Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nintendo sued by exergaming company IA Labs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/nintendo-sued-by-exergaming-company-ia-labs/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/nintendo-sued-by-exergaming-company-ia-labs/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/nintendo-sued-by-exergaming-company-ia-labs/#comments Was it something we said? No sooner does Nintendo close the book on the two-year-old Anascape suit than does the prolific peripheral manufacturer get slapped with another legal challenge. Gamasutra has obtained documentation of a lawsuit filed against Nintendo, on April 2, by exergaming company InterAction Laboratories, a.k.a. IA Labs, a.k.a. Powergrid Fitness, for alleged patent infringement.

In typical dramatic legalese, the suit cries out that IA Labs has been "irreparably harmed" by Nintendo's violation of two of its patents through a long list of Wii products. Here goes: the Wii system itself and its primary controllers, the Wiimote and the Nunchuk, and the MotionPlus add-on; Wii Fit, its expansion pack, Wii Fit Plus, and its peripheral, the Balance Board; and the Wii Zapper. Phew! Are we forgetting anything?

Oh, yes -- the Wii Wheel. Uh-huh, that circular piece of plastic is allegedly infringing upon a patent for either (1) "Computer interactive isometric exercise system and method for operatively interconnecting the exercise system to a computer system for use as a peripheral" or (2) "Force measurement system for an isometric exercise device." IA Labs claims that these two patents are used in a number of its products, including the Kilowatt Sport and Exer-Station controller. Both have won an award at separate CES events.

If you're real up on your Wii peripheral pitches, you will recall the Sqweeze, a ThighMaster-esque device for your hands, developed by IA Labs and introduced in late 2008. While a PC version appears to be available, the Wii iteration never made it to market, perhaps evidence that the relationship between IA Labs and Nintendo soured long ago. Documentation from the recent suit reveals emails from 2007-2008 between the two companies, which had once been in talks for IA Labs to license its technology to Nintendo.

JoystiqNintendo sued by exergaming company IA Labs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance-boardexergaminginteraction-laboratorieslawsuitlegalmotionplusNintendonunchukpatentpatent-infringementperipheralspowergrid-fitnesssqweezeWiiwii-fit-pluswii-wheelwiimotewit-fitzapperWed, 14 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK gets Sega All-Stars Racing wheel bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/uk-gets-sega-all-stars-racing-wheel-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/uk-gets-sega-all-stars-racing-wheel-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/uk-gets-sega-all-stars-racing-wheel-bundle/#comments
click to Sonic-size Sega has now revealed the promised racing wheel for the Wii version of Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing. The wheel will be available as part of a bundle in the UK. It won't be available outside of European territories at all, which is unfortunate, as the All-Stars Racing wheel seems just a bit sharper than Nintendo's own peripheral. Get a closer look at the wheel and the bundle packaging in the gallery below.

Gallery: Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing wheel bundle (Wii)

JoystiqUK gets Sega All-Stars Racing wheel bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesbundleracingsegasonicsonic-and-sega-all-stars-racingsumo-digitalwii-wheelTue, 19 Jan 2010 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Excitebots (with Wii Wheel) [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/joyswag-excitebots-with-wii-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/joyswag-excitebots-with-wii-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/joyswag-excitebots-with-wii-wheel/#comments
Update: Giveaway has come to a close. Keep an eye on your inbox!

It's that time again, folks, as we're set to gift one lucky reader with an Excitebots bundle (ARV $50)! This bundle comes with the game, and a Wii Wheel, so you won't be forced to play holding your Wiimote only like some kind of chump. Show your friends how lucky you are how awesome the site you frequent on a regular basis is by winning this Wii game starring robotic frogs, turtles, and ladybugs. But, before you enter, make sure you check out the rules below.
  • Leave a comment telling us what animal would make the perfect robotic racer
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
  • Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day
  • This entry period ends at 11:59 am ET on Monday, May 25
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Excitebots Trick Racing (with Wii Wheel) for Wii ($50)
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

JoystiqJoyswag: Excitebots (with Wii Wheel) [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 May 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>excitebotsexcitebots-trick-racingjoyswagracingwii-wheelTue, 19 May 2009 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[More Club Nintendo goodies announced for Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/more-club-nintendo-goodies-announced-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/more-club-nintendo-goodies-announced-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/more-club-nintendo-goodies-announced-for-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While it prepares to wheel out Club Nintendo in North America later this year, Nintendo has decided to torture us one last time with stuff we can't have.

Every year in Japan, Platinum and Gold members in the Japanese program get a free gift. This year, Platinum members have three to choose from, including the snazzy golden Wii Wheel you see above. This takes us back to GoldenEye's multiplayer, and us petulantly refusing to play unless we could steer Oddjob with the only gold-colored N64 controller in the house. Also up for grabs is a Super Mario Cap, which Nintendo reports is too big for girls and schoolkids (but not adult male bloggers), and a Club Nintendo Calendar 2009, which will be the only option for Gold members. That's better than our only option, which is to own nothing.

All very lovely then, and all very out of our reach ... but for how long? Go past the break for a look at the cap and calendar.

