoon and I've gotta say, I can't imagine getting MORE responsiveness. Also, its adds +7 fun to the whole experience AFAIC. I'm not trying to convert the unbelievers, but seriously give it a fair shake before you crap all over it.

nemyhlovecraft

The wheel is garbage...but my girlfriend likes it...so I will let her use it every time...chuck/mote for me.

Shinamano

Thanks for the guide, I find this kind of info extremely handy, yet its quite hard to find! Well done!

Calitri101

I was skeptical about the Wii Wheel at first -- figured I'd try it and then put it back in the box. I think it's fine. It might not be the best control scheme, but for me it is a lot more fun.

animagnum

I haven't played yet, but I am certain I will agree with you. I do admit to being surprised that the 'Cube controller isn't more awesome, but after being surprised with Brawl, I was ready for anything.

antialias02

@Kai_: You should at least give it a shot before dismissing it after a single review.

Hyperfludd

What I don't for the love of me understand is how anyone in their correct gaming mind can find the wii wheel anything at all wonderful, yet alone good, or even Bearable.

Now i've been karting since the SNES and everyone since then and all I believe is that Nintendo love making terrible plastic crap to force us in to buying the game.

That doesn't mean people are buying MKWii for the Wheel. HELL NO. carters love karting for the pure amazement of red shelling some one 5 inches before the end of the race to come in first place and the Wii Wheel will not help games get sold, all of us were going to buy it anyways.

On the other hand... this game as I recall from the past 14 or so hours of playing it since its release all it has got is a lot more CHEAP. Jumping is probably my most favorite part about this new MK, whether it is with a bike or a kart either way it makes the game that much more enjoyable. getting those boosts and drifting seems to be exactly what Nintendo wanted to do and yes you must master both of these to excel anywhere in the MK world.

I really don't have many gripes about this game, other than the fact that bulling around while driving and halting to a stop isn't so fun, and that items like the bullet can make or break the race, 9th to 1st and the win its kind of over the top to me. Yes Nintendo has made this for everyone to play and I don't think people aren't going to buy it but I do think strongly that the hardcore MK'ers are going to get sick of its sooner than not. But then again there's multiplayer to hold its own version of the game on which i've actually been a little obsessed about.

Now i'm off to go kick Rainbow Roads ass, and anyone else who races in my way…

Go Team Venture

I think this is the game where more then anything people will be divided between Wii Wheel and Wiimote/Nunchucks.

In before people crying how the Wavebird/GC controller could have easily used and they refuse to buy the game because of that.

Foxstar Sixtail

@2kreative: I know! I live in Europe too ;) ::hint .. hint::

lapiz

I agree with the sentiments above... the wheel feels like a gimmick, and after playing with it for 20 minutes you are going to be left wanting better responsiveness from your controls. As even a seasoned gamer I feel like a 80 year geriatric when trying to steer using the wheel. That and I could feel early onset arthritis setting into my thumbs from the way you are forced to hold to wheel. Save yourself the pain and stick to the mote%nunchuck configuration

Ethereal006

I disagree.

Gamecube, d-pad to analogue is easy enough to do.

Wii wheel is more difficult, and the problems stated are the main difficulties, but with practice you'll be pretty fine. The only real problem is that you can't really slide without turning before, which means the wheel won't be making any time trial records, but it's perfectly functional otherwise.

creepwood

Funny, I was racing online last night and utterly dominating all comers with the Wii Wheel. And those at the bottom of the back weren't using the wheel (though I can't tell if they were using the GC/CC or Nunchuk scheme)

The author seems concerned about the "tricks" and how it's impossible to do them while using the wheel...I didn't notice that at all.

It's just a quick tilt on the wheel. You don't have to wrench it back or flail...just tilt it up and viola!

I will admit that at first I struggled with the wheel. But that was because I was trying to adjust to the new controls.

But I've already gotten gold's in all 50 and 100cc races. Have a grade of about B (I haven't gone back to some of the earlier cups a second time yet)

So really, this article just confuses me...I've heard nothing but positives about the wheel, and my own experiences have been nothing but the same.

TRT-X

Wii Wheel all the way. It gives me the precision I need for 150cc races, and it also makes it feel more like a wii game and less like a gamecube game. Wii wheel 4 life!

Foggynotion

Playing it with the Wii Zapper FTW

Slash3

i dont like the wheel, but i like just using the wiimote.
i was getting the hang of the manual drifting thing. it's kinda like crash team racing for the ps2, but easier.

maybe i'll try it with the nunchuck tonight after work.

dh4645

@lapiz: I never found any issue using the cube controller D-pad for tricks - we don't even have Brawl over here yet :(

We did get MKW two weeks ago though... Ner ner!

2kreative

Whoa, whoa!...
Are you saying that the Wiimote by itself is nowhere near as good as the Excite Truck experience?!? (which was spot on, imho)

If so, maaan... That's just f@$%'d up.

wonder6oy

Oh god, really? If I can't use the wheel well, forget this rubber-banding piece of nuts.

