I have the same charging station and I have no problems with the wheel. I have no idea what he is bitching about.

tell him to walk it off

Cuban__B

I don't really see how the weight would mess with the accelerometer... I use the Nyko charger and I've never had an issue.

ThisCharmingMan

I don't believe this for a second or it's something other than the battary pack.

I've been using the Nyko Charger since it came out and I've used the Wii Wheel exclusively with Mario Kart and there has never been an alignment issue.

twesterms 2nd

Battery packs? I just use normal rechargeable batteries. When they run out, I put them back in the charger and swap them with a recharged pair. They're no different than regular batteries, they aren't proprietary, and unlike questionable, unlicensed Wii accessories, a regular rechargeable battery won't mess up your hardware.

Lezard

The accelerometers inside the WiiMote are not affected by the weight, or lack of weight, of the controller. You could put a sack of potatoes on the WiiMote and it won't change how it detects the angle of the controller.

That's not to say that the battery packs couldn't possibly be interfering with the WiiMote's accelerometers in some way. But it has nothing to do with their reduced weight.

Daz_Genetic

so this guy is whinging about how unrealistic the characteristics of a toy wheel is when playing an unrealistic game is ?

and how even worse it is when playing with some add ons?

so the game is good, but the weighted down joypad is rubbish?,

BLINKING IS HARD WITH A CAR STRAPPED TO YOUR EYELIDS.

Peter-Moore

I've been using the same 4 rechargeable batteries since I got the Wii on launch day. Been using the charger for those batteries even longer (for my cameras). I don't see why that person can't do the same thing.

golguin

He's doing it wrong. The brand-name, inexpensive ($20-something for the charger and 8 batteries at Sam's, if I remember right) AA rechargables I use in my Wii remotes don't affect the centering or direction one bit.

DrLiquid

I was about to offer up a possible explanation, until I read the article and found out how much he exaggerates everything. Yeah right, this is total bull.

Green-clad Gamer Dude

I use the rechargeable Duracell Lithium batteries. They work like a charm. If you don't know what I'm talking about, look for those green batteries at the supermarket or your local Target/Walmart. They usually come with a charger and they're dirt cheap.

Spamwise14

I have a perfect explanation for his problem:

Maybe he just sucks at playing Mario Kart Wii and has to have some really random excuse as to why he sucks.

Lstormy10

This has got to be bullshit. That just isn't how accelerometers work.

DimensionWarped

The accelerometer is not going to care if you have more weight on one side of the controller. Though, it might cause you to rest it in your hands differently.

Messer

I'm not getting it, so long as your not holding the wheel up with a string how exactly is the weight being unbalanced on the wheel supposed to effect its perception of it being turned? i mean their motion sensors not weight sensors.

evirustheslaye

That doesn't make any sense to me, but neither does buying a $50 charger when you can get 4 batteries and a charger for $20 just about anywhere, so oh well, his problem not mine.

t0yrobo

Thats...weird. So essentially the weight offsets the calibration?. I would imagine that he can just tilt the wheel forward a bit, but it seems like even that is not the solution. Nuclear rays from the React?

PsycheE

or just use real rechargable batteries that you can use in other various devices?

nyaz

You could make the battery cover out of lead. That should add some weight if you need it.

DariusEnigma

Oh, by the way, what I have noticed is that the sound on the controller starts crackling if I leave the Nyko battery packs in all the time. Taking them out a few hours every week fixes the issue.

L_K_M

I'm using the Nyko battery packs, and I have noticed no issue with the wheels whatsoever. The controller doesn't 100% fit into the zapper anymore, but it's not enough to be noticeable during gaming.

L_K_M

so... let me figure out his actual problem. The weight difference for whatever reason is messing with his lack of muscles. He's so weak that when he goes to turn the wheel now the heavier side weighs down one of his hands so the pivot point is moving towards one of his hands and causing him to steer like a blind monkey.

Grumps

@NeoStarr:

What I do for that is just take off the back covers. it works just fine without em. and they fit like normal.

AxelHunter

@twesterms 2nd: Thanks, that was my next question.

The problem with the Nyko chargers is that they don't fit into the Wii Zappers. Solution: elastics. It's super effective.

NeoStarr

I understand what everyone is saying about rechargeable batteries. but I'd rather pay a little more to have a dock to neatly place all my wiimotes so they aren't laying around all over, and then it's ALWAYS charged when I want to play with all my friends.

AxelHunter

@Aerundel:

okay, you guys. LISTEN UP. I used em. It's not turning that's a problem. It's that you have to hold the controller at a 45 degree angle. Otherwise you veer violently into a wall. It's not very fun.

AxelHunter

reading everyone else's comments has calmed my science fit down a bit.

but i came hear full of a white hot rage at this badthink

how dose he think the weight affects the accelerometers exactly?

pr1m8

Y'know, they make rechargeable batteries that aren't part of an over priced gimmick. And you can use them in more than one different type of thing!