Continue reading More Club Nintendo goodies announced for Japan

JoystiqMore Club Nintendo goodies announced for Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossingcalendarclub-nintendohatmariomario-kart-wiiwii-wheelTue, 18 Nov 2008 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Nice idea, terrible value: the Multiplayer Controller Set]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/nice-idea-terrible-value-the-multiplayer-controller-set/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/nice-idea-terrible-value-the-multiplayer-controller-set/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/nice-idea-terrible-value-the-multiplayer-controller-set/#commentsFiled under: ,


A Go Nintendo reader spotted this on the shelves of his local Target: a "Multi-Player Controller Set" containing a Wii Remote, a Nunchuk, and a Wii Wheel. This kind of thing obviously makes sense to Nintendo as Christmas approaches (the season where Wii excels, some would say), and we could really get behind the idea of a good value bundle of second/third/fourth peripherals (still need a fourth Wiimote and Nunchuk at Casa de Greenhough!).

It's just a shame that the price is such a sham: $74.99?! All three of these peripherals are available separately at Amazon for a total of $63.91 (which qualifies for free shipping), but here's the real laugh: you can buy an individual Wiimote, Nunchuk, and Wii Wheel for $74.97 at Target itself. D'oh! Knock at least fifteen bones off this and you've got our attention.


[Thanks, Sonic_13!]

JoystiqNice idea, terrible value: the Multiplayer Controller Set originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-kart-wiimultiplayernunchuktargetwii-remotewii-wheelwiimoteWed, 12 Nov 2008 17:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Peripheral issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/wii-warm-up-peripheral-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/wii-warm-up-peripheral-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/wii-warm-up-peripheral-issues/#commentsFiled under: ,


Wii peripherals have proven a profitable business for Nintendo, and a new member, the WiiSpeak microphone, will join this rapidly growing family later this month. In our experience, these accessories mostly enhance the games they support, and that's great and all, but it has been a while since we actually perched on our Balance Boards, or waved our Wii Wheel about to Mario Kart Wii, or Zappered zombies. When was the last time you played a Wii title with something other than a naked Wiimote and Nunchuk, and what was the game?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Peripheral issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance-boardwii-motionpluswii-wheelwiispeakwwuzapperThu, 06 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Mario Kart tournament debuts for Wii Wheel racers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/new-mario-kart-tournament-debuts-for-wii-wheel-racers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/new-mario-kart-tournament-debuts-for-wii-wheel-racers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/new-mario-kart-tournament-debuts-for-wii-wheel-racers/#commentsFiled under: ,


A fresh tournament is about to spring on Mario Kart Wii fans. Starting September 1st and concluding on September 10th, this latest tourney is only for those that rock the Wii Wheel and will take place on the N64 Skyscraper Battle Stage. It's a straight up race, so you've got to bring your best time to the course, all the while dodging the explosive Bob-omb cars that are racing towards you. Sounds like a tense race!


[Via WiiFolder]

A fan of Mario and the gang? You should check out our weekly feature, It's-a Mario World, in which we discuss Nintendo's portly plumber and the world he calls home. Or, if Mario Kart is your only reason for loving the guy, check out our week of features celebrating the franchise leading up to the release of the latest game right here.

JoystiqNew Mario Kart tournament debuts for Wii Wheel racers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlemariomario-kart-wiin64n64-skyscrapertouornamentwii-wheelTue, 26 Aug 2008 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[JTT Wii Wheel serves Mario Karters of all heights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/jtt-wii-wheel-for-mario-karters-of-all-heights/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/jtt-wii-wheel-for-mario-karters-of-all-heights/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/jtt-wii-wheel-for-mario-karters-of-all-heights/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Japan Trust Technology has become the latest third-party company to offer an alternative to the perfectly-fine-as-it-is Wii Wheel. Unlike Nintendo's own effort, the JTT wheel comes with a steering column that attaches to surfaces through a combination of a suction cup and your disgusting saliva. We've seen third-party wheels add a steering column before, though this one also allows you to vertically swivel the wheel through 120°, like so.

We've not a clue if this will ever see the light of day in the west, but if it does then JTT might want to reconsider the price: right now, this is retailing for ¥2,980, a.k.a. $28, a.k.a. three first-party Wii Wheels. That's hella pricey -- especially for something you can get for free!

Gallery: JTT Wii Wheel


JoystiqJTT Wii Wheel serves Mario Karters of all heights originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jttmario-kartracingwii-wheelThu, 03 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Wheel + Balance Board = racing simulator]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/wii-wheel-balance-board-racing-simulator/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/wii-wheel-balance-board-racing-simulator/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/wii-wheel-balance-board-racing-simulator/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nintendo Wii Fanboy's code monkey extraordinaire, Mike Sylvester, stuns us again. His latest Revolutionary column is a step-by-step process of turning the Wii balance board and Wii wheel into a racing simulator, with the aid of GlovePIE and a PC version of Need for Speed ProStreet. Feel free to try this at home.

JoystiqWii Wheel + Balance Board = racing simulator originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance-boardnintendorevolutionaryWiiwii-balance-boardwii-wheelThu, 19 Jun 2008 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Revolutionary: WRX Stage 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/revolutionary-wrx-stage-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/revolutionary-wrx-stage-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/revolutionary-wrx-stage-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The training wheel project got me thinking about what more it would take to create a Wii racing rig that's as comprehensive as a traditional wheel and pedal gaming setup. The Wii Wheel provides analog control for steering, but not throttle and braking. The Wheel shell also blocks off the expansion port, so you can't use a Nunchuk's analog stick. It seemed like there was just no way to build a full set of racing controls around the Wii Wheel, but then I got my Balance Board and the wheels started turning in my head. How about a Wii Racing Xperiment?