Kai_

Maybe awkward for you! I taunt all the time in Brawl so D-pad is so familiar with my thumb, i am starting to worry about their relationship.
Seriously, its like, jump - taunt, dodge - taunt..

lapiz

lol, having the guests use the madcatz controller is a statement of win.

so true.

Dakobah

Odd, I actually started off on 150cc when I played it at Nintendo World.

Then today I was playing it online all day, which is 100/150cc

Wii Wheel is Superior, but to each to his own! :)

As long as you have fun it doesn't matter.

Hyperfludd

Me and my friends were playing it yesterday and the motion controls did absolutely nothing for me.

I wish I could set up the wiimote in a way that I could use the D-pad to steer.

I sill enjoy Mario Kart DS a great deal more than this outing.

Dauragon C. Mikado

Awesome, I hadn't read much about the control schemes before now. I was planning on just using a good ole Cube controller, but I'll give the remote+nunchuk a try.

MantisDragon

Well, I'm glad that your suggested method of input is one that all Wii owners will have anyway. My copy should be delivered some time today. :3

SmilingPolitely

can you remap the buttons to your liking like in SSBB?

DigiMish

Good review overall. My GF got MKW last night and hates the Wii Wheel. She couldn't pull off one trick during her play.

kcham

I... I like the Wii wheel... o_o

hondo

@MrPerson: Or same-screen multiplayer. It's a ton of fun with friends as long as everyone has the same "disadvantage"

Sunjammer

I'm sorta torn. On the one hand, going from the Wii wheel (having completed 50cc) to the nunchuk-wiimote combo felt like a backwards evolution. It just didn't feel as much like driving. On the other hand, I went from getting my ass kicked in online races, to kicking ass. So I stuck with the chuck/mote combo for that.

I still might keep at it with the Wii wheel during singleplayer sessions, though. Hmmm.

MrPerson

Mario Kart Wii is my new favorite Mario Kart. I played through the first few cups in 50cc using the Wii Wheel. In an effort to explore my options I switched to the Wii-mote/nunchuck combo. Seriously the most natural combination for a Mario Kart game yet. I love it. Jumping and doing tricks is really fun.

panfriedcharlie

I found the Nunchuk + Wii Remote option really awkward having grown accustomed to using only the Wii Remote for steering in games like Tony Hawkes and Exite Truck.

For tricks I just jerk the Wii Remote down with both hands to keep the steering balance.

_Hayko

@Shyguy: Way too many items that feel like they exist to merely slow you down rather than speed up the user. I absolutely fucking hate the pow block. It's not only boring to use, it's flat out frustrating to get hit by. Like boom. Time to slow down mate for no real reason.

For a game like MK emphasis should be on speed, not on making others slower.

Sunjammer

Ha! I like being able to shaft my friends with Gamecube controllers... sounds like a deal to me!

Kuroomu

My Wife enjoyed he wheel, i like the WaveBird.

ShaggyB

I actually like the wheel a TON. But i know it's irrational, because just holding that thing puts a bizarre grin on my face and makes every fuckup due to imprecision instantly fade away.
I love powersliding with it, the whole twist left, push button, then turn right to counter motion feels like a cool little minigame every time, far more so than the afterthought it becomes with a thumbstick.

It's not optimal by any stretch, but i could actually see it work to improve a ton of "straight" racing games considering how precise it feels for small changes. Not that those games will ever find a real home on the Wii.

Sunjammer

I'm with the people loving the wheel. I have no problems getting all the tricks without losing control(only a very small flick is neccesary), and I feel it's plenty responsive. And most of all, it's more fun. And I've played and enjoyed all Mario Kart before this, so I do have something to compare with.
I guess it's just a matter of preference or practice. :]

Yin

Can no one work the Cube controller? Using the D-Pad to do a trick or evade the POW is dead easy. As you are going from a ramp either straight or from a drift angle, you don't need to use the analog stick at the moment of tricking, meaning pressing Up on the D-Pad does not disturb you. At all.

The Nunchuk option is fine, I even enjoy the hands free option it gives like in other games, but Mario Kart feels like such a controller title.

Crazyreyn

i've used the Wheel exclusively. Played online and haven't had many problems. haven't gotten to anything higher then 50cc yet on single player so i can't say for that. so far i've enjoyed using the wheel.

teh_joe

Just chiming in as another fan of the wheel. It took me about an hour of playtime to get it down, but once I did, it's been pretty smooth sailing with it.

crescentfresh

Waouh, you're tough with the Wii Wheel. I've played every Mario Kart since the Super one, and I really like the feeling of that plastic stuff. It's hard to control at first, but after 5 or ten races, you discover that it's fresh and it changes nicely the Mario Kart experience. But if you want that same old MK, it's your choice...

chaman_shimano

I poo-poohed the Wii Wheel when I picked up the game. Though I did buy enough wheels to go around. When I actually played with the wheel, though, I was pleasantly surprised with it. I think doing tricks with it is very simple. The only gripe I have about the game, in any way, is the same one most people seem to gripe about. The items! The ones that should be a lot more rare show up way too much. (i.e. the Lightning Bolt, Bullet Bill etc.)

