The Mario Kart Wii controller showdown

by Ross Miller { Apr 25th 2008 at 1:00PM }

There are five ways to handle your racer in Mario Kart Wii: Wii Remote solo, Wii Remote embedded in Wii Wheel, Wii Remote with Nunchuk, Classic Controller, and GameCube controller. But, removing all other variables, which control method is the best? Are there really limitations to not using the Wii Wheel? We decided to pull out the ever-trusty "scientific method" and determine, once and for all, the best kart controller.

The Setup

To isolate the control scheme variable, we used a controlled setting. Given the stability of the control scheme, we stuck as close as we could to the following strategy:

Mario using Standard Kart M or Standard Bike B, Manual Power Slides
Solo Time Trial on Luigi Circuit
First curve must be normal turn
Power sliding all the way through second curve (until orange if possible)
At next straightway, use a boost mushroom at second set of adjacent pipes, go off the course and over the ramp, and do a trick mid-air
Power sliding through final curve, avoiding boosters (until orange if possible)
(Bike only) Performing a wheelie from end of curve until crossing finish line

We ran three trials with each control scheme and each bike (that's 3 x 5 x 2 = 30 separate trials), recording the best lap and best time for each.

The Results

	Kart		Bike
	Best Time	Best Lap	Best Time	Best Lap
GCN Controller	1.29.169	29.14	1.31.405	29.69
Classic Controller	1.30.093	29.343	1.31.889	29.874
Wii Remote	1.35.31	30.659	1.36.774	30.932
Wii Wheel	1.32.799	29.706	1.34.247	31.060
Nunchuk	1.30.070	29.499	1.30.481	29.398

Other Thoughts

Double Dash veterans beware! The control scheme using the GameCube controller is very different.
When used alone, the Wii Remote is incredibly unstable. We had a difficult time staying on course, never mind managing to execute a power slide. Mid-air tricks took noticeably more effort than simply pressing a button.
The Wii Wheel was a lot more accurate than we expected. The added weight helped counteract much of the instability we experienced while using the Wii Remote on its own.
Performing tricks on the GCN controller or Classic Controller, via the D-pad, feels awkward. We're not fond of removing our thumb from the joystick, only to dart back to it when we need to turn. (But such is the cost of showing off.)
We never want to play Luigi Circuit again. Ever.
Mario is setting a very bad example for the children by not wearing a helmet while riding on a motorcycle. You'd think all those smash attacks to the head would've knocked some sense into him.

Conclusions

We guessed beforehand that the GameCube Controller would dominate in every category, so it was somewhat unexpected when the Wii Remote and Nunchuk combination fared so well, especially when using a bike. Not surprisingly, the Classic Controller had almost the exact same times as the GCN controller.

We've also come to understand why Nintendo is pushing the Wii Wheel so vigorously -- without it, the Wii Remote option is just dreadful. If you're worried about precision, we'd suggest a more traditional style (GCN controller or Classic Con). If you're looking for fun, take the Wii Wheel for a spin. Our best all-around controller scheme is actually the Wii Remote and Nunchuk combo. But seriously, no matter what your choice becomes, avoid the Wii Remote solo option at all times!

Pen and paper stat tracking? Oh yes! (We used an abacus for complex calculations too.)

Need a Kart fix? Check out all our coverage of Mario Kart Wii!

Tags: classic-controller, gamecube-controller, gcn-controller, joystiqfeatures, mario, mario-kart, mario-kart-wii, nintendo, nunchuk, wii-remote, wii-wheel

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Fernando Rocker @ Apr 25th 2008 1:06PM

I definietly going to play with the Wavebird... but I need to try and master the Wii Wheel.

I want that Gold Wii Wheel icon...

=p

Zertoss @ Apr 25th 2008 1:09PM

Yeah, I'm going to give the wheel a shot too, but for me it's mostly just because the game comes with it and I hate the GCN's D-pad.

But I suspect I'll also end up using the GCN controller the most.

D_Average @ Apr 25th 2008 1:35PM

Nice work Joystiq, interesting stuff.