Continue reading Revolutionary: WRX Stage 1

JoystiqRevolutionary: WRX Stage 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance-boardglovepiejoystiqfeaturesneed-for-speednfsnfs-prostreetprostreetRevolutionarywii-wheelWed, 18 Jun 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rev your engines with WRX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/rev-your-engines-with-wrx/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/rev-your-engines-with-wrx/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/rev-your-engines-with-wrx/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Not to be confused with rally-bred Subarus, WRX is a new project kicking off in next week's edition of Revolutionary. Tune in on June 18th to get the full scoop, but for now get a taste with this teaser video.

JoystiqRev your engines with WRX originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Balance-boardRevolutionaryteaserwii-wheelFri, 13 Jun 2008 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: June 5, 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/today-in-joystiq-june-5-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/today-in-joystiq-june-5-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/today-in-joystiq-june-5-2008/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yes, we like lolcats. No, we won't stop. Yes, we will consider whatever you say, so long as you check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
Joystiq Poll: Worst of the XBLA chopping block
Let's talk about those Hummingbird ads ...
Meet the Team: Alexander Sliwinski
Metareview -- Lego Indiana Jones
PSN Thursday: Novastrike, Civ Rev demo, Commando 3, much more
Readers pick best webcomic: The Unhorse
Tomonobu Itagaki: A Blood Splattered History
X3F Week in Review -- May 30, 2008 - June 5, 2008

News
Ninjabee bringing 'city-building' Kingdom for Keflings to XBLA
GameTap Thursday: Cradle of Rome's Astro Fury
It's too hard to find stuff on XBLA, says Microsoft
God of War track hits PS3 Guitar Hero III today
Crysis Warhead dropping exclusively on PC this Fall
Ubisoft to develop games for iPhone, iPod Touch
Florida requests 10 years disbarment for Jack Thompson
EA discontinues work on Red Alert 3 for PS3
Gamestop's Metal Gear Solid 4 midnight launches revealed
Sony bundling Warhawk expansions as single DLC
Five new Guitar Hero III track packs in June, Motörhead up first
Nielsen: Wii usage is second to Xbox 360
SOE reactivates dead Everquest accounts with Living Legacy initiative
Activision, System 3 take the Ferrari Challenge
Survey reveals Rock Band 2 concept box art
The Sims 2 Apartment games coming to PC, DS in August
Grand Theft Auto IV DLC delayed until Fiscal Q1 2009
BioShock ships over 2.2 million
Reminder: COD4 map pack now available free for PC
GTA IV ships over 11 million copies
You can actually watch Duke Nukem Forever on Jace Hall Show
Take-Two quarterly revenues up 163% on GTA IV sales
Itagaki's departure causes Tecmo stock plummet
BioShock movie may be out in time for BioShock 3
The top-selling games in the US over the last 15 years
Take-Two: 'Portfolio balancing' drove GTA IV DLC delay, partnerships possible
Disney's games and internet divisions merging
Third Star Wars character joins Soul Calibur IV cast
Sci-Fi Channel creating an MMO/TV show hybrid

Rumors & Speculation

Culture & Community
MGS4 PS3 bundle on Amazon.com tomorrow

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: June 5, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dailyrecaplolcatlolcatsWiiwii-wheelThu, 05 Jun 2008 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[A DIY Mario Kart Wii training wheel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/a-diy-mario-kart-wii-training-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/a-diy-mario-kart-wii-training-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/a-diy-mario-kart-wii-training-wheel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Are you still struggling with the Wii Wheel in Mario Kart, despite everyone online who's kicking your derrière while using it? Nintendo Wii Fanboy's Revolutionary columnist Mike Sylvester has a rather, erm, revolutionary idea: a do-it-yourself training wheel to help add subtlety to your turning. Check out the article for more information; a video demonstration is embedded after the break.

Continue reading A DIY Mario Kart Wii training wheel

JoystiqA DIY Mario Kart Wii training wheel originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diymario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendoWiiwii-wheelWed, 21 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Revolutionary: Mario Kart Training Wheel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/revolutionary-mario-kart-training-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/revolutionary-mario-kart-training-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/revolutionary-mario-kart-training-wheel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


The Wii Wheel was supposed to make racing easy enough for anyone to jump right into a session of Mario Kart Wii with no prior experience with either traditional game controllers or the Wii Remote. When used properly, it works as expected. The trouble is that it's not always used properly. Watching your parents try to get through Wario's Gold Mine, you'll notice that they're sometimes holding the Wheel the wrong way, and it's making them drive off the track into chasms of eternity. This observation led me to examine how Mario Kart Wii's steering works and come up with a solution for keeping n00bs on track.

Continue reading Revolutionary: Mario Kart Training Wheel

JoystiqRevolutionary: Mario Kart Training Wheel originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiqfeaturesmario-kartmario-kart-wiimariokartRevolutionarywheelwii-wheelwiiwheelWed, 21 May 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[British magazine giving away free Wii Wheel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/british-magazine-giving-away-free-wii-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/british-magazine-giving-away-free-wii-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/british-magazine-giving-away-free-wii-wheel/#commentsFiled under: ,


Here's something: despite our initial skepticism, we actually really like the Wii Wheel -- in fact, it's all we use now for Mario Kart Wii. The only downside? At $10 per wheel (or £7 in the UK), buying enough for four-player matches can get kind of pricey.

