Nyko Reveals The Wand Controller for Wii, Announces Other Accessories at CES

A commonplace sight which has long been absent from shelves of Wii accessories will finally appear as the console begins its third year, as Nyko introduces its own third-party Wii remote, dubbed “The Wand.”

Debuting at CES ’09, The Wand is an… interesting looking alternative to the Wii remote whose function is clearly obvious, yet won’t be mistaken for the original. Features include the ability to replicate vibration feedback electrically, as well as to communicate with attached devices.

Also: Lots of candy-colored square buttons. Anyone else craving a Jolly Rancher?

The technology utilized by The Wand is called “Trans-Port” tech; the regular Wii remote uses mechanical triggers to interface with other accessories, preventing them from vibrating. The Wand, however, is capable of carrying over electrical signals, and in the case of the pistol grip seen above, it is capable of using those signals to replicate the key action buttons of the remote.

If I’m understanding that correctly, pulling the trigger would contact The Wand remotely, telling it what to press, rather than relying on springs and such things as the Zapper or Perfect Shot do.

The Wand is due in April, and you can see more pictures at Kotaku. The full press release is as follows:

CES 2009: Nyko Technologies Unveils Full CES Product Lineup

The Wand, Charge Station EX and Kama Charge Kit Make Their Debut

LOS ANGELES – Jan. 8, 2009

The premier videogame accessories manufacturer, Nyko Technologies®, today debuted its full lineup of new products at the Consumer Electronics Show 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to the previously announced Metal Pedal™ and Charge Station™ Quad, the following lineup of brand new videogame accessories for the Nintendo® Wii™ will be on display for an exclusive hands-on demo:

The Wandâ„¢

The Nyko Wand is the world’s most advanced alternative to the Wii Remoteâ„¢ and has been designed from the ground up for superior functionality, comfort, and value. The new controller maintains all of the control functions Wii gamers expect with full motion-sensing capability, pointer functionality, vibration feedback, and a built-in speaker, while offering a variety of new features.

The Wand contains Nyko’s all-new Trans-Portâ„¢ technology, which enables control and vibration feedback to be electrically replicated on a compatible attachment accessory, providing for faster and more accurate input response. Current attachments made for the Wii Remote can only access buttons through use of mechanical triggers and provide no vibration feedback. One of the many potential uses of Trans-Port technology is a pistol grip that connects to the Wand and electrically replicates key action buttons, providing controls not currently accessible with attachments for the Wii Remote. In addition, enlarged 1 and 2 buttons make the Wand an exceptional choice for classic gaming control when turned sideways, complete with Nyko’s signature rubberized battery cover to ensure maximum comfort and grip.

The Wand will be available at select retail stores nationwide in April, 2009.

Charge Stationâ„¢ EX

The Charge Station EX is the latest iteration of North America’s best-selling third party videogame accessory, the Charge Stationâ„¢ for Wii. Also a 2-port Wii Remote charging and storage solution, the Charge Station EX adds LED battery level indicators to the front of the device and a new sleek look. Now users will be able to determine not only when a controller is charging but also the charge level of the battery based on the LED indicators.

The Charge Stationâ„¢ EX will be available at stores nationwide in April, 2009 and will retail for an MSRP of $34.99.

Kama Charge Kitâ„¢

The Kama Charge Kit is an all-in-one charging solution for the Wii. The device simultaneously stores and charges both the Wii Remoteâ„¢ and the Kama controllers in one convenient unit. Included with the Kama Charge Kit is a Kama Wireless Controller, a rechargeable battery pack, and a rubberized battery cover for both the Wii Remote and Kama controllers to allow for seamless drop-in charging.

The Kama Charge Kit will be available at stores nationwide in April, 2009.

For those who are attending CES and would like to personally visit with Nyko for a hands-on demo of the new accessories in their hospitality suite, please contact Quinn Wageman at the following email address to schedule an appointment: [email protected]

For more information on these and other Nyko products, please visit: www.nyko.com.