Shyguy

I haven't tried the Wii Wheel yet. I'm really liking the Wiimote + Nunchuck control scheme. My husband swears by the GC controller and can't figure out how I keep kicking his ass.

evilonion

I'm pretty good with the classic controller, though I could give the Wiimote/Nunchuck combo a try. You're spot on with the wheel though, I liked it during the slower races, but at the higher speeds it just became a game of me going from one side of the track to the other, back and forth.

Eschguy

I disagree with the gc pad/classic pad comments - I've found these to be the best for me. I bought some Thrustmaster wireless pad - upshot over wavebird - it has rumble...smiles all round then.

elronathon

@Dauragon C. Mikado: I heard with the Classic Controller, you can set it to drive with the D-Pad but that was way before the game launched, not even sure if it was a rumor or not. Either way, I'm still gonna give the Wheel a shot once I get the game, but I have a feeling I'd like it...

Okinuza

The GC controller works fine. You are flying through the air when you have to use the dpad on the GC controller so there is no loss of control.

lebowsky

@TRT-X:

Yeah...well FLICK YOU!..heh

I've done the flicking straight up, towards me, away from me, and every which way, but I always tend to flick a little too much with one hand, causing me to angle off the jump.

Maybe I should drive gangsta style with just one hand in the center at the top, leaned back all the way on my recliner while popping guys with my 9 out the side window....

...sorry - too much GTA 4 anticipation.

OneLetter

I HATE games with rubber band AI.

That is all.

Rondogg

The wii wheel is the best control scheme. I would just prefer to use the wiimote on its own but the B button is a pain to hit without the giant one on the Wii Wheel.

I tried using the analog stick but it just doesnt feel natural anymore to drive by wobbling my thumb :P

Kamakaze

Swiching from analog to pad isn't very hard, nor is it time consuming to do. Especially in a faster paced game such as Smash.

KM91

@stoermer:

Sensor bar placement?? The sensor bar is NOT used when you are driving with the wheel.

Maybe I'm too tired this morning to catch the sarcasm.... ;P

BadSector

You guys missed the mark on the Wii Wheel...I like it as well and do fine on faster races.

XgamerM

I like the wheel, and it has served me well online. The only place where I really needed the added precision of other control options was 150cc, and that has more to do with the insane rubberbanding than anything else.
However, it needs some getting used to after over 10 years of driving with the analog stick.
On the other hand, it's more intuitive for newcomers, which is exactly what it was made for. Almost every newcomer will instintively tilt the controller like that when picking up a racing game.

And the other options aren't that bad either. Except the wheel-less Wiimote.

Nirual

Can someone please explain to me how the wiimote-nunchuck is better than a GC-controller other than tricks? I don't get it...

LedRush

I had problems with the wheel until I realized I wasn't sitting perfectly in front of the sensor bar. After I made the necessary adjustments, I was able to use the Wii Wheel fluently. I was actually kicking some tail with it on Nintendo WFC.

stoermer

Although I use the Nunchuck, the Wii Wheel is fine, great even. Just prefer the nunchuck...

dunnace

My girlfriend loves the wheel, and I think it's a useless piece of plastic. Chicks, man.

ScottyF311

Amen to that, for lack of a 4th nunchuck and only a spare wavebird to compensate every tournament in my flat is preceded by calls of "bagsy not the garpad"...

cheeseboybeans

Personally, I've been having no problems with the classic controller whatsoever. I definitely prefer it to the wheel, which I find unresponsive. I might give the wiimote and nunchuck a go after this however...

6010

I hated the Wii Wheel, and just about every other control method apart from the Wiimote and Nunchuk combo.

KrisNaga

"It's like trying to drive a broken, Excited truck around an oily ice rink."

was that a veiled bash at Excitetruck ?

( i think it blew )

expansionsss

I've been playing at a friend's in the last weeks (we cannot say that too often in EU) and I use the WiiMote alone without much trouble. The fact that the tilting is detected no matter the rotation along the X axis is great, and no other scheme gets close in terms of LAZYNESS. Playing with only one hand while I have no items is unbeatable.

The only problem is the little jump deviations you get from time to time, but I'm not good enough to care about that.

EloraHRanma

I love the Wii Wheel! I think the problem most people have with the WW is that they pick it up and start flinging it around like crazy the way a 4 year old does when they play with their toy steering wheel.

The WW, much like a real car, takes very small adjustments and subtle movements. I found it very responsive and accurate. I was placing 1st in 150cc races (1 player, admittedly) without too much trouble. I have not been able to successfully do a full online VS match, though.