So the way we see it, you have two choices:
  1. Go with one of our totally awesome (and totally free) homemade Wii Wheels (the option we'd recommend) or:
  2. Pick up the latest issue of NGamer, which comes with the above "free" wheel packed in. It's not technically free, obviously, because you'll have to pony up the £4.99 for the magazine, which optimistically suggests that the free gift is worth £7, meaning somebody in NGamer's accounting department may well be clearing their desk later this month.
Incidentally, while NGamer is a UK publication, some of my U.S-based colleagues think they may have spotted copies in Barnes & Noble, so keep your eyes peeled and you too might save hundreds of cents.

Update: Corrected U.S. price.



[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqBritish magazine giving away free Wii Wheel originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freefreebiemagazinemario-kartmario-kart-wiiracingukwii-wheelWed, 30 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Win our copies of Mario Kart Wii (and some launch swag)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/joyswag-win-our-copies-mario-kart-wii-and-some-launch-swag/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/joyswag-win-our-copies-mario-kart-wii-and-some-launch-swag/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/joyswag-win-our-copies-mario-kart-wii-and-some-launch-swag/#commentsFiled under: , ,


[Update: Entry period is over, folks. We're contacting the winners by email, so go check!]
Looking for some new wheels? How about two of 'em -- that's right, two Wii Wheels, and we'll even throw in a copy of Mario Kart Wii ($49.99 value) with each (and, if you're lucky, an "I Heart Kart" air freshener), as well as some miscellaneous swag from the NYC launch party (1 t-shirt, 1 sticker and one "driver's license," a $15 value). Just follow these five steps and a winner can be you!
  • To enter this giveaway, leave a comment on any of the designated gallery pictures (one, two, three) with your favorite track from the Mario Kart series.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec -- désolée!).
  • Limit 1 entry per gallery picture, per person
  • This entry period ends at 8:00pm ET on Friday, May 2nd. We'll randomly select the winners at that time (please check your email!).
  • For a list of complete rules, click here.

Gallery: Mario Kart Joyswag Giveaway

Our 1st copy of Mario Kart WiiOur 2nd copy of Mario Kart WiiOur Mario Kart Wii launch swag

JoystiqJoyswag: Win our copies of Mario Kart Wii (and some launch swag) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joyswagmariomario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendoWiiwii-wheelTue, 29 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Taking the wheel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/wii-warm-up-taking-the-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/wii-warm-up-taking-the-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/wii-warm-up-taking-the-wheel/#commentsFiled under: ,

Many of us have been hating on the Wii Wheel since it was first announced, and yet, since yesterday, we've spoken to tons of Wii owners who actually tried it ... and liked it. It was a mixed bag around here; some players (even longtime gamers!) loved it, and some found it less useful than some of the other control options. All we want to know is: did you at least try it, if you picked up Mario Kart, or did you skip it without even bothering?

If it's a hit in your house, are you going to buy extra wheels (or possibly look for other solutions)?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Taking the wheel originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controlmario-kartwii-wheelMon, 28 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mario Kart Wii controller showdown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/the-definitive-mario-kart-wii-controller-showdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/the-definitive-mario-kart-wii-controller-showdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/the-definitive-mario-kart-wii-controller-showdown/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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.

Continue reading The Mario Kart Wii controller showdown

JoystiqThe Mario Kart Wii controller showdown originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-controllerGameCubegamecube-controllergcn-controllerjoystiqfeaturesmariomario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendonunchukWiiwii-remotewii-wheelFri, 25 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Keep on Kartin': A Mario Kart Retrospective]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/keep-on-kartin-a-mario-kart-retrospective/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/keep-on-kartin-a-mario-kart-retrospective/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/keep-on-kartin-a-mario-kart-retrospective/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nintendo has said it considers Mario Kart Wii a "bridge game" -- a title that converts casual, Wii Sports-playing Wii owners into a more hardcore, game-buying type. For those bridge gamers, this quick retrospective will help fill you in on the history that has made the Mario Kart series one of the most beloved in gaming. For everyone else, it's a stroll down memory lane and a starting point for discussion about your hopes and fears for the impending Mario Kart Wii.

Let's roll! -->

Continue reading Keep on Kartin': A Mario Kart Retrospective

JoystiqKeep on Kartin': A Mario Kart Retrospective originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuregallerymario-kartmario-kart-wiiNintendoracingretrospectiveWiiwii-wheelFri, 25 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Kart Wii: The Unboxing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/mario-kart-wii-the-unboxing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/mario-kart-wii-the-unboxing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/mario-kart-wii-the-unboxing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We got home this afternoon to find a rather large shoebox at our doorstep. Contained within: our very own Mario Kart Wii. We can't simply enjoy our excitement alone, of course, so check out our unboxing gallery. We'll have full impressions of the anticipated racer soon.

JoystiqMario Kart Wii: The Unboxing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mariomario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendounboxingWiiwii-wheelThu, 24 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Celebrate Mario Kart Wii with alternate karts, Wii wheel substitutions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/celebrate-mario-kart-wii-with-alternate-karts-wii-wheel-substit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/celebrate-mario-kart-wii-with-alternate-karts-wii-wheel-substit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/celebrate-mario-kart-wii-with-alternate-karts-wii-wheel-substit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Using a baby as a Wii Wheel substitution is not the best idea for either your gameplay or the infant in question. Our sister site Nintendo Wii Fanboy has this and more suggestions for when the Wii Wheel isn't enough. In case you're looking for more Mario Kart Wii-related shenanigans, they've also devised a listing of potential "alternate karts," including what we envision would be the most "kart" race ever: Wario in a rickshaw vs. Yoshi on a pogo stick.
Alternate Kart Universe
Reinvinting the Wii Wheel

JoystiqCelebrate Mario Kart Wii with alternate karts, Wii wheel substitutions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-kartmario-kart-weekmario-kart-wiiWiiwii-wheelWed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reinventing The Wii Wheel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/reinventing-the-wii-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/reinventing-the-wii-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/reinventing-the-wii-wheel/#commentsFiled under:


Mario Kart games are all about having a great time racing against your friends -- and yet the Mario Kart Wii package shamefully includes but one Wii Wheel attachment. You could purchase a separate Wii Wheel, but that's a bit costly, and requires the foreknowledge that you'll have a second player soon. And then what if you have three friends coming over? Without four Wheels, you could face a controller shell emergency.