It's gonna be Wii-Chuk for me, but I really like the fact that I can use wheel when I want to just kick back n relax, or play some noobs. Additionally, its gives the game increased longevity w/ something new to master.

Aero @ Apr 25th 2008 2:19PM

Just so you know Fernando the golden wheel vanishes once you use another controller, so if you spend loads of time with the wheel to get it then use the Gamecube controller on as little as once it vanishes.

Nigeria - MK: 0430-8491-9123 (formerly Fenix) @ Apr 25th 2008 2:23PM

Im passing on the Wii wheel, reg GC controller for Mii. My wife was like aww man you have to use that? =P

Markez @ Apr 25th 2008 3:02PM

Fenix I'm really hoping you get banned and go away. However I'm sure it won't stop to you from continuing to be a whiny little ass.

Nigeria - MK: 0430-8491-9123 (formerly Fenix) @ Apr 25th 2008 3:35PM

@ Markez

Teh Banz? On me? *tear* Sad panda =(

Co @ Apr 25th 2008 1:07PM

The classic controller with the $5 Nyko adapter piece is the way I'm goin.

Co @ Apr 25th 2008 1:25PM

On second thought I may give the Nunchuck/Wiimote combo a go too.

Nigeria - MK: 0430-8491-9123 (formerly Fenix) @ Apr 25th 2008 2:20PM

Co,

Rockets won =)

beedash @ Apr 26th 2008 12:03AM

You're right, CC+Nyko grip is what I've been using so far for Mario Kart and I love it. I have a GC controller but I prefer to use the CC.

The grip makes it as precise and ergonomic as a GC controller, with all the advantages of the CC (not as bulky, may be used to navigate in the Wii menu, has a home button, wireless without having to stuck a receptor to your Wii, better shoulder buttons...)

I still use the wheel when playing with friends (because it's more fun) but when I want performance (to unlock content in GP) I use the CC.

Co @ Apr 25th 2008 3:01PM

I saw that! My Magic lost. :(

Nigeria - MK: 0430-8491-9123 (formerly Fenix) @ Apr 25th 2008 3:05PM

Dont fret buddy lol, they (Majic) got that series. Rockets on the other hand, they have some work to do and it shouldn't be hard I mean...they won 22 in a row right? Whats 4 in a row? =P

IZzY @ Apr 25th 2008 1:09PM

Great detective work guys
reviews and ideas like these make me love this site every day more

SoulBlade @ Apr 25th 2008 2:04PM

Agreed - lately I've been saddened by some of Joystiq's offerings, but it seems they did a good job on this one. Props fellas.

Nigeria - MK: 0430-8491-9123 @ Apr 25th 2008 1:11PM

I think I'm going to give it one last go with the Wii-Wheel. If I get another last place I'll give up. And I've got the golden Wii Wheel icon: it doesn't make your penis any bigger. Unfortunately.

samfish @ Apr 25th 2008 2:33PM

Shit. There goes my last hope.

Zertoss @ Apr 25th 2008 2:43PM

What about your e-penis? Does it gain any length and/or girth?

You know the one. It gets larger and harder as you make more posts on Internet forums or in the comments sections of blogs.

FOXHOUND @ Apr 25th 2008 1:15PM

I know it was mentioned that "MKDOUBLE DASH players beware"... but I personally never got to try the MKDS version; so is there a lot of "catching up" gameplay & trick wise that I'd need to learn to be competitive?

popcorn @ Apr 25th 2008 1:27PM

Honestly? There's a good chance not.

FOXHOUND @ Apr 25th 2008 1:39PM

That's good to know. I had heard the fun in MKDS was cheapened by some of the players using some crazy drifting methods("snaking", is what I thought I heard previously)to literally slide through the competition.

Ghen @ Apr 25th 2008 2:01PM

Its only a cheap way to win if you choose not to do it your self. Seriously I have no idea why people think a legitimate maneuver in a game is cheating. Oh, and by the way I've never played any Mario Kart game so I'm not a biased snaking player shouting out.