Anyone else having that problem where the matches end prematurely, or disconnect before they even start?

Robotube

I like the wheel the best... I'm a veteran of all the Mario Kart games, and I love the wheel. To each his own!

Isaac VanDuyn

I like the wheel and think it works just fine, but I like the remote + nunchuk combo a little better.

dry-roasted-peanuts

I don't see how the wiimote-nunchuk can be as good as the GC controller. The only advantage is doing tricks, right? If we agree that that isn't an advantage (as I think tricks are super-easy with the GC controller), than you'd imagine that everyone comfortable with a controller would prefer the GC/CC set up.

Case closed.

LedRush

@Sunjammer: It's not always a disadvantage, the Wii Wheel. I played same-screen online with my little brother, and he kicked ass(me on the other hand, not so much :S). He's always been good at Mario Kart. But on the other hand, maybe he'd totally dominate if he were to use normal controls... We didn't even bother to try the other control schemes :D

Yin

mmm...wondering if i should just buy the game, since it's going at a god price on ebay for just the game, just 5- 6 quid cheaper without the wheel.

But then again i won't mind paying that for it.

so, moot point.

but nice to know the nunchuk are worth the money on this.

Onizuka-GTO

@BadSector:

Actually I wasn't kidding, but after thinking about it, you're right. I just assumed it must have been using it because I did everything else to try to fix the problem (horribly jerky steering) before finally putting up the sensor bar. Maybe it was a coincidence. BUT, it makes sense that the wii wheel wouldn't use it because you're damned hand covers the IR output. :-p

stoermer

Hey, if you just need to hit the GameCube d-pad to do tricks, I can mod the controller and add a D-pad button somewhere reachable! I'm gonna do it. Take that, Plunkett!

eastx

My fiancee uses the nunchuk and wii remote (although she's, ummmm, not exactly a gamer), but I use the Wavebird, which is completely ace IMO. Wii wheel is ok, but it is a bit too imprecise for my liking because it's sitting 'free'.

aldo_14

@hondo:.... and that's why nobody likes you,k?HIOOOO

Chippy180

oh, and it works perfectly fine in 150cc.
"On faster tracks, it can't keep up with your need for quick, precise movements."
wrong, YOU cant keep up. honestly, i'm not saying this to defend the wheel under any circumstances.

murfi

wii wheel.
i can play with like i can play with a gamepad.

murfi

@LedRush: It's the tricks. Sounds trivial, but you can't win 150cc races without pulling off tricks.

Luke Plunkett

Frankly, it's nice to see someone professional out there not defend the Wii-Wheel.

PapaBear434

@Shyguy:

I agree! I think the wheel is fun and the tricks are super simple to ull off. DAMN ITEMS!

zensatori

are you joking me? he wheel is by far the greatest controller scheme.

nunchaku and wiimote is just like gamecube, this game needed a change and a change it got.

the wheel works fine for me anyway, maybe your wiimotes are wonky.

bawbagdan

Hm. The results weren't what I expected when I read before the jump. It's kind of strange... And so I guess this means that since you can't map buttons yourself, that means that you just have to find one and hopefully like it?

When Brawl came out, I started using the Classic Controller and nothing but. I did have to make a few small changes, though. Now, since I've played so much, I can't go back to the Gamecube controller. It just feels weird. I'd really like to get my hands on MKWii myself so I could tell you which I prefer, but I'm going to have to wait on it.

Konatsu

@stoermer:

Hmm.. Accelerometer must have been out of whack or something.

BadSector

@Slash3:

hahaha, this would be pretty difficult hahaha

i just had a winning streak using the wheel on wifi, get it up ye!

bawbagdan

Strange, last night I was playing in a bunch of 12 player games, and it seemed people with the highest ratings were all using the wii wheel, myself included, and seemed to be in the top 3 most of the time. I'm up to a 6100 rating and I've got 100% wiiwheel useage. I don't think that there's anything wrong with the wheel. It's just all about what you're comfortable with using.

Xlom3000

The Wii is a funny system with a ton of shovel ware and a few great gems the question is true when you ask: What accessory will you use and not what game. There are more choices in controller schemes than there are options on what games to play. rotflol

JorgieX

@ajay42: The only failure here is your failure not to be an ass and respect someone else's opinion. You ass.

eastx

I have never been able to use analog sticks precisely, so the Wheel is total win for me.

Torgen got his apology faceplate but not his fixed GH3 disc

I prefer the wheel, right now. I've tried other control schemes, but neither were as fun, nor were they any more precise (for me). Maybe I'm still a noob, and maybe I will learn in time... but so far I've torn through 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc with all golds. Got me a golden wheel, too!

Now onto mirror mode (not worried), and three stars on every cup (having a panic attack).

