When we hear the word nunchucks or nunchaku, some think of the Martial Arts weapon.  In fact, the dictionary defines the nunchuck as... nun·cha·ku  - noun.  A pair of hardwood sticks joined by a chain or cord and used as a weapon.

Nintendo was pretty darn smart when it came time to design a console gaming platform.  They wanted to be different than the other consoles.  While they don't quite stack up to the others on a graphics level, they excel in physical game play - that appeals mostly to younger gamers.  They got Wii gamers up off their collective butts and made game play (on most games) a physical interaction rather than just sitting there pushing buttons.

Basically, this Nunchuk plugs into the bottom port of any Wii-Mote controller via a cord.  Yes, there are after market cordless versions available.  Once plugged in, the Nunchuk adds interaction with your other hand - usually your left.  For instance, in the Wii Sports boxing game, you'll be thrusting your hands at the screen to box a large punching bag.  The Nunchuk represents your left hand.  Holding both the Wii-mote and the Nunchuk to one side leans your character to one side or another to dodge a punch.

In Wii Sports Resort, the nunchuk is held in your right hand (if you're right handed - and yes you can use it left-handed) and acts as the hand that draws and holds the bow string.  When the "Z" button of the Nunchuk is released, so is your on-screen arrow.  Brilliant!

In Super Mario Galaxy, the Nunchuk is used for spinning, moving your Mario character (with the joystick) and other moves as your trek through a colorful world of a hefty plumber.

Other than shaking or punching, the Nunchuk also has a mini joystick on the top so that character movement can be replicated.  I find using my left thumb is a bit anxious because it may not be the most accurate way of moving a character.  In some shooter games, the Nunchuk's  joystick is used for targeting your enemies.  There are also two buttons located on the front of the Nunchuk - the "Z" and "C" buttons control different things for different games.

I like how well-contoured the Nunchuk is and how it fits so well in the palm of my hand.

Since the Nintendo Wii comes with one Wii-Mote and one Nunchuk, I strongly recommend buy one more of each if you ever play with or against someone else.  If you're a hermit gamer, you probably won't need them though.  Keep in mind that some games will not allow you to play them unless you have a Wii-Mote AND a nunchuk plugged into it.  The Wii knows!  This is another reason to have two (or more) nunchuks on hand.

Wired vs. Wireless:  Sometimes, while playing games that involve the Nunchuk, the Nunchuk's cord can get caught up on your knee, your elbow, your other controller... so if this happens to you a little bit too often, I'd recommend buying a cordless Nunchuk.  But that involves more batteries and more adapters.

Colors?  The factory Wii controllers have always been available in white only.  Recently, Nintendo has released black versions of their controllers for some odd reason. Also, there are after market companies that make colorful gel covers for the Wii controllers in a myriad of colors and styles.  Just do a search on eBay and enlighten yourself.

Since the factory Nunchuk is white, I recommend having a container of wipes handy because not only will these white controllers show dirt, in a time of power flu strains, you'll want to keep your kids, yourself and everyone else safe from these contagions.

I give this Nunchuk a solid 4.75 stars - points off because the cord can get in the way at times.

Happy Gaming.


Please check out my other Wii-related reviews:

Nintendo Wii Console System

GAMES:

Wii Fit

Wii Sports

Super Mario Galaxy

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Pinball Hall of Fame for Wii

Showtime Championshop Boxing

Wii Sports Resort

Game Party

Jeep Thrills


ACCESSORIES:

Nintendo Wii-Mote

Racing Wheel for Wii

Generic Wii Fit Balance Board Rechargeable Battery Pack

Silicone Cover for Wii Balance Board

Recommended: Yes