Jacksons @ Apr 25th 2008 2:45PM

It's not cheating, but it's not fun to do. After a few races of having to snake to keep up with the other person snaking a few times in a row, you realize you could be playing something else. It ruined the game.

umm....hello??? @ Apr 25th 2008 2:46PM

...sounds like you're one of those Halo2 players most people try to avoid (ie- superbounce = "legitimate manuever")...

Mr Khan @ Apr 25th 2008 4:52PM

Super Jump was a glitch, which would put it in the gray area. Not an "offense" but not "right"

Snaking was utilizing what was there in the code, and intended to be there, in a way in which the developers never intended. Any money says that Nintendo was not planning to build a game where Snaking negated all other necessary skills, and that's what made it objectionable to me. It was an exploit that became absolutely integral to winning. Not a technique that you could try to augment your unique playstyle, but a technique that winners absolutely needed to know

It just took the fun away

rockintom @ Apr 26th 2008 11:39AM

The problem people have with snaking is that Mario kart is *not* about skill in the first place. Its all about having a good item 20 yards before the finish line.

jaredgood1 @ Apr 25th 2008 1:16PM

Question. Are there any sound effects that come from the remote?

Honestly, behind the IR, the speaker is really my fav feature. Slashes in Zelda, the confirmation yell in Smash Bros, the cell phone in No More Heroes, etc. Such a little thing, but it really works for me.

That said, I'm probably going Wiimote + Nunchuk.

Fatass of Kickassness @ Apr 25th 2008 1:20PM

Yes, and it actually helps the game out, from what I've heard - it functions as a warning beacon when items are about to hit you so you can get the heck outta the way.

Deadgood UK @ Apr 25th 2008 1:17PM

Yes, the GC controller is the most precise control method. But after having used both, I have concluded that using the Wii Wheel is more FUN!

Also people can tell when you're not using the Wii Wheel online, and you will get less respect from your Mario Kart peers if you win every race using the GC controller.

Majority of Europeans use Wii Wheel.

Aero @ Apr 25th 2008 2:22PM

No you don't. If anything the wii wheel icon is a sign that you can probably beat that player with aGCN pad.

Deadgood UK @ Apr 25th 2008 1:19PM

The Wii Remote gives you a warning bleep when an item is about to hit you (gives you a couple seconds notice.)

Also there are some other small sound effects that come from it, such as when you hop or use an item.

Joe H @ Apr 25th 2008 1:23PM

I disagree entirely, 99% of the time I've had no issues using only the Wii remote, and while I'm sure its not as tight control as the GC or classic controllers, I have no desire to switch or use the wheel, its fun with the Wii remote only and I tried the wheel but didn't find it helped or hurt anything. The wheel goes to the 'casual players' who might want to play and I stick to the remote.

GRANTED @ Apr 25th 2008 1:26PM

can you do a study on which character/vehicle combination is the fastest? i only care about beating my friends. knowledge is POWER.

Poisoned Al @ Apr 25th 2008 8:36PM

Well I think a lot of it is play style. I like the lagged drift Wario's chopper gives, becuase it suites my way of playing. Other's hate it.

Jago @ Apr 25th 2008 1:36PM

Having played the game for about 2 weeks now, you either go nun-chuck-wiimote or the wheel. Gamecube controller works but having to use the D-pad to control weelies is annoying. also the shoulder buttons have to be pressed all the way down which is kinda eh.

Me I love the wii-wheel, I've got about an 8k online rating and I've unlocked all the expert time trail ghosts with it and I'd like to think I'm pretty descent with it. Would I be better with the nun-chuck/wiimote combo? Maybe. I have more fun using the Wheel.