TheNextLevel

i started winning races when i switched to the Wii Classic Controller. the wheel is nicely tucked back in the box.

zanzibarlegend

Other control schemes don't mean shit in 150cc/Mirror

Mearns

Most ppl are playing with the wheel... might be why I am winning most of the matches.

mullinsmcd

@Luke Plunkett:

So if I can do the tricks fine with the wavebird, there is no reason to switch to the wiimote + nunchuck style, right?

LedRush

I believe it all has to do with personal preference as we have played many hours of Mario Kart Wii Lastnight and have had no problems using the Wii Wheels and remotes without the attachment.

My friends and I tried all the different control schemes and then we went back to the wheels and found they were more fun, especially when drifting.

Choose what you like best and have a blast!

static

"Probably because, like Smash Bros, it's ostensibly a GameCube title, with its gameplay mechanics in place long before the now-mandatory waggle was ever brought to the table."

LOL... do they just hand out memos on how to score page hits? Actually, they probably do. Anyway this is FAIL. I'm sorry some people don't think tilt controls (which are insanely intuitive) are fun but the silly hyperbole to bring out the page hits should really be sidelined if you want people to take you seriously.

ajay42

Good idea for a post... I was hoping to see one of these after playing the game yesterday. I do agree wholeheartedly though.

-Wheel - I finished first in two cups, but got an E. It's not bad, and I love the simple up/down for item usage. But the cornering, drifting, and mini-turbos weren't working well enough for my liking. And it responds incorrectly sometimes, which is a deal breaker.

-Remote only - Not even worth trying, obviously.

-GCN/CC - The button mapping is awful. The L trigger for items, especially rapid presses (i.e. golden mushroom) or holding it for dragging is awkward. Why in the world is the Y button unmapped?! And you lose control for tricks because you have to move your thumb to the D-pad. This is a big deal because tricks are very useful and this causes a lot of screw ups while doing them.

-Remote / nunchuk - This is what I'm using. Good button mapping, good use of the speaker and rumble, and good response for wheelies and tricks. My only minor complaint is that it's hard to use the rear view while dragging an item.

Mezodon

Blah, I love the wheel, I feel like I have a greater degree of control using it.

jiSh

yeah so everyones saying the gc pads are better than the wii-mote and nunchuck, because pressing a button (even if its up on the d-pad) is more consistant than flicking the wii-mote.

basilafox

Glad to hear Wiimote + Nunchuck is good, I'll still try the Wii Wheel, just for kicks, and you know 'cause it's free. But I was thinking of adopting Wiimote/Nunchuck as my main option just like in SSBB, good to see I was on the right track.

chemical_eng_mx

All golds with the wheel. Plenty of online wins with the wheel. I have even beat staff ghosts in time trials with the wheel. I never had a problem with it. That being said, I have switched to the wavebird. Oh, and I also have no problems winning with that.

Mr. Plunkett, you have messed up!

CheekyLee - dislikes the long screen names!

i've been doin' great with the classic controller. but that's just me, i guess.

tanknat007

Love the wheel. Are they going to sell official wheels seperately? If not I'll need to find a wheel hater to buy one from.

Hrolf

Me concur. Me just use Whiil for fun. Me use Nunchuk and Wiimote to win and hopefully set records.

ph15h needs followers

Why doesnt anyone like the classic controller? Not just for this game, but in general. I mean it's layout is similar to the Playstation scheme, which I like a lot. Is it because of the awkward shoulder buttons or is it because you can use the Cube controller just as easily?

madbassman39

it's ostensibly a GameCube title, with its gameplay mechanics in place long before the now-mandatory waggle was ever brought to the table.

Uh, that just isn't true. The team finished MK DS, which came out Nov. 2005, and went straight into the new game for the new platform, which had been revealed in October of that year. MKWii was never a gamecube game.

maybe you should go back and replay 50cc with bikes if you're having that much trouble. The wheel dominates in online matches, where the worldwide community has had weeks to acclimate to the wheel.

The poster's entire tone is unpleasant.

StratfordX

@Sunjammer: I totally agree everything you said. The POW Block is my most hated item, followed by banana peels. No matter how hard I try to avoid them I always seem to get knocked into them. @

href="#c5406452">zensatori: Here's to the Wii Wheel, my friend! And damn some of the items. Others are OK. I have qualms with the Blooper, for instance. It's easy to see through that ink.

Shyguy

The Wii wheel does nothing directly to being able to play the game better; it just helps you get over that visual hump of using a TNT plunger.

Playing without the wheel in multiplayer against the gf yesterday I'd have to say I'm glad I picked up another Wii Wheel shell today ;)

kotaku_canuckian

Ah shut up, Luke. Do not force people to use the control scheme YOU prefer. If you fail in winning with the wheel, you just suck. That's it. So guys: Do not listen to Mr. Cannotdrive and check it out for yourself.

schmax

Wii Wheel isn't too bad, but I'm sticking to my Classic Controller (whenever the Wiimote isn't hogged by a friend anyway, then I go for the GameCube controller).

Alazar

I have been using the Cube controller all the time and I have managed to win lots of races with it. I have only used the Wii Wheel a few times and it'll take some time to take used to.