The funny thing is, if you cut open most of rechargeable battery packs you will find a series of regular AA or AAA rechargeable batteries glued together. Fantastic!

On the actual issue, I think what he's talking about is a noticeable change in the center point of the wiimote, which effects how you hold, swing, or steer. Not actually effecting the accelerometers, but rather causing you to physically drift one side of the wiimote lower than the other, due to lazy gamer arm syndrome.

At least, that's what I'd like to think his complaint is because that actually makes sense, rather than what he appears to be saying.

ravelin

@twesterms 2nd: @ThisCharmingMan:

Trust me, I've had both and it makes a ridiculous difference. The weight difference is like picking up a sixaxis to picking up a dualshock 3 but worse. I don't know if that's what causes the problem or not, but the fact is that somehow it causes one. Nyko works perfectly fine and I love em. React? They work okay, but definately have problems.

AxelHunter

You could buy rechargeable batteries at RadioShack for like 9 bucks...and It comes with the charger as well.

Hyperfludd

It's not that the battery pack is affecting the accelerometers, it's the person that isn't compensating for the change in the moment force (the torque) that the battery pack supplies. So if he uses the same force to turn that he usually does, he will turn faster with a lighter pack, on the side the pack is on.

That said, I agree that if he can't figure out how to not be a noob and chill on the turning speed, he should ditch the pack and get some green duracells or energizers.

Aerundel

I bought the same thing the day we bought Mario Kart Wii, and had the exact same problem. I have no idea why. It's not as convenient for charging, but we exchanged them for two Nyko Power Docks and have no noticable problem with alignment. The wieght is nearly identical to normal batteries. They even sell replacement battery packs and covers for fairly cheap, so it turned out good to me.

AxelHunter

For a second I thought I had a reason for this one guy's problem.
He called in and basically on 100cc or 150cc on the last two cups he will go through the laps fine but then on the last lap the motion sensing stops until he gets to 12 place then he can turn again. I went through every possible trouble shooting step and asked him every thing about his Wii Console and Wii Remote and still go nothing, had to get administrators to call him back later with more Mario Kart Wii Specific help, but if anyone has heard of or experience this problem you should make it known as fast as possible. Call into Nintendo we will document and figure out if this is something that is possible or if this guy is BSin

Geoflame

@t0yrobo:
The React dock comes with four Wii Remote battery packs. So, I guess $50 isn't so bad.

I personally still wouldn't buy them, though.

BPMι

I just use regular rechargeable batteries like I use in everything else.

I think the two mistakes the guy made were 1. Spending $50 on a 3rd party charging station, and 2. using the Wii Wheel to play Mario Kart.

PENI_MASTA

I played it with normal batteries and with that rechargeable thing.. didn't noticed any difference :P

CockroachMan

Nintendo intentionally made the Wii wheel like this just so they can introduce their own official correctly weighted rechargeable battery packs for $100.

Maybe not, but I still hate the damn Wii wheel.

supercrap

@L_K_M: haven't noticed this problem much actually. i'm using the same stuff :)

as far as the original problem, the nyko packs make the 'mot thicker and weigh a little more, but it seems to not affect the wheel at all.

oh well, i'm using nunchuk+'mote combo anyway xD

Soulgenesis

I have the original Nyko rechargeable battery packs and dock, and I haven't had any problems with the wheel. Played it today even - it was great! I know the wheel is not the preferred hardcore gamer's choice, but for playing casually with my 5 y.o. it's works fine.

Gamewatcher at Busy Gamer News

People use the Wii Wheel?...

Maestar

The only way it would possibly be messing with the accelerometers is if it is actually changing the voltage of the accelerometers.

DimensionWarped

does anyone still use the wiiwheel?
ive had MKWii since launch... i've used it once.

theTOMSTA666

My friend plays with the Wii Wheel aaaall the time. My Wii remotes use the Nyko rechargable batteries, we have had no problems whatsoever.

DRaGZ

@theTOMSTA666: Sure, I use it (since US launch) - it's great, makes the game more fun to me at least.

@DimensionWarped: Rechargeable batteries are generally 1.2V (= 2.4V for a pair) instead of nominal 1.5V (= 3V/pair) for alkaline batteries, so you might think this would make a difference. However, rechargeable batteries also stay at nearly that voltage until they run out, whereas alkaline batteries lose voltage gradually until they run out. So devices basically have to work with 1.2V anyway. (And, in any case - like lots of other commenters, I use standard rechargeable batteries in my Wiimote, it works perfectly.)

The technology in 'battery packs' etc is generally just standard rechargeable cells - i.e. exactly the same as ordinary rechargeables except more expensive and less convenient (can't use them in other things, can't buy an alternative fast/smart charger, not so easy to have a spare set, if a cell dies you're screwed, etc) so I would be surprised if it caused a problem.