In such desperate situations, you may go scrambling about your house for something that can be fashioned into a DIY Wii Wheel. In order to save you a bit of panic, we've come up with a bunch of makeshift Wii Wheels that will work in a pinch -- and some that wouldn't, but are almost as funny as adults holding fake steering wheels in the air and pretending to drive with them.
Head for the starting line!

JoystiqReinventing The Wii Wheel originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiqfeaturesmario-kartmario-kart-weekmario-kart-wiiracingwii-wheelTue, 22 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The first (somewhat) decent Wii Wheel clone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/the-first-somewhat-decent-wii-wheel-clone/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/the-first-somewhat-decent-wii-wheel-clone/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/the-first-somewhat-decent-wii-wheel-clone/#commentsFiled under: ,


Third-party accessory manufacturers have been putting out steering wheel attachments for the Wii remote long before Nintendo pulled the curtain on its Wii Wheel, but, like the Wii Wheel, they're simple models, plastic molded into circular shapes with an open slot for the controller.

Brando's Wii Multi-Axis Racing System has a more traditional design with an attachable steering column and suction cups at the bottom to keep it in place. It really looks more expensive than the $18 Brando is asking for it, but you'll have to remember that there are no actual electronic or complex parts.

Mounting the wheel to the column should keep the Wii remote angled correctly while you race around Mario Kart's tracks, but, then again, that might also make it tough to pull off waggle stunts. Drift past the post break for more photos of the Wii Multi-Axis Racing System.

Continue reading The first (somewhat) decent Wii Wheel clone

JoystiqThe first (somewhat) decent Wii Wheel clone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandomario-kartWii-Multi-Axis-Racing-Systemwii-wheelThu, 17 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanswag: Mario Kart Extravaganza]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/fanswag-mario-kart-extravaganza/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/fanswag-mario-kart-extravaganza/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/fanswag-mario-kart-extravaganza/#commentsFiled under:


Mario Kart Wii is set to be one of the biggest releases this year, and we want to make sure you can get in the game -- which is why we're giving away five spanking new copies (valued at $49.99 each) to five lucky readers. Between now and April 25, you can throw your name in the hat once per day, and all you have to do is answer one simple question in the comments below:
  • What's your all-time favorite Mario Kart track?
The contest, which is open to all current legal residents of the United States and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older, will run through April 25 and shut down that night promptly at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. We will select the five winners in a random drawing, and if you want to be among them, you'd better start commenting!

Got questions? Don't forget to check out the official rules.

JoystiqFanswag: Mario Kart Extravaganza originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-kartwii-wheelThu, 17 Apr 2008 09:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Wii Wheel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-wii-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-wii-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-wii-wheel/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


I had low expectations for the Wii Wheel before playing a few rounds of Mario Kart at the Nintendo Media Summit. The circular chunk of plastic exceeded my expectations. And that's my advice in life: Expect little and be constantly pleased.

I twisted the small wheel to turn my racer. Gentle movements steered me around the tracks, and the setup was most sensitive if I held it at a 90-degree angle, with the face pointing directly away from the TV. A button pad pushed the B trigger, giving me a bigger target to hop and turn. I reached the other buttons easily.

But the control felt imprecise because it wasn't mounted to anything. I unintentionally dropped the wheel angle sometimes, making the system less sensitive. I don't know why someone would want to buy one of these, and I expect most gamers will stick with other control methods.

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Wii Wheel originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-kartnintendonintendo-media-summit-08Wiiwii-wheelwiiwheelTue, 15 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Spoiling the race]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/wii-warm-up-spoiling-the-race/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/wii-warm-up-spoiling-the-race/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/wii-warm-up-spoiling-the-race/#commentsFiled under:


With Mario Kart Wii releasing in the U.S. very soon, we wonder how many of you took a hard stance on spoilers in the game? Did you save yourself the excitement and try to remain pure before the game's release, or did you give in to your darker desires and already learn of every unlockable racer and other goodie in the game? Have you remained spoiler free?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Spoiling the race originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mariomario-kartmario-kart-wiiracingwii-wheelTue, 15 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You already have a Wii Wheel in your own home]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/you-already-have-a-wii-wheel-in-your-own-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/you-already-have-a-wii-wheel-in-your-own-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/you-already-have-a-wii-wheel-in-your-own-home/#commentsFiled under: ,



Being nothing more than a chunky, round slab of plastic with a convenient slot for your Wiimote to slide into, the Wii Wheel is fairly easily imitated. As if to illustrate this fact, one Japanese blogger fashioned the DIY Wii Wheel you see above, using only a saucepan lid and a strip of parcel tape. We suppose it's a cheaper alternative to shelling out cash to equip another three players, but doesn't this make the B button inaccessible? Steer past the break for another (considerably more wheel-like) homemade example.