Bluejuan85

First hour with the wheel was so horrible, I thought I would end up using Wii Remote + Nunchuck. But as I continued to use the wheel, I got better at it. It's now my default control scheme. Maybe you just aren't good with the wheel?

M

@Mienvard: Sorry about being so negative here, but I really don't like it. There's a delay between movement and action when using the wheel/sideways wiimote that's for me completely unacceptable. It makes me crash and burn and hurl my wiimote.

Mienvard

I use the wheel and completed the game. All the problems i had in 150cc were caused by the massive rape you suffer when going in 1st place for more than 10s, Flash+Blue Shell+Star thats what you get for being in first place and 5m away from the finish line in the last lap.
Also i win most games online with the wheel... so this probably means i'm gifted or something? I think not!
Saying the wheel set up is absolute crap i really can't agree with that because it simply isn't true.
Hey, everyone has a right to an opinion.

Krumm

Say, why are people always blaming their lack of control skills on the Wii wheel? Nothing personal, Luke, but take your time to learn it and you'll never let go of the wheel.

Recoil

@TRT-X: You just have to keep playing with the wheel and after sometime you will earn it.
BTW I hear if you stop using the wheel after awhile you will loose the gold status. I played a whole cup with the nunchuk/mote and still had my gold wheel afterwards.

Gunloc

That's what I've been saying all along. The wheel is piss and shit. I hate it. So does my brother. I've been reading a lot of "The wii wheel is actually quite good" and I've been starting to wonder if there's somehow been a delay just on my console. Good to see somebody else feel the same.

I've been using the gamecube controller so far, but just might give the wiimote+nunchuck combo a good go.

Mienvard

@Dakobah: Why should the guests get special treatment? Haha. I was going to buy another wheel for multiplayer but now I think I might just hold out and see how it actually works for me and maybe just use the wii remote + nunchuk combo instead.

googleguru

The wheel is great and the using it real fun. I also liuke to just use the wiimote by itself when racing bikes. Everybody should try holding it like a handle bar and see if they can master that! If they make a handle bar shell I would buy 4 :) Great game Nintendo!

Gunloc

Wiimote and Nunchuk has been my setup from the start too and I do find it is the best. Not only is the analogue stick very satisfying but performing tricks with a bit of movement is better than using the D-Pad on GC for you don't take your fingers away from the analogue stick.

sporkhead

It took me 5 circuits or so, but I love the wheel so far. Of course I've only played on 50cc and online so far, so we'll see what the future brings. I was happy to see that you prefer the nunchuck/wii-mote combination the most, I'm glad I won't have to use the classic controller if the wheel ends up failing me.

Ty4Cy

THE WHEEL IS AMAZING!!

I thought for sure the Wheel would suck...and then I tried it.

This is not Excite Truck. Somehow Nintendo has fixed any past motion control issues. Once you try the wheel you will never go back.

I've been playing online for a day and a half and I am winning 90% of the time..using the wheel!

The wheel is actually more precise than the analog stick (When playing full screen at 60 FPS). You can adjust your direction by such a small degree, it's unbelievable.

It'll be interesting to see which users will have the best ghost data online...Wheels or Classic Controllers?

sakipooh

@TheNextLevel: Got me a golden wheel, too!

Okay, I've seen those around. How do you get one of thoes?

TRT-X

@madbassman39: Because the Classic Controller just doesn't sit well in my hands. The buttons are weird, the triggers are too mushy, and the form makes it weird to use the thumbsticks... Which are positioned too close together.

Looking forward to getting my SNES-replica 'mote attachment.

And I second (or tenth or twentieth or whatever) the seeing-a-lot-of-wheel-users-in-front thing. The gold-wheel carriers hold their own hella good against those of us who use the other schemes.

Then again, that's got a lot to do with simply knowing the game well. With the wheel, it becomes a lot more important to follow racing lines, and so you have to learn the courses pretty damn well.

MrPerson

@OneLetter: I was going to say, I hadn't heard of that style of play.

Sounds like a heckuva good time though.

TRT-X

Thanks Luke! I'll be getting the game today. Of course that doesn't mean I'll play it a whole lot [GTA4].

William "Killer" Shatner

Doing tricks with the Wii-Wheel is EASY! Just practice a bit. Before you know it it comes off intuitively, and is actually very fun. I have problems with the WiiWheel and do pretty well online with it. (I got a gold wheel icon already!)

PrivateJ0ker

@ren666: LOL i wold go for that one.

Krumm

Im going to use the Wii fit balance board and surf out of the way of green shells, like the silver surfer.

ren666

I love the Wii Wheel, the Whiil as I'm going to call it. I fully expected to be a Whiil hater when I pulled it out of the box but after a few races I was sold and found that the Whiil never slows me down or screws me up or costs me a 1st place.

