How to Use the Wii-mote

In the most recent generation of video games, Sony and Microsoft poured all of their efforts into creating the highest quality gaming graphics to date. While Nintendo created better quality graphics for the its latest system, the Wii, the company focused on an entirely new game interface by using the Wii-mote to increase game interactivity. When you use the Wii-mote, the motion you apply to the controller creates your responses to the game play on the screen. Perhaps the most impressive part of the Wii system is how intuitive the Wii-mote is to use.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the buttons on the Wii-mote before you use it. The top of the remote features the power button in the upper left-hand corner, with the familiar power icon on it. Under the power button is the d-pad, which looks like a plus sign. The largest button on the top of the Wii-mote is the "A" button. The "A" button is one of the most frequently used buttons. The three buttons below the "A" button are the minus, home and plus buttons, from left to right, all of which have easily recognizable icons. Next, you find the "1" and "2" buttons toward the bottom of the controller. Turn the controller over to find the "B" button near the top of the controller and the battery compartment next to the "B" button.

2. Attach the gray wrist strap to the controller. A hole is placed on the bottom and rear of the controller, below the battery compartment. Slip the thin portion of the strap through the hole, and then feed the thick part of the strap through the loop at the end of the thin part of the strap. Pull on the thick part of the strap to secure the wrist strap in place.

3. Slide your hand through the wrist strap on the Wii-mote, and use the plastic slider on the strap to tighten it. The wrist strap should be tight enough that your hand can't go through the strap.

4. Lay the Wii-mote in your hand with the "A" button and other buttons facing up and the "B" button facing down. Find a comfortable position for the controller so you can access the "A" button with your thumb and the "B" button on the bottom of the controller with your forefinger or middle finger. Most people lay the controllers along their forefingers at the front, with the backs of the controllers gripped with pinky and ring fingers.

5. Press the power button with your thumb to turn on the Wii system.

6. Point the front of the Wii-mote at the television screen. You can also think in terms of pointing your thumb at the screen, because the infrared signal emits from just below your thumb on the front of the controller. When the Wii-mote points at the screen, a hand appears.

7. Move the hand around on the screen by pointing the end of the controller at different parts of it. When the hand is over an area of the game system you want access to, press the "A" button with your thumb. For example, to start the Wii Sports game, move the hand to the upper-left corner of the screen and press the "A" button on the box showing a picture of the game.

8. Follow the instructions on the screen to see which button you need to push to access the game. Some games require you to press the "A" button, the "+" button or "A" and "B" buttons at the same time. If you have to choose options for your game, simply point at the screen to move the cursor and press "A" to make your selections like you did on the main menu.

9. Move the remote in the appropriate manner for the game you play. For example, in the Wii Sports game of tennis, you actually hold the Wii-mote like you would a tennis racket and swing the "racket" when the ball gets close to your player. In golf, baseball and bowling, you move the Wii-mote as if it is an actual golf club, bat/ball or bowling ball, respectively. You may have to press a certain button along with the motion of the controller for some games.

Tips & Warnings

• If you bought your Wii prior to October, 2007, when Nintendo began offering Wii-mote sleeves, you can obtain a free one from the Nintendo website (see Resources below). All you need is the serial number on your console, and you can order up to four sleeves.
• Some people have thrown their Wii-motes across the room during a heated game. You need to use the wrist strap when you play an active Wii game to keep your Wii-mote, television and favorite vase safe.