Few consoles have been as revolutionary and as widely sought after as the Nintendo Wii, and picking the best Wii accessories for this epic machine was no easy task.
Nintendo love to get creative with their accessories. We’ve seen it before in the best NES accessories with the LaserScope Headset and the U-Force Power Field Controller, and the Wii was certainly no exception.
Every house I went to had a Wii, and families across the world were continuously connecting through the magic of interactive video games like never before. It revolutionised exercise in the home, brought people together, and hosted some amazing gaming adventures such as Super Mario Galaxy!
I skipped school to go an pick up the Wii when it came out. In the early days, the stock was so scarce that I had to ring round shops every morning to see if they had any stock. I ended up getting on a train and travelling to the next city to grab the last one at Game!
Yes, it’s fair to say that I had a lot of fun with this console, from crowding around Number 4 on this list every Christmas to trying out my skills on Number 15.
Ah, those were the days!
Picking The Best Wii Accessories To Pimp Every Family’s Favourite Console!
When Was The Nintendo Wii First Released?
The Nintendo Wii was first released on November 19th, 2006. It’s crazy to think that this console is 14-years-old as I write this article!
How Many Nintendo Wii Consoles Did Nintendo Sell?
The Nintendo Wii sold a staggering 101.63 million units throughout its lifetime.
It’s the second most popular home console of all time, with the PlayStation 2 just beating it by 860,000 units.
I say ‘just’ but when you’re working in so many millions of units, then it’s not a lot at all!
How Many Games Are There For The Nintendo Wii?
There are currently 1546 games for the Nintendo Wii, with the latest one being released in 2020.
Just Dance 2020 saw a Wii release due to gamers around the world still using this iconic console, with the company stating that the Wii series still generates big sales for them.
How Many Accessories Were Released For The Nintendo Wii?
We’ve found 60 accessories for the Wii while searching through the internet, including a helmet called the WiiHelm created as an April fools joke. It gets us every time!
Below, you’ll find the best Wii accessories that we’ve had the pleasure of using over the years. By clicking on the title of each section, the picture, the ‘Buy Here’ button, or the name of any item in the text, you can purchase the accessory you are looking at or the game we’re talking about.
Are All Of Best Wii Accessories Second-hand?
Just Dance might still be making Wii Games, but Nintendo no longer makes accessories for the Wii. If you’re searching for a genuine Nintendo peripheral, then the chances are that it will be second-hand, unless the previous owner has kept it in mint condition, of course.
Always look for genuine Nintendo logos if you want to buy the real deal. You’ll also find new third-party accessories made by various companies too. Always check seller feedback and have a look over reviews before purchasing.
Ok, let’s crack on with our list of the 15 best Wii accessories of all time!
1. Wii Motion Plus Controller
The original Wiimote was pretty revolutionary, providing gamers with motion controls like we had never experienced before. And then came the Wii Motion Plus adapter, an extra piece of kit that plugged into the bottom of your Wiimote to give you even more control over the action.
Before long, the Wii began shipping with the Wii Motion Plus Controller as standard, a remote with the new advanced motion technology already built into it.
If you wanted to play The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, then you needed the Motion Plus Controller, a fact that I found out on Christmas Day to some dismay…
Still, when I finally got one, swinging Link’s sword by swinging the Wiimote was the best thing ever!
The Motion Plus Controller was also needed for Wii Sports Resort and other later games in the Wii Catalogue too. It came in a variety of colours and designs including ones based on the Mushroom Kingdom stars themselves!
2. Mario Kart Wii Wheel
The struggle was real when it came to fighting for the three Mario Kart Wii Wheel accessories I had in my collection. I don’t know why I didn’t just buy four of them and have done with it!
This ingenious piece of plastic turned the Wiimote into a genuine steering wheel and was the only way to play Mario Kart Wii. Once the controller was placed into the centre of the wheel, you had access to all of the front-facing buttons and the B-button on the back to fire weapons.
This was the first racing game that my Dad was any good at because he always moved controllers like he was turning a steering wheel. And with the Mario Kart Wii Wheel, he finally got it right!
The whole thing felt nicely weighted too without being too heavy. It’s simple, but it brought more fun to an incredible game.
I think ‘fun’ sums up this console perfectly, to be honest!
3. Nunchuck Controller
Next up on our list of the best Wii accessories is the Nunchuck Controller, another accessory that shipped with the Wii itself.
Some games like Super Smash Bros. Brawl could be used with the D-Pad on the Wiimote, but others such as The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and Metroid Prime 3 used the Nunchuck to move characters around.
The Nunchuck also has motion controls inside it to register jabs and swipes. It’s an integral piece of kit to the system, and it’s a good idea to have as may nunchucks as you do Wiimotes.
As well as an analog joystick, the Nunchuck also has Z and C-buttons for targeting and firing weapons.
4. Wii Balance Board
This is one of my favourite accessories of all time for any console. The Wii Balance Board, sometimes referred to as the Wii Fit board, is an ingenious interactive accessory that allows you to use your whole body as a controller.
From muscle strengthening exercises to ski jumping with your favourite Mii, this pressure-sensitive gadget was the next evolution of the Wii’s active play game style. Gamers could use this peripheral with both Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus, practising everything from Yoga and meditation to flapping like a bird.
Can you remember that Wii Balance Board character telling you to ‘step on one at a time’ too whenever it weighed you? It even put a hat on when it was your birthday!
5. Classic Controller Pro
If you wanted to play Virtual Console games or just take a break from wielding a Wiimote on some titles, then you needed the Classic Controller Pro.
This remote is an updated version of the original Classic Controller which more resembled a futuristic SNES controller than anything else.
Don’t get me wrong, that’s a good thing! Still, the Classic Controller Pro felt more comfortable to hold for longer periods, and the buttons didn’t feel as squished together on the front panel.
Maintaining the main shape of the Classic Controller, the Pro variation has some major upgrades that make it easier to use. Nintendo added side grips, moved the cable exit point from the top instead of the bottom, and moved the joysticks further apart. The ZL and ZR buttons were resituated under the L and R buttons, and the whole thing felt more… well, pro!
Some physical Wii games can be used with this controller including Resident Evil 4, Smash Bros, and Mario Kart.
6. Wii Zapper
Next up on our list of the best Wii accessories is the Wii Zapper, a nifty bit of kit that turns both the Wiimote and the Nunchuck into a gun… or the family-friendly term ‘zapper’.
This peripheral combines two accuracy-hungry controllers into one versatile unit, giving gamers a chance to get right into the action with their favourite first-person shooting games.
You can buy the zapper on its own these days, but it first came bundled with Link’s Crossbow Training, a game that doesn’t get enough credit at all!
Let’s stay on Link for a minute. Link’s Crossbow Training is a little like a cross between Call of Duty and Hyrule Warriors with Skyward Sword style graphics. If you’re a Zelda fan, then this is an awesome spin off rom the main timeline that you need to play!
7. HORI Fighting Stick Wii
There always seems to be a HORI fighting stick in these ‘best accessory lists’, and that’s because they’re so freaking awesome!
No other controller replicates the feel of the arcade like the HORI Fighting Stick Wii, and this Wii pad has the nicest aesthetic out of any of HORI’s arcade pad products. It is nice and simple and ties into that Mii Plaza/Wii Homescreen colour scheme perfectly.
You can use the HORI Fighting Stick Wii on any game that can be used with the Classic Controller Pro, as well as on the Neo Geo games on the Virtual Console store.
The pad also has Turbo button functionality, with players being able to take advantage of approximately 20 button presses per second. That should make button-mashing in Super Smash Bros. Brawl an absolute breeze!
8. Wii Boxing Gloves
Was there any better workout on the Wii than Boxing on Wii Sports?
I used to play this game all the time and get real sweaty doing it too. Not only was it a great way to burn off calories and steam, but it was also fun to play and addictive as hell.
Whether playing solo, against a friend, or just trying to knock back the punching bags in training mode, these Wii Boxing Gloves meant that there was less chance of throwing your controllers into your TV and also created the impression that you were some sort of cage fighter.
In all seriousness, holding onto the Wii remotes while boxing felt a little cumbersome, whereas these gloves improved the whole experience. Players could still take advantage of all the accuracy of the motion controls in both remotes while concentrating on the accuracy of their punches.
9. Guitar Hero Controller
Next up on our list of the best Wii accessories is a controller that many of you will have wielded while headbanging in front of your granny.
The Guitar Hero Controller came in many shapes and colours, just like the guitars of your favourite musicians. Simply insert the Wii controller into the top, and you’re good to go!
It’s like playing with a wireless lead at Wembley Stadium, except your granny is sitting in the front row wearing slippers.
There were three Guitar Hero games for the Wii along with tonnes of other music-based titles that you could use this controller with.
I’ve played guitar for about 23 years now and it doesn’t help me whatsoever when it comes to Guitar Hero!
10. Wii Bowling Ball
Yes, for those Wii Bowling enthusiasts who want to improve their game, you can actually buy a Wii Bowling Ball to improve the experience!
By inserting a Wiimote into the middle, you can use this bowling ball with any Wii Bowling game such as Ten Pin Alley 2 or Brunswick Pro Bowling.
It looks and feels like an actual bowling ball too, and there are six removable finger plugs so any user can get that perfect snug feel. If you’re serious about getting that perfect score (and let’s face it, we all are), then this is one of the best Wii accessories that you need in your collection!
11. Wii Speak
Next up on our list of the best Wii accessories is Wii Speak, a kind of ‘big brother’ style device that listens to all of the conversations going on in the room.
I guess it’s the Wii’s version of Alexa back in the day!
The Wii Speak sensor works with the Wii Speak channel and also Animal Crossing: Let’s Go To The City, a game that you should definitely go back and check out if you’ve been enjoying Animal Crossing New Horizons on the Nintendo Switch.
It’s a method of bringing all of the family together, which is especially good for times of lockdown or isolation like we’re experiencing right now through the Covid-19 pandemic. Use it just to chat or when visiting another village in Animal Crossing!
12. uDraw Game Tablet
Budding artists and Bob Ross fans will love the next item on our list of the best Wii accessories.
The uDraw Game Tablet features a pressure-sensitive stylus that allows users to make their own creations up on the big screen. It’s like a seriously upgraded version of Mario Paint, one of the best SNES games ever made!
The tablet itself has motion control functionality too, giving gamers the option to play mini games and other fun activities when they want a rest from creating works of art.
Draw, paint, colour, and create amazing pieces with ease. If any readers out there have used Procreate on the iPad, then this is kind of like Nintendo’s own version.
13. Wii CyberBike
The Wii is one of the only consoles to promote exercise while gaming. Way before Peloton bikes with in-built screens featuring people shouting at you was a thing, the Wii CyberBike was the best exercise bike on the block.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s raining outside or too hot to pedal with the CyberBike. This stationary exercise bike plugs into one of the GameCube controller ports on the side of the Wii and can be used with any game that is compatible with a GameCube controller.
Yes, even Mario Kart!
Now you can get a work out while firing bananas at other racers. How cool is that!
The bike can hold weights of up to 286lbs and features magnetic resistance for those players that really want to improve their fitness and stamina.
14. Dance Dance Revolution Pad
We’ve all seen these pads in arcades and bowling alleys over the years, and the Dance Dance Revolution Pad lets you practice your moves at home without anyone seeing you fall over.
You can use this mat with Dance Dance Revolution if you want to bust some funky moves with the curtains closed, or you can grab a copy of Walk It Out if you want to burn calories through step exercises.
The dance pad itself is similar to other pads that you might have used on different consoles. It essentially has a D-pad and the main selection buttons that you can control with your feet.
This is a fun accessory to use with a group of mates and their partners after a few beers. Just make sure you set up a camera to film the madness!
15. DJ Hero Wii Turntable
The last peripheral on our list of the best Wii accessories is probably the closest I’ll ever get to being a professional DJ.
The DJ Hero Wii Turntable follows the same button-following premise as Guitar Hero, the difference being that you’re working with a vinyl record and sliders rather than a plectrum and whammy bar.
This turntable works with both DJ Hero titles for the Wii and looks pretty impressive when it’s left out on your table or dresser too.
To win points, you have to crossfade, accentuate beats, and scratch your way through different songs. There are 94 two-song mash-up remixes on the original game to tackle.
All you need now is some flashing lights and a crowd to kickstart the party!
Seb Santabarbara has bought every Nintendo console that has ever been released in his 31 years on Planet Earth. His favourite game franchise is Zelda, and he’s patiently waiting for Banjo-Kazooie to come back to the fold. When he’s not playing games, he’s travelling the world in his self-converted camper van.