Now getting bumped by someone with the lightning cloud and getting the rubber zapped out of me as I smash into a wall of banana's and then get demolished by a bullet... well that screws me over, but thats why I love Mario Kart, you're never in first until you cross the line and the race is over.

ctuck

@static: "Choose what you like best and have a blast!"

Very much seconded. After all, thats what the variety of control options is for.

Nirual

Wiimote and Nunchuck all the way, we tried the wheel and gamecube controller the first time we played and found them clunky.

Flicking the wiimote does start to cramp my wrist though... After the first 12 hours.

Degreeless

Wha? I have grown to love the Wii Wheel. Too bad it didn't work out for you.

msondo

ive only tried the nunchuck + remote thus far, oddly enough i tried playing sonic and the secret rings with the wheel. verdict? still not that great.

shouryuuken

I agree with Mr. Plunkett, The wiiremote + nunchuck is the best. My wife was using the wheel on an online multiplayer game and she got so frustrated that she threw the wheel like a frisbee at the wall. It was just shy of the window. I was like WTF!!?!?! She too agrees that the wiiremote + nunchuck is the best. I tried the wavebird and it just doesn't seem to turn as sharp, plus the buttons are different then DD. This isn't a big problem, i just thought I would throw it out there.

speedmike

I disagree.
The gamecube/Wavebird IS my chosen method.
Hitting the D-pad to pull of the tricks isn't really an issue.
Tried and tested and im sticking to it!

theTOMSTA666

Ah, the great Wii Wheel debate of 2008. It will be remembered for years to come and our kids will read about it in their history books.

Honestly, I really enjoy the Wii Wheel. I've beaten 100 cc pretty easily with it. And I'm sure using the "preferred" method above will make unlocking content easier. But I think it's a little harsh to call the Wii Wheel a failure. I've really enjoyed it and I'm glad it came with the game. For average players and causal gamers, it will be a pain. But then again, we are playing Blood Pressure Kart. Video game wheels have always been hard to manage/play with. I can't ever remember a time winning at an Arcade Racing Machine. Too bad those arcade cabinets didn't have joystiq controls. Oh well, I guess those games were utter failures.

The question, I suppose, you should be asking yourself is... "What will be the most immersive/enjoyable configuration for this game, for me?" Some will say GC controller, others will say the "preferred" method, other s will say Wii Wheel.

raptorsrevenge

I played this last night with my neighbor's family using the Wii wheel. I thought it was really good; it took getting used to, but I eventually was winning races. The only thing I couldn't do was the tricks, probably because I didn't realize you just had to jerk it back. I did have problems with it mainly on the track "Wario's Gold Mine." I'd turn too much, and I'd fall off the thin mine-cart track most every time. I'm sure with practice I could get used to it. I didn't try the Remote & Nunchuk.

I need to get this game! And try the online mode!

dawimp523

I really thought I would never use it when I got the game. I got it yesterday and tried it out... and I really liked it. I haven't even bothered to try any other control scheme. The only thing I don't like is how the 1 buttons is hop and brake instead of just brake.

lainsnavi

Sounds like mouse & keyboard vs. analog sticks #1, 2, 3, & 4.

Xiedo

I've only been using the Wii Wheel thus far, but I've only completed the 50cc races. I really wanted to get that Golden Wheel Too! But if you say the Nunchuck+Wiimote is the best way to go, I guess I'll have to give it a whirl. Figured that one would have been the worst.

Zyzex_Remix

I use the wheel and it's great, even on 150 CC I'm able to maneuver very well. Guess I'm a Mario Kart God or something... oh well.

deathly

@hondo: i also enjoy the wheel, i traded in my guitar hero for a room full of wii wheels, its a hell of a time, a tad tiring after a while, though.

Punishingwombat

Chalk me down as another Wii Wheel fanboy. I've successfully got gold on every cup/difficulty in one player mode, and 1 starred or 2 starred all of 50cc/100cc and 5 of the cups in 150cc. The wheel doesn't feel like a disadvantage at all.

The people who beat me at multiplayer were better than me at Double Dash too. I'm just not the best at Mario Kart - but because I'm playing with the wheel, I'm having kartloads of fun doing it.

MysteryPersonX

I love the Wii Wheel. I've managed to win every cup in the game with it, and I regularly get first place when playing online.

I have absolutely no problem with its precision.

Marlor

Just played it tonight for the first time. For hours. It was fking awesome.

For me, the worst controller was the Wii wheel. It just was not responsive enough, and totally awful to handle. My friend told be to take the wiimote (we are 1 nunchuck short) out of the wheel and lo and behold, my driving improved tremendously. Still finished middle of the pack in evrey race though. Freind 2 had a gamecube controller (unofficial. noob.) and proclaimed it his favourite, and proceded to rival my GC owning friend (wii+nunchuck) toe to toe. Subsequently, an entire spare controller (wiimote+nunchuck) was found, which I procured, and proceded to win every race until I got kicked out for being too awesome. So, from personal experience, the order is thus:

wii wheel < wiimote < GC controller < wiimote+chuck.

