How to Get Linux to Recognize a Wiimote

Install CWiiD to use your Wiimote with Linux.

Designed for use with the Wii Console, the Wii Remote, also known as the Wiimote, is an advanced controller with motion sensing ability and gesture recognition. Although available at low prices, the Wiimote contains an accelerator, optical sensor and other complex electronics. This combination has brought it to the attention of hardware hackers, who have developed libraries to use the Wiimote with other devices and operating systems, such as Linux. A Bluetooth adapter is all you need to control your computer, or turn it into a digital whiteboard or similar tool using the Wiimote.

Instructions

Install Bluetooth

1. Purchase a Bluetooth adapter if you're using a computer that doesn't have a built-in Bluetooth module. These small adapters are available at a low cost and plug into a USB port, adding Bluetooth functionality to your computer.

2. Open a terminal window on the Linux computer. At the terminal prompt, type:

   sudo apt-get install bluez python-gobject python-dbus

   This installs the BlueZ Bluetooth drivers, and the Python modules required to run the BlueZ examples.

3. Plug in the Bluetooth adapter, and type the following at the terminal prompt:

   hcitool dev

   You will see the hci device identifier for the Bluetooth adapter displayed, along with its MAC address, confirming the device is working.

Install CWiiD

1. At the terminal prompt, type:

   sudo apt-get install libcwiid1 lswm wmgui wminput

   This installs the CWiiD library and driver, which allows Linux to recognize the Wiimote.

2. Type the following at the terminal prompt to start the Wiimote discovery process:

   wminput

   Press buttons 1 and 2 on your Wiimote to put the controller into discovery mode, indicated by the blinking blue LED’s. This will set up the Wiimote to act as a mouse.

3. Type:

   wmgui

   This opens a graphical display demonstrating all of the available data that Linux can read from the Wiimote, enabling you to test interaction with the controller.

Tips & Warnings

• If wminput does not find the Wiimote initially, type the command again while the blue LEDs are blinking on the Wiimote.

References

• Matt Cutts: Talking To A Wiimote In Ubuntu 8.10; Matt Cutts; January 2009
• Linux Journal: Hack And Root Wiimote Control; Karl Rankin; August 2008
• Ubuntu Documentation: CWiiD - Community Ubuntu Documentation
• Ubuntu Documentation: Bluetooth Setup

Resources

• CWiiD
• Ubuntu Geek; Wiican - Easy Wii Remote Control on Ubuntu Linux; December 2009
• The New York Times; Gadgetwise Blog; Hidden Secrets of Your Wii Remote; Warren Buckleitner; May 2009