Power-hungry Wiimotes (Wii annoyance #009)
by Ross Miller 
{ Dec 3rd 2006 at 1:30PM }
Since this blogger purchased a Wavebird controller back in late 2002, the batteries have been replaced only twice. In that time there have been at least 2,300 games of Smash Bros Melee played, as well as five completions of Resident Evil 4 and several other diversions here or there.However, after two weeks of playing Twilight Princess and Wii Sports, I am halfway through the second set of AA's in both of my Wiimotes. We know that both Microsoft and Sony controllers also suffer from less-than-ideal battery lives, but we expected a little more from Nintendo, whose GameBoy lineup has been noted for its exceptionally long use of two AA's.
After creating officially-licensed 1GB SD cards, the big N should consider doing the same for rechargeable AA batteries. Or how about Wiimote Lite? C'mon, Nintendo, you're missing a golden opportunity here.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Blue @ Dec 3rd 2006 6:31PM
I am also disappointed by the battery life.
luke @ Dec 3rd 2006 1:40PM
Quit whining and buy rechargable NiMH batteries. You can get 4 AAs with a charger for like $15 on ebay. These last as long as normal alkaline batteries but are rechargable. So this might sound weird, but get with the times, Joystiq.
karmaghost @ Dec 3rd 2006 1:42PM
Really? I've been playing a decent amount of both games and I still have full charge on both Wiimotes.
Hugh Mann @ Dec 3rd 2006 1:45PM
Wow that is incredible, can you tell me where I can get a set of Magical AA Batteries, like the ones in your wavebird that lasted years per set. If you only changed the batteries twice in the last four years then what, do you only play for five minutes twice a week or something? I have a wavebird also and i have been through god knows how many AA's in the last four years. Maybe you need to buy some rechargeable batteries and stop moaning.
Alric @ Dec 3rd 2006 1:45PM
That's right NiMH batteries are the way to go with the wiimote. Just keep and extra pair around for rotations.
Martin @ Dec 3rd 2006 1:47PM
How about a rechargable wiimote, seriously we know u skimped on the graphics but you didnt have to skimp on everything else nintendo - way to maximize profit at the expense of the gamers
Chris @ Dec 3rd 2006 1:48PM
I have to say that I am really not at all concerned here. Either get rechargables or wait for the inevitable rechagable battery pack. My original batteries (those that came with the controller) died after about 30-35 hours of gameplay (mostly Zelda) and they generally last less than your standard store-bought batteries. I'd say I've had at least 40 hours of play since the change with no problems at all.
They all have their downfalls, but the Wii Remote seems to be on par with my 360 controller so far. No battery issues here...
Lorben @ Dec 3rd 2006 1:47PM
Why would you want official Nintendo rechargeable batteries? I doubt the Nintendo logo will make them last longer, but I don’t doubt they would be more expensive than regular batteries.
Just get a set of standard rechargeables.
JD @ Dec 3rd 2006 1:50PM
my problem is that I have a skin on both my wiimotes and I have to replace the batteries every 3 or 4 days. and everytime i have to take the skin almost all the way off and then replace the batteries. I can't wait for them to make a rechargable stand or connection for them.
Vasu @ Dec 3rd 2006 1:57PM
of course the battery life wont be as good as a wavebird .. the wavebird was just a transmitter!
the wiimote has to power rumble motors, audio, and a camera for sensing IR, and all 3 of those make the wiimote a receiver in addition to being a transmitter. And then if that wasn't bad enough, there's accelerometers and gyroscopes that need power too.
It'd of been nice if there was a cable that you could use to get the wiimote to recharge off the Wii
saboola @ Dec 3rd 2006 1:56PM
Welcome to 1985. Buy some rechargeable batteries.
Mr. Khan @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:02PM
I got out of my Wiimote almost exactly what Nintendo said i would get
My Twilight Princess file reads 26 hours, and i've done about 6 hours worth of other games (wii sports and Bomberman '93), i just had to change my batteries on Friday (i bought it at launch)
32 hours, 26 of them involving the pointer (twilight princess)
The funny thing is it gave out in the one dungeon that used the pointer the most (City in the Sky, with all that Clawshotting)
Splinter @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:05PM
Quit whining. Third party companies have already made Wiimote chargers, and with the price of batteries, 2AAs bought in bulk will set you back about 25 cents.
Liam @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:07PM
I'm on my third pair, my first two pairs died the first week.
vidGuy @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:07PM
I don't know, I've played over 50 hours on one set of batteries. Seems like pretty good battery life to me, especially since all I have to do is pop them in the charger for 15 minutes and I've got another fresh set.