If the GC controller button for jump-boost was either right trigger or joypad-up, it would be neck and neck.

PS. Snaking, I mourn you. Pro's and noobs separated indistinguishably by a simple mechanic. Now dead, unfortunately for pros :(.

Lov3

my friend and i played, him with the wheel. i started out with wii-mote alone, and it sucked...felt awkward, so i switched to the remote and nunchuk and loved it.

didn't know you could do tricks...have to try that next time i get a chance to play..

TragicsNFG

I've just played a bit. Myabe i cant find out how but i'm used to being able to hold an item behind you for protection. Is this even possible usign the wii wheel?

cheswick

@TragicsNFG: Jerk the nunchuck (or the wheel) upwards just as you launch off a jump. Your char will to a 'trick' (a-la sonic adventure 2) and will get a speed boost when you land. Boosting off every jump and turn can get you in a near-constant state of boost on some tracks. Easier than snaking, but probs more fair (single player becomes a doddle for the accomplished snaker in MKDS, so it will probs be more challenging at least).

Also, loads of people are saying they felt the wheel plently responsive enough. Maybe my chuck was dodgy? It certainly seemed hella-slow to me.

Lov3

Me and my roommate used the wheel for at least 6 hours before we gave up on it. The second we switched to cube controllers it was like "ah, that's the Mario Kart I know!"

Seriously, with the wheel, this is the worst ever Mario Kart game. But with controllers it's quite possibly the best ever Mario Kart game.

I do notice lots of people online do well with the wheel though. I guess diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks.

dowingba

*wiimote, not chuck. why is there no edit button on kotaku?

Lov3

Having played the game now for roughly five hours, I gotta go with Wiimote+ Nunchuck combo. I gave the wheel plenty of shots but couldn't get the hang of it. But I WANT to use the wheel, so maybe in the future I will go back to it. The MK games have so much replay time for skill building that going back through with the wheel will probably seem like a whole other game.

See you in the regionals

branchclarke

@hondo: I laughed out loud

waterbottle

The Penny Arcade guys seemed to like the Wheel, and seeing as how one of them is the biggest cynic in the history of man, I'm going to have to go with him.

Thorax

Forgot to say, since the UK launch a few weeks back.

MikeRox

The Wheel is fantastic, having had the game since launch all I can say is anybody finding it impossible to use just sucks at Mario Kart :D (All Gold right up to Mirror mode and the wheel is the only scheme I've used) I also find myself in the top 3 on online races more often than not.

MikeRox

I've used the wheel for a couple online matches which i have mostly won but haven't played Grand Prix over 50cc yet

Ieatbears

I haven't actually tried the Wiimote and Nunchuk yet, but after reading this I'm certainly considering giving it a shot tonight. I've been using the wheel thus far and true to this article, it doesn't perform very well above 50 or 100cc cups.

Ska-Chan

Just chiming in for support of the Wii Wheel. It was tough to get the hang of at first--Rainbow Road rocked me the first time I got there--but the more you play with it you realize you're just learning a new control scheme, and there are some hiccups. I'm going to keep using it at 150CC, which is next up on the list.

mjn328

I acctualy don't mind the wheel... granted I haven't tried using the nunchuck option yet.

Skiam

i have to agree that the wii mote + nunchuck is the best option but my wife loves the wheel and has managed to get all gold on all CC's but then again she has always been a super mario kart fiend

kipperminge

The wheel is hardcore man. If you think it sucks, you suck. I've got golds on all cups (not mirror yet, though) and unlocked all staff ghosts with the wheel. It's the true way to roll, homie.

Protector one

Wii Wheel. Finished the game using the wheel. Own everyone. If you think the wheel's too weak for you, you're too weak for the wheel. End of story.

L_K_M

After playing solely with the wheel since release, I finally gave in and tried the nunchuck style yesterday. While it's easier to use, it's not even half as fun as the wheel. I might use it to beat cups that laugh at me after several attempts with the wheel... or if I'm too tired to sit straight (which makes the wheel more than challenging :P )... but it does somewhat feel like cheating.

The Whaleman

Wow, this story really misses the point. I've been playing with the Wii Wheel for a few days now, and it works just fine. If you want to play with the Nunchuk, then why buy the game at all?

Playing with a traditional analog stick is basically Double Dash and MKDS all over again. I've seen that all before, but I haven't seen playing with the wheel before, and that's what make this game great.

Let's remember that MK is and always has been a party game. Now that it's on the Wii, it's party status is even more important. I'm sure they'll be tons of jerks out there with their nunchuks just taking everyone out online, and they can have their cheap wins. These are the same guys that play Smash with no items on a stage that's entirely flat. Stop trying to make Smash a bland fighting game, and stop trying to make Kart a bland racing game. This is Nintendo, and they offer unique experiences. I'm sticking with the Wheel.

Benjo