Continue reading You already have a Wii Wheel in your own home

JoystiqYou already have a Wii Wheel in your own home originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diymario-kartracingwii-wheelFri, 11 Apr 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Nintendo Wii Wheel MSRP may be $10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/rumor-nintendo-wii-wheel-msrp-may-be-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/rumor-nintendo-wii-wheel-msrp-may-be-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/rumor-nintendo-wii-wheel-msrp-may-be-10/#commentsFiled under: , ,


GoNintendo reports that the latest issue of Nintendo Power states the manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Nintendo Wii Wheel is $10. It appears that some retailers aren't taking the suggestion to heart, as Gamestop, Amazon and some other stores are selling the glorified plastic shell for $15 separetly from the game.

Best Buy seems to currently be one of the only retailers we could find that had the product listed and selling for $10 (but we're sure that the Joystiq army of internet detectives can find more). We've contacted Nintendo for confirmation on what the actual MSRP of the Nintendo Wii Wheel is and will update as soon as we receive an answer.

JoystiqRumor: Nintendo Wii Wheel MSRP may be $10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-kart-wiimsrpWiiwii-wheelMon, 07 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Wheel MSRP not $15, after all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/wii-wheel-msrp-not-15-after-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/wii-wheel-msrp-not-15-after-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/wii-wheel-msrp-not-15-after-all/#commentsFiled under:

If you were worried that you'd have to give up your first-born child (which we at Nintendo Wii Fanboy calculate is worth about $15) for the Wii Wheel, we have some reassuring news. Although GameStop recently posted an ad which gave us the impression that the Wii Wheel would retail for $14.99, Nintendo Power has us thinking differently. According to the scan seen above, the wheel's MSRP will actually be five dollars less, costing a more reasonable $9.99.

So, if you're planning on getting a few extra of these, we recommend doing so at stores that don't charge above the suggested retail price.


[Thanks, Sn1per!]

JoystiqWii Wheel MSRP not $15, after all originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopmario-kartmario-kart-wiimsrpnintendo-powerpricingracingwii-wheelMon, 07 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata asks about the many Wii Wheels of Nintendo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/iwata-asks-about-the-many-wii-wheels-of-nintendo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/iwata-asks-about-the-many-wii-wheels-of-nintendo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/iwata-asks-about-the-many-wii-wheels-of-nintendo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


In a new edition of the contrived Iwata Asks, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto and product development guy, Kenichiro Ashida, sit down with president Satoru Iwata to talk about the Wii Wheel shipping with Mario Kart Wii.

Ashida regales that in early 2007 the product development team got the first build of Mario Kart Wii and started messing around with developing a steering wheel. Some 30 prototypes laters the team had a design that was about the size of a real go-kart steering wheel and added a B button to the underside of the wheel for a child's fingers to reach. Mario Kart Wii drives into stores April 27... coincidentally, two days before that other driving game.

JoystiqIwata asks about the many Wii Wheels of Nintendo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ashidaiwatamario-kartmario-kart-wiimiyamotonintendoWiiwii-wheelFri, 04 Apr 2008 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata Asks: Mario Kart Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/iwata-asks-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/iwata-asks-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/iwata-asks-mario-kart-wii/#commentsFiled under: , ,


After Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Wii Fit, Mario Kart Wii has become the latest title to appear in the excellent "Iwata Asks:" series of interviews. Featuring producer Hideki Konno, Wii Wheel project leader Kenichiro Ashida, and Shigeru Miyamoto (in fully relaxed, shirt-open mode) getting grilled by Satoru Iwata, it's a treasure trove of information for Mario Kart enthusiasts.

Alongside an enjoyably lengthy dissection of the series' history, there's also discussion about Mario Kart Wii's online play. The online matchmaking in particular sounds a treat, in that it allows players to join a race once it's finished, thus avoiding races becoming one-on-one affairs (as so frequently happened in Mario Kart DS). Players can use the Mario Kart Channel to check which of their friends are currently playing online, and even join them instantly.

Producer Konno and Miyamoto also explained the decision to include bikes in this game, with Konno admitting that his own hobbies influenced the choice, and Miyamoto stating that the bikes are there to "make the world of Mario a little more for boys [by] adding an extreme-like element to the game." (Apparently, the title was originally known as "Mario Kart X," with the "X" taken from "extreme")

Finally, we hear more on the Wii Wheel, and the reasoning behind it. As expected, the peripheral is designed to make Mario Kart more approachable than ever before, and project leader Kenichiro Ashida reportedly created "about thirty" prototypes (many of which you can see in our gallery). Oh, and he even made gold and black versions -- just for the hell of it. Do want!


JoystiqIwata Asks: Mario Kart Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ashidaiwataiwata-askskonnomario-kartmiyamotoonlineshiggywii-wheelFri, 04 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Mario Kart Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/metareview-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/metareview-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/metareview-mario-kart-wii/#commentsFiled under:


Okay, if everybody could just stop what they're doing, and focus here, please. You, with the Mountain Dew. You, with the shoes. Let's concentrate. Mario Kart Wii is flipping and somersaulting its way to all major regions later this month, so roughly now would be a good time to start getting excited. If you really need any further encouragement, let's see what the reviews say*:

NGamer UK -- 88%: NGamer UK claimed that not enough effort had been expended on the local multiplayer mode, that balloon battle "still stinks," but that the online modes were well-executed, and that overall Mario Kart Wii is "a really solid Mario Kart with a terrific online setup. There's plenty here to make up for the disappointment of local multiplayer, but it does stop short of magnificence."