JRM @ Apr 25th 2008 1:43PM

This is not a good report. I'd say it's trivial at best for the following reason: when real racers perform tests, they never stop at just five laps. They will do hours of track time in order to get familiar with a particular setup change--never mind 5. As well, with the hundreds of laps they do, they get a better assesment of what their car can do because they get all nearly identical lap times (meaning: they're consistent). This is similar to a real scientific experiment, in that it should give you the same results when doing the test numerous times. In this marioKart test, x number of laps for each controller isn't enough to get an accurate read. It would also have been better to get an average lap time, that way we know which method is CONSISTENTLY slower, rather than having just one lucky lap time.

Another thing to consider is that most gamers have already had vast experience with the Gamecube controller/classic controller. You can use it with your eyes closed. The other controls are still relatively new--especially when it comes to mario kart Wii. You can't compare your lap times that well, when you've played with one configuration for 15 years more than the others. You have to be totally adept with the wheel and nunchuk (+ the game) to get the conclusions you're looking for. The case could arise that someone who has never played with the GCN controller would get faster laptimes with the nunchuk config. Then your whole test could be flawed and you'd have wasted your 'whole afternoon'

Erwos @ Apr 25th 2008 1:49PM

"Another thing to consider is that most gamers have already had vast experience with the Gamecube controller/classic controller."

The article states explicitly that your Double Dash skillz with the Wavebird aren't going to carry over here, because the controls are quite a bit different.

MagiKarp @ Apr 25th 2008 1:57PM

Way to take this write-up WAY too seriously, man.

JRM @ Apr 25th 2008 2:07PM

It's only because people might take Joystiq's word seriously when the test itself was more "fluff" than anything. It would be unfortunate if gamers did not give the new-tech a chance, just because of what Joystiq says on their "test".

I also had to back it up with good reasons...

Goblin @ Apr 25th 2008 3:23PM

Sure the Double Dash controls may not translate exactly to the Wii, but most of us have years of experience controlling racing games with the analogue stick. Anyone old enough to have made the transition from SNES to Ultra64 will remember the "WTF?" moment when they first tried to control Mario using analogue controls. But we got used to it. There has been very little on the Wii that requires the use of the "steering wheel" position (Excite Truck you spent so much time sideways it hardly counts).

I would wager that with a bit of experience most people will be able to post statistically insignificant time differences using any of the control schemes.

Amos @ Apr 25th 2008 2:05PM

I'm not surprised. I don't even own a Wii but after 5 minutes of playing SSBB on my friends with the Wii Remote/Nunchuck combo there was no going back. It was a surprisingly well balanced setup and, IMO, the best control scheme for the game. Probably because it was designed to be that way, with every Wii game (it is, after all, the primary control method since launch).

Geen82 @ Apr 25th 2008 3:31PM

Wait... Remote + Nunchuck is the best control scheme for Brawl?? You are kidding, right?

SoulBlade @ Apr 25th 2008 3:48PM

After playing Melee on the GC and then trying the Wiimote / Chuk combo, I was happy to have the wavebird back in my hands.

Microswirl @ Apr 25th 2008 6:22PM

Hmmm... I can play SSBB with just the Wiimote, but then again you don't need a fancy control scheme when you're just shamelessly Pikaspamming.

TheHuntIsOn @ Apr 25th 2008 2:07PM

I've only used the Wii Wheel, it's fun and in all the online games I've played I've seen the wheel icon next to names of the better racers.

umm....hello??? @ Apr 25th 2008 2:50PM

cool....between this and GTAIV my money is gone for this month (for videogames that is)...

Joystiq-
are you going to create a MarioKartWii friendcode page like you did for SSBB??? that'd be awesome. I'll look for that page on Sunday. = )

RobLink (MKWii code : 0989 1866 6646) @ Apr 25th 2008 5:42PM

I started one in the discussion board on the JPAG. No-one's posted any. :-( But feel free to head over there and add me. FYI, that's my code on the left.

WillTheSecond @ Apr 25th 2008 3:20PM

Having played this extensively (live in the UK) I actually prefer the Wii Remote on its own (yes, sans Wii Wheel) and it's currently my favourite control method, though the Gamecube pad is a tad more reliable (I find the motion-based stuff more fun, though).

In other words, I completely disagree with your report.