How to Turn Your Computer into a Wii

So you've bought a Wii, played it and come to love the unique motion control of the Wiimote. But back at your computer you are stuck with the same boring old mouse. What if you could control applications and games on your Mac with your Wiimote just like when using your Wii? Read on for how to give your computer the same motion control abilities as your Wii.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wiimote
• Bluetooth adapter
• Mac running OS X version 10.4 or newer

1. Ensure that you have bluetooth hardware so that your computer and the Wiimote can communicate. If you have the bluetooth adapter that Apple installed you're already set and can move on to the next step. If not you'll need to have a bluetooth adapter installed at your local computer store or purchase a bluetooth adapter that can be used in an open USB port.

2. Install an application called DarwiinRemote. It is an open source application and can be downloaded from the project homepage. The link for the project is in Resource below. Install DarwiinRemote in your preferred location. Check to make sure that your bluetooth adapter is turned on and start the application.

3. To connect the Wiimote to the application click "Find Wiimote" in the lower right-hand corner of the application window. Now press the "1" and "2" buttons of the Wiimote simultaneously. The Wiimote should now be connected to the application and your computer. As you move the Wiimote in your hand you will see lines appear in the DarwiinRemote window, these are related to your hand movements. If the Wiimote did not connect you will not see these. Repeat this step again if the Wiimote fails to connect.

4. Know that there is one final step before you can use the Wiimote as an alternative to your mouse. At the bottom of the DarwiinRemote window is a dropdown box, select "Mouse Mode (Motion)", the Wiimote will now act as a motion sensitive mouse. The cursor will move based upon how you move the Wiimote and the buttons will allow you to click, select and scroll within applications just like you would with a mouse.

Tips & Warnings

• The full list of buttons and functions available within DarwiinRemote is listed on the project website, there is a link to the project below.
• The DarwiinRemote software is not finished or even stable software, and may cause unexpected problems with your computer.
• Due to how some applications handle mouse support, some applications may work better than others with this setup.

Resources

• Homepage of the DarwiinRemote project
• Instructions and Reference for DarwiinRemote