Eurogamer -- 80%: Meanwhile, it looks like yours truly may have spoken too soon when it comes to the Wii Wheel -- according to Eurogamer, the peripheral is "ergonomically brilliant, satisfyingly solid and adorably chunky." Which is good news, considering the gimped Classic Controller and GameCube pad controls. They seemed to like the rest of the game as well: "Ultimately, the sheer sensory pleasure of playing Mario Kart Wii - from the charming animations, to the bopping tunes, to the sugar-rush boosting, to the exquisite steering - far overcomes the few concerns we have about it. It still has to be docked a mark for the awkward structure and compromised battle modes - but it's still unreservedly recommended to anyone for whom Mario Kart is a gaming cornerstone. And really, that should be everyone."

Nintendo Power -- 90%: Nintendo Power was more effusive in its praise, claiming that: "With more features, modes and multiplayer options than ever before, fans should be revved up to get behind the wheel." [May 2008, p.86 -- excerpt found at Metacritic]

* Also worth noting is Famitsu's 37/40 score, a combination of one ten, and three nines.

JoystiqMetareview: Mario Kart Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>famitsujapanmario-kartmario-kart-wiiracingwii-wheelThu, 03 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A note about control options in Mario Kart Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/a-note-about-control-options-in-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/a-note-about-control-options-in-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/a-note-about-control-options-in-mario-kart-wii/#commentsFiled under:


Click image for hi-res version

For those of you looking for a control scheme in Mario Kart Wii that does not involve a wheel or a Wiimote in any way, know that you won't be given the same love you were in, say, Smash Bros. Brawl. Instead, you're ... wait, what's this? Actually, for Mario Kart Wii, the exact same control schemes available in Super Smash Bros. Brawl are open to gamers for use.

Head past the break for the full breakdown on how you'll be busting tricks and trashing the competition in Mario Kart Wii.

Continue reading A note about control options in Mario Kart Wii

JoystiqA note about control options in Mario Kart Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>control-schemecontrolsmario-kartmario-kart-wiiwheelwii-wheelWed, 02 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Non-Wiimote controls limited for Mario Kart Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/non-wiimote-controls-limited-for-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/non-wiimote-controls-limited-for-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/non-wiimote-controls-limited-for-mario-kart-wii/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click to enlarge

Fans of alternate Wii control schemes were obviously psyched when it was revealed that Mario Kart Wii would support a variety of control methods, including the Wii Classic Controller and Gamecube pad. But those fans might want to scale back their expectations, as an updated game fact sheet (posted on Nintendo's press site) claims that players who don't use the Wii Remote schemes will not be able to perform "certain moves" and "some maneuvers."

What maneuvers exactly? We're not quite sure, but the new mid-air tricks probably aren't among them -- A Link to the Future notes that an IGN preview specifically mentions Classic and Gamecube controller users can hit the d-pad to perform those. We find it hard to imagine that the plethora of joysticks and buttons on the alternate control schemes can't replicate the controls of the somewhat button-free design of the Wii Remote. Could this be an effort to encourage more use of the practically useless 'extremely useful' Wii Wheel? You'll know as soon as we do.

Gallery: Mario Kart Wii

Continue reading Non-Wiimote controls limited for Mario Kart Wii

JoystiqNon-Wiimote controls limited for Mario Kart Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-controllergamecubemario-kartmario-kart-wiiWiiwii-remotewii-wheelwiimoteWed, 02 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Wheel pricing leaked by GameStop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/wii-wheel-pricing-leaked-by-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/wii-wheel-pricing-leaked-by-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/wii-wheel-pricing-leaked-by-gamestop/#commentsFiled under: ,

According to a recent weekly ad from GameStop (pictured above), the Wii Wheel will end up costing $14.99 in the U.S. (Note: Although this price for a standalone Wii Wheel has yet to be confirmed by Nintendo, GameStop tends to be accurate about these things.)

That seems like a lot of money for a plastic shell, don't you think? It's true that the Wii Zapper costs more, but at least that comes with a Link's Crossbow Training pack-in. Plus, we don't think we're being too hypocritical, considering we haven't bough ourselves a Zapper, either.

Mario Kart Wii will come with a Wii Wheel, so if you find the experience of playing with it to be incredibly awesome, you might decide to fork over the extra cash to buy some more. Being the cheapskates we are, though, we'd much rather get used to playing with the Wiimote alone, or just hook-up our GameCube or Classic controllers.

Gallery: Mario Kart Wii


[Via Gizmodo]

JoystiqWii Wheel pricing leaked by GameStop originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopmario-kartmario-kart-wiipricingwii-wheelMon, 31 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Wheel (aka: plastic shell) sold separately for $14.99]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/wii-wheel-aka-plastic-shell-sold-separately-for-14-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/wii-wheel-aka-plastic-shell-sold-separately-for-14-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/wii-wheel-aka-plastic-shell-sold-separately-for-14-99/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you're just sure Nintendo's Wii Wheel peripheral is going to make your Mario Kart Wii game that much better, you may want to nab a second (remember, one comes in the box). Lucky for you, Gamestop is more than happy to take your money well before the game's April 27th release, with their latest circular promoting preorders for the game and - what's this? - a single Wii Wheel sold separately for $14.99.