One way I guess it could possibly mess with accelerometers is if it's very strongly magnetic? I have no idea whether accelerometers are actually affected by magnetism, i.e. there may not be any metal involved, so this is probably not the case, but just a thought.

quen

I have the React charger and use the wheel and have no problem doing anything.

souljahbill14

Couldn't he just recalibrate the Wii-mote again after he replaced the batteries?

Regardless, that's what you get for buying crap 3rd party products. I didn't even know React was still in business! I thought Mad Catz had the shitty console accessory market cornered.

stranger

The Nyko rechargables have a different weight than the React rechargables. Nyko's are basically the same size as 2 AAs with a little recharging nubbin, Reacts are a molded piece that includes the cover piece. I just tried it for myself and also got a slight tilt to the left when I had the React batteries in that stopped when I put in regular batteries.

Is it something that I could overcome with a little practice? Yes. But the point is that when you hold the wheel with the remote parallel to the floor your character will veer left with React batteries.

I guess I never noticed since I always use the Wavebird anyway...

Perrsun

@pnoy.otaku:
I've played a lot of Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune, but I didn't catch a reference (maybe it's something only those who've read the manga would get?). :V

BPMι

I realize that the internet is full of AA rechargable worshippers, but I personally prefer just having the convenience of rechargable controllers/controllers with battery packs that charge on a station. The Wiimote is particularly annoying if you are using AAs because it doesn't have an off switch. We were using disposables at the time we got the Wii and it took a while before I found out that the Wiimote was draining itself with every slight movement.

kingofallcosmos

Am I the only one who got that Wangan Midnight reference?

pnoy.otaku

Standard rechargeable batteries have saved me money and problems. Simple is the best.

Umandsf

You know, I had this issue with Speed Racer, and I just thought it was just the game. I have the React station and have the same problem, but it wasn't really bad enough for me to mess with it.

OUberLord

I have to echo just about every post here. The guy should just use normal rechargeable batteries. The Energizer E2 rechargeables are great and cheap as hell at Sam's. Not only that they should in theory last for years and you can swap them into more things than just your Wii-mote.

Also, serves dude right for purchasing React products. I wonder if he keeps that next to his PS2 MadCatz controllers that broke in a month.

ProfWho

My first car was a 1974 Datsun Pickup.

Like this one.
[cache.jalopnik.com]

It didn't have a problem with steering, and it had a rechargeable battery...

Eltigro

I have that same dock and i was wondering what the problem was. The Wii Wheel's annoying anyway.

Squamden

eh...
wheel was awful for me anyway.
wii-mote turned to vertical needed to turn the kart as sharp as possible.
it didn't, so i switched to nunchuk style.

plus, i got a regular battery charger and rechargables for about $25 immediately.
there were no "charging station" sets available (that i saw) when i got my wii.
works great and i can use the charger for many sizes of batteries.

snowlock

I have a Niko duel charger stand, batteries, and rubber grips.
They cause no problems at all for me while using the Wiiwheel.
Using the Wiizapper is a different story.
(the wiimote barely fits in the compartment)

AssassinTRIP

Quoth Don: Never more... LEFT!

PlayerX

Maybe the guy should have just learned how to hold the remote properly?

Artdeux

@nyaz: agreed

thejakeman: probably disagrees with you

@Soulgenesis: If you don't have that problem, it would be useful to find out how we use the Nyko charger differently. For example, do you put the controllers into the charge station at all times, or only if they become empty?

L_K_M

I use the Nyko charging dock with the wheel, and I haven't noticed any problems at all. If there are any problems, it wasn't anything I didn't subconsciously adjust to almost automatically.

mjn328

I thought anybody who took Mario Kart Wii seriously was going to use a nunchuck or Gamecube controller.

beeporama (brian.j.parker)

This doesn't make sense... if you hold the wheel striaght how would any weight affect it? The motion controls work on gravity not weight.

I think this guy just threw his wiimote at a wall and is looking for a scapegoat

fadecy

@kingofallcosmos and @AxelHunter:
I've got both rechargeables and a stand, see the remote charging stand --> [www.4gamers.net] works great.

IrishHalo

I have the same setup as this guy and I have never had a problem with alignment or any other problems with any of my wii games.
If this extra couple of ounces added to his wii-mote are so much that its throwing his game off, maybe a few push-ups would suffice ;)

Capp

Haven't had a problem with the Nyko battery packs... and yes, I do play with the wheel. I also happen to be embarrassingly bad at the game, but at least I'm man enough to blame myself, not the hardware! It's like trying to play NES with my brother back in the day, when he would miss a jump in SMB and get mad and blame the controller, screaming "I pressed the button and it didn't go!"

RubyMars