Hint: to extend your battery life, shut off remotes you aren't using. When you turn your console on, any remotes that were last connected and are still in range turn on with the console. Use the home button and the remote settings to disconnect all remotes and only connect the one(s) you are using.
Bonanza Bill @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:08PM
www.usbcell.com
That is all.
blackace @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:09PM
am i the only one who actually agrees with this, I played zelda for 4 days and I already had to replace them.
Doc @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:13PM
I picked up a rechargeable battery set from Walmart for 15 dollars. It included 4 AA and 4 AAA and the charger. All set.
Mike @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:18PM
You can get comparable battery life to the wavebird if you don't mind turning off the rumble feature.
Judd @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:22PM
I know a lot of you guys mentioned NiMH, but seriously Nintendo should've launched their system with a battery charger, or at least sold it seperately. The 360 has the Play and Charge, and the Quick Charge Kit(best charger ever). When the PS3 controller is wired it becomes charged. Even Nintendo's own long lasting GBA batteries, had chargers available. And of course the DS required the charger.
Batteries are really outdated and I was really surprised when the Wii came out that it would require constant battery purchases. They should really release a charge, and not some third-party charger I can buy an Ebay, but a charger designed for Wiimote that plugs into the nunchuck attachment and carries the Nintendo Seal of Quality.
Kish @ Dec 4th 2006 3:28PM
No, I'm with you 15. Its ok guys, don't get so defensive. After the seemingly magical battery life I have been used to out of the wavebird and my gameboys, yea is a bit of an annoyance to have to worry about it again.
It is understandable of course, the wiimote is doing alot of stuff, but this is one of the few legitimated wii anoyances that joystiq has had.
Don't get so defensive. This isn't religion, it is a toy. An awsome toy, but still a toy. Chill out.
Justin @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:29PM
Where do all you people get Wiis from?
olanarchangel @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:18PM
You know if they had a built-in battery that charged by plugging into the system, Joystiq would complain about the plug getting in the way.
bryan @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:28PM
Battery capacities are rated. Cheap batteries won't last long. Spring for some rechargeable NiMH batteries rated around 2300 mAh. You can get a few sets that recharges in 15 minutes and last a LONG time.
Brookslyn @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:31PM
How about having a small capacity battery in the remote that self charges using the motion of the remote?
Madmatt @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:43PM
If your concerned with batteries turn off the wiimote sound and vibration, that has bought me 2 weeks of 1 set of batteries for Zelda (35 hours) and Bomberman 93 (8 hours).
guises @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:49PM
You all seem to be shrugging this off a little too readily - batteries are one of the most detrimental things that wind up in landfills. Regardless of the cost of the batteries (which is not, in general, as low as some of you are suggesting), Nintendo should have provided a rechargeable solution out of the box.
jgrey @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:50PM
They Whinge Whinge Whinge Whinge Whinge Whinge Whinge Whinge Whinge Whinge Whinge Whinge Whinge Whinge Away.
Oh, incidentally the sharp edges of Wii is looking dangerous and giving me sleepless nights. C'mon, Nintendo, you are better than this.
Seraya @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:50PM
22, from Walmart. At 12:30 AM November 19th. :D
AzaMcWazza @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:58PM
Get at least 2400 mAH rechargables and bob's your uncle.
Charlie @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:02PM
How the heck did your batteries in the Wavebird last that long?
I'm already on my fifth set of AAs for my Wii. I need to get myself to a Costsco soon or something to buy these in bulk.
zeh @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:01PM
While they should have really added a recharge function from the word go, it really isn't that hard to go buy rechargeable batteries yourselves. And like someone said above, turn off the pointless rumble function if you really want to extend it's life.
Pedro @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:59PM
Can someone please explan to me why something that is a problem for both the ps3 and the wii only gets a wii annoyance? Or why something that is a joy with both of them is only mentioned on the ps3? I expected this whewn Vlad was still around, but seriously joystiq, do your bloody homework.
Earl @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:05PM
@Martin:
"How about a rechargable wiimote, seriously we know u skimped on the graphics but you didnt have to skimp on everything else nintendo - way to maximize profit at the expense of the gamers."
Did you really think about what you typed, or did you just spew BS without a second thought?
Let's examine your statement. You are saying Nintendo is maximizing profit by using STANDARD AA batteries. This will maximize there profits because Nintendo ACTUALLY manufactures EVERY AA battery in the world, thus forcing you to buy THEIR product...
Oh wait, that's BS. So how is Nintendo maximizing profit by using AA? They aren't, dumbass. I for one am happy they are using AA, cause rechargeable batteries are CHEAP.
Unlike Sony which uses a built-in, not replaceable battery, Nintendo might have had the consumer in mind.