If you ask us, that's pretty steep when you consider the Wii Wheel is just a plastic shell; you're better off putting that $15 towards a used Gamecube controller which, praise be to Bowser, will work just fine with Mario's latest racing simulator.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqWii Wheel (aka: plastic shell) sold separately for $14.99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mario-KartMario-Kart-WiiWiiWii-WheelSat, 29 Mar 2008 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Kart Wii Japanese intro video excites]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/22/mario-kart-wii-japanese-intro-video-excites/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/22/mario-kart-wii-japanese-intro-video-excites/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/22/mario-kart-wii-japanese-intro-video-excites/#commentsFiled under:


The color is off a little in the above video, but the intro cutscene for Mario Kart Wii in Japan shows off some sweet stuff. We're sure it'll be no different than the intro we get here in the states, but we're glad to have had this early look. The whole "stunting thing" looks a lot more manageable and it appears to actually flow with the game nicely, dashing our fears that our beloved Mario Kart franchise would not be enjoyable on the Wii. Personally, we don't know why we ever had any doubt. It's Nintendo we're talking about, after all!



[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqMario Kart Wii Japanese intro video excites originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-kartmario-kart-wiimariokartwii-wheelSat, 22 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Mario Kart Wii played with and without Wii Wheel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/watch-mario-kart-wii-played-with-and-without-the-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/watch-mario-kart-wii-played-with-and-without-the-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/watch-mario-kart-wii-played-with-and-without-the-wheel/#commentsFiled under: ,

More than a month out from the release of Mario Kart Wii, MTV's Stephen Totilo was allowed to take the game for a (literal) spin, first employing the accompanying wheel accessory and then playing without. You can see the differences between the two with the aid of the above video and the sans wheel clip after the break.

For his part, Totilo seems to be more of a wheelman, but we plan on reserving judgment until we put our own mitts around the attachment. How do you think you'll play?

(P.S. Sorry to our friends in Japan, the U.K. and Canada, as these videos won't load for you.)

Continue reading Watch Mario Kart Wii played with and without Wii Wheel

JoystiqWatch Mario Kart Wii played with and without Wii Wheel originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-kartmario-kart-wiiWiiwii-wheelTue, 18 Mar 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Compare the Wii Wheel vs. the Wiimote in Mario Kart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/compare-the-wii-wheel-vs-the-wiimote-in-mario-kart/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/compare-the-wii-wheel-vs-the-wiimote-in-mario-kart/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/compare-the-wii-wheel-vs-the-wiimote-in-mario-kart/#commentsFiled under: ,


We've seen many videos of Mario Kart, but since Stephen Totilo from MTV Multiplayer was given the opportunity to try out the Wii Wheel, we're reporting his findings to you. In the video above, you can watch Totilo using the Wii Wheel to race, with Melvin Forrest from Nintendo of America talking him through it.

As you can see, you hold the wheel so the the Wiimote is tilted and almost facing you, as opposed to Excite Truck where you hold the Wiimote so that it's facing up. Aside from the steering, the controls also seem pretty intuitive. Essentially, the 2 button accelerates and the 1 button brakes. The D-pad, meanwhile, is for using items -- up will throw the item, down will drop it behind you, and left/right will hold your item near you. The game also makes use of the B button for jumping and power sliding.

It looks like the Wii Wheel and Wiimote controls might take some getting used to, but in our opinion, these control schemes seem like the most fun. Totilo said that he prefers using the Wii Wheel over the Wiimote alone, but he's also self-admittedly not a big Mario Kart aficionado. Of course, if you're set in your ways, you can choose to use a GameCube or Classic Controller instead.

The video above shows Totilo playing the game with the Wii Wheel, but check the break to see him playing with just the Wiimote and no shell to see how the wheel compares.

*Note: Apprently MTV's videos can only be watched by people in the U.S. Sorry, guys!

Gallery: Mario Kart Wii

Continue reading Compare the Wii Wheel vs. the Wiimote in Mario Kart

JoystiqCompare the Wii Wheel vs. the Wiimote in Mario Kart originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onmario-kartracingstephen-totilowii-wheelTue, 18 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Speed Racer and the Wii Wheel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/speed-racer-and-the-wii-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/speed-racer-and-the-wii-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/speed-racer-and-the-wii-wheel/#commentsFiled under: ,

When you think of the Wii Wheel, obviously the first thing that comes to mind is Mario Kart. Whether it's a gimmick peripheral or whether it will actually make the experience more fun will be determined in a month from now. Yet, there are other racing games on the market for the Wii, and some of them will surely utilize the Wii Wheel and take it into consideration during development.

Take, for example, Speed Racer. After Nintendo announced the peripheral at last year's E3, WB Games approached the company so that they could test it out with Speed Racer. In an interview with MTV Multiplayer's Tracey John, Jeff Nachbaur of WB Games stated that it took some tweaking to make sure that players wouldn't oversteer with the wheel. After a lot of testing, though, he says that they've managed to get it just right.

Nachbaur also said that the Wii Wheel doesn't add much of a difference in gameplay, but most testers enjoyed playing the game with the wheel rather than with just the Wiimote alone. So, if you like racing games, you can at least rest assured knowing that the Wii Wheel won't be some peripheral that you chuck away and forget about once your done playing Mario Kart -- assuming, of course, that you'll ever be done playing Mario Kart.

JoystiqSpeed Racer and the Wii Wheel originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jeff-nachbaurmario-kartracingspeed-racerwb-gameswii-wheelThu, 13 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST