bit-tech Shopping: Nyko Charge Station (Wii)

Rating: 8

Time with product: 5 Months

Strengths: Keeps the controllers charged upBetter than other battery solutions or disposable batteries.

Weaknesses: Minor problem with contact but was fixed by vendor

Summary: This worked great for a few months and then I had a problem with one of the controller's batteries. It wouldn't charge up or stay lit up when on the charger. I called the company, they took the item back no questions asked (the battery that is) and sent out another replacement very quickly. I was impressed that the turn around time to get a replacement battery was so short.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2

Strengths: Can charge two remotes at once; form factor; works with guitar hero 3 controller

Weaknesses: Requires another wall outlet

Summary: This thing is great simply because it can charge two Wii remotes simultaneously. Also, the battery cover has a nice form factor--it really doesn't add much thickness over the standard Wii battery cover. I like that the remote still fits in the Guitar Hero 3 guitar controller. The only drawback is that it requires another outlet--it would have been nice if it would have plugged into the Wii via USB or some other way. Also, I've heard that some Wii Remote Jackets won't work with these Nyko battery covers.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1

Strengths: Saves batteries for your power hungry Wiimotes, matches styling of Wii, grippy cover great for gameplay.

Weaknesses: Doesn't work with skins, the presence of the Wiimote strap can make contact with terminals a little tricky.

Summary: If you've got a Wii, you need to get some form of rechargeable batteries for your Wiimotes. What's nice about this option over standard rechargable AA batteries is that you don't have to remove the battery pack from your Wiimote when you are ready to charge. The holder provides a convenient place to store your Wiimotes after you are done playing, and charge light lets you know when the battery is fully charged. The grippy rubber backing of the battery cover is very nice -- the stand comes with two batteries and two covers that are grey. You can buy additional batteries for your other Wiimotes - these come in a variety of colors (See Nyko website for colors available). The strap on the Wiimote needs to be fussed with a little to get the Wiimote to sit straight in the charger and allow it to make contact with the charging terminals. It sounds worse than it is. I like this model better than the Joytech Power Station for a couple reasons: 1. The Joytech model has a special power plug that connects to your Wii, meaning you have to keep the charge station near your Wii. The Nyko charger plugs into any AC outlet. 2. The battery for the Nyko charger is separate from the cover. The Joytech charger has the battery integrated with the cover, meaning you have to sync your remote (for new remotes) to the Wii with regular batteries before switching to the rechargeable Joytech battery pack.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1

Strengths: Matches the look of the wii console perfectly. No more buying batteries.

Weaknesses: Only weakness I can think of is that it doesn't work with any of the skins.

Summary: I purchased the Nyko Charge Station because I was tired of going through batteries so quickly. As many of you know, the wiimote has a tendency to eat up batteries.I chose the Nyko, because I liked the way it matched the wii console. It's also great that it comes with an ac adapter, so I can place it anywhere to charge.I have read reviews that said people were having a hard time placing the wiimote on the charging station, and not having the contacts touch. Personally, I have NEVER had this problem. I just put the wiimotes on the station, and it charges the first time, every time.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2

Strengths: -long lasting -better grip -convenient

Weaknesses: -hard to make contact -only holds two

Summary: The Wii charger is awesome. Its a life saver! Much cheaper than using AA batteries, and it lasts for a long time. When you aren't playing, just pop it back in the charge unit and come back and play more! i give it a 4.5/5 stars!