Considering the UNIVERSAL STANDARD of AA batteries, I didn't even have to buy any because I already had a stash of rechargeable batteries.
It is kinda sad how people try to complain about a company that doesn't force proprietary shit down our throats. Guess people are just used to dealing with Sony.
Tony @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:05PM
You cannot use something like "two weeks" as a gauge on how short battery life is. It doesn't make any sense.
For all we know, you've been playing the Wii twice as long as other related systems in that same time period. If you're playing heavily, a week honestly isn't that bad. I probably go through two AA's on my 360 in a week and a half.
crimemasterGogo @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:08PM
dude im cheap and even i have rechargeable batteries!! and i dont even have a wii yet
Tebunker @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:13PM
I've been playing since launch, over 50 hours of gaming and haven't had to switch the batteries. I really have to wonder what you're doing. Go back to your message board and compile your total hours playe.d
Shannon @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:26PM
I'm 25 hours into Zelda, 3-4 hours into Wii Sports, and I dunno how much time spent setting the console up, and adding people to my address book and the batteries that came with my Wii are only half gone.
I've noticed that some people are having real problems with battery life, claiming 12 hours, but there are also a lot of people like me. I wonder if there is a bad batch of Wiimotes or something.
Optimus Prime @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:22PM
LOL.. Nintendo fans getting their panties in a knot.
Grey @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:25PM
stupid whine post. u can buy AA-AAA etc batterys (rechargables) and very powerful at that.. silly post, l2p buy good batterys
skyrous @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:24PM
http://www.all-battery.com/index.asp
You can get 2600mAH NiMH batteries for less than a $1.50 per battery (around the same price as duracell ultras).
Bonus: if you buy in bulk and convert everything else in your house to rchargables you save a small fortune.
Kriskb @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:31PM
Joystiq just get rechargeable.
its fine
Learn2Play!
Endejas @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:32PM
Wow. Another way of Nintendo cutting corners on their profitable Gamecube 1.5
(don't get me wrong, I love the Wii, but this is just getting ridiculous.)
Mr. Khan @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:44PM
Woah, woah
I was not defending Nintendo, merely stating the fact that they already released likely battery times, and that mine seemed to conform with that
I actually do wish the Wiimote was more like the 360 controller in that respect (but came with the Recharger)
J @ Dec 3rd 2006 4:39PM
Get rechargeable batteries. Problem solved. NEXT!!
eric j. @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:47PM
I call bullshit on your 4 years of wavebird playing with only 2 batt changes. The amount of gaming you posted is a large amount of playtime. a standard double set of AA batts wouldn't last that long is a regular TV remote.
john @ Dec 3rd 2006 3:52PM
I call BS on your Wavebird battery life. 2 years before a battery change? I just don't buy that.
Also, any self respecting tech/gadget guy would have ditched disposable batteries years ago.
Izzy-B @ Dec 3rd 2006 4:01PM
Damn. Nintendo is really missing out on a golden apportunitity. Even though i like PS3 more than Wii i excpect more out of Nintendo because well ... Nintendo is nomaly like that.
Izzy-B @ Dec 3rd 2006 4:01PM
Damn. Nintendo is really missing out on a golden apportunitity. Even though i like PS3 more than Wii i excpect more out of Nintendo because well ... Nintendo is nomaly like that.
Steve2 @ Dec 3rd 2006 4:01PM
Sony has short battery life? It's about 20 hours, correct? That's pretty good for rechargeable. Yeah, there's no non-rechargeable choice, but that's a different matter. How did this turn into an automatic Sony bitch-fest? For that matter, with the rumble off, I get plenty good battery life on rechargeable 360 controller too.
I agree the Wii life is short. I think Nintendo has a rechargeable system waiting in the wings. If you remember, at E3, most of the remotes were tethered (witness Miyamoto playing against Steven Spielberg on wired controllers). So I think they can likely charge the remotes from a cable.
For those who say use NiMHs, note that if you read the Wii manual, it explicitly says not to.
I have 4 Wavebirds, have had since they came out. Two of them have never had the batteries replaced. One is on its third set of batteries, the other its second. Obviously I use some of them more than others.
Earl, Sony's battery is replaceable, Sony even tells you how to remove it. It is non-standard though. I agree that if you have the space for them, NiMHs make a ton of sense, and N was smart to use them (I believe the 360 pack is NiMH too). But many devices like the SIXAXIS or many mp3 players just don't have room for a pair of NiMH batteries. So you have to go to another option. It's too bad there isn't a standard for a flat, square L-Ion battery. One of the battery companies tried to push such a standard, but it was too large and too expensive.