My kids are interested in a video game system (Ages 5 & 7) and it seems like Wii may be the way to go. They have played it at other people's houses and I like the fact that they have to actually stand up and move to play a lot of the games.

My question is whether there is an option to use a more traditional game controller.

Specifically, I used to play Call of Duty on my PC and would love to play some of the other Call of Duty titles. I see that they are available on Wii. But do you have to play it with the gun controller or is there an option to use a more traditional controller like the XBox or Playstation?

I feel kind of funny about running around my TV room pointing a gun at my TV.

You can get Wii gamepads in similar designs to the old SNES and Gamecube controllers, but they don't work with all Wii games. I've got no idea if they would work with CoD either. I do know that both games use the 'nunchuk' accessory (http://www.scarlet.an/store/images/wii_nunchuk.jpg), which I think you still have to buy separately.

As far as I know, Wii doesn't have a gun controller.

There is a main controller for the Wii, which is somewhat like a remote control, but slightly wider and narrower. The other main controller is the nunchuk, as linked above.

Other than this, you can buy pieces of plastic that clip on to the controllers to give you a more authentic experience. For example, in Mario cart, you attach a steering wheel to the controller so that you get a better feeling that you're driving. You can buy a sports pack which has a tennis racket, golf club etc.

My daughter just recently bought the Wii classic controller (http://www.amazon.com/Wii-Classic-Controller-nintendo/dp/B000IN0BSU), which is basically a replica of the classic Super Nintendo Controller. I'm not sure what advantage that offers, but she seemed to think it was important.

We use Wii Fit quite a bit, for which we use the balance board, and we also use Outdoor Adventure, which comes with its own stomp mat. I'm hoping that a few more games will integrate these controllers, because they add a lot more fun to the game.

As well, Wii has just come out with the Wii MotionPlus, which senses not only up and down movements but various tilts. I believe it only works with Wii Sports Resort right now, but I believe there are plans to build other games around it.

Wii does have a gun controller. It's also used for archery type games. I've read that people are frustrated with the gun controller and how it works. I'm interested in finding out if I can use traditional controls. I just haven't seen anything yet one way or the other.

Shooters on the Wii are pretty weak. There are a couple of more adult light gun games, but as far as shooters they are limited and the controllers aren't really designed well for that style of play.

I think from reviews, The Conduit is probably the best FPS on the Wii. Stuff like Ghostbusters might be OK, too.

If you want to play shooters, I'd recommend looking elsewhere where controllers are designed with two analog sticks. The Wii's strengths are in other areas.

You can also use GameCube controllers on the Wii.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CdKCZnG3L._SS400_.jpg

They plug into the top. Not sure if that helps any...


A gun attachment comes with Link's Crossbow Training game

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31fnQ%2Bt%2BG9L._SS400_.jpg

I like the game personally but I haven't played it in a while. I also use the Wii Zapper on House of the Dead. I bought the NYKO rechargable batteries for my Wii but I noticed that the grey grip strips on the battery cover make it harder to fit the Wii-mote into the zapper. I also have a NYKO Perfect Shot gun adapter and I still have the same problem.

Does anyone have the Nerf gun controller for the Wii?

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ya0Z8m9TL._SS400_.jpg

Most wii games are targeted at kids. I would probably not get mult-platform games on this system since they are usually better on the other consoles. Heck, I'm not even going to bother getting the Beatles Rockband for it, I'm going with the PS3 for that.

The REAL good games on the Wii are very few. Punchout, Zelda, pretty much any Mario game, Super Smash Bros Brawl, the Wii sport games are pretty entertaining but there isn't much depth to them, and Metroid is coming out soon.