Charge Station
Score: 98% Developer: Nyko Device Type: Power
Function: The Wii remote Charge Station acts as both a cradle to hold two Wii-motes, and as you would expect, an area to charge the two NiMH batteries that you put into the remote to replace the AA batteries you had been previously using. Each of the cradle slots have a light in the front. If the light is blue, that means the remote above it is currently charging, but if it is green, that means the charge is complete. The cradles themselves are a sleek white color to match your Wii, but the six feet of power cables means it can be pretty much anywhere you want it to be. In order to expose the charge contacts for the new batteries, the Charge Station also comes with replacement battery covers. Not only do these covers have little holes in them for the charging to occur, but they also have a gray rubber grip that makes them less likely to slip from your hands. Definitely a plus for any system that has you waving your controller about as much as you will with the Wii.
Performance: The Charge Station seems to do everything it needs to. I found the rechargeable batteries last many, many hours and I'm always surprised when the Wii-mote goes out because when the power finally dies, I just can't seem to remember how long ago or how many hours of gameplay I put into that particular charge. On the flip side, the remotes charge back up in only a couple of hours and if you are like me and find a dead remote to be the end of your night's Wii-gaming, then when you wake up the next morning, your controllers will be completely recharged. If on the other hand, you have two remotes, then most likely you will be able to pick up the second controller when the first one dies and keep playing while your first remote recharges. I have to say, based on the basic functions the Charge Station was designed for, the setup does everything it needs to.
Features: Charge 2 Wii Remotes at the Same Time LED Charge Indicator Lights Charge One Remote While You Use the Other Includes 2 NiMH Rechargeable Battery Packs 6 Foot Power Cable Allows Device to be Placed in Entertainment Center, or Table Top Includes 2 Rubberized Battery Covers for Superior Grip and Gaming Performance
Drawbacks & Problems:: I have to say, I am pretty hard pressed to find aspects of the Charge Station that I find lacking. In fact, based on what the accessory needs to do, there aren't any problems. The only real enhancement I would request would be a place for my Nunchucks and maybe a better way to place the wrist straps that come from the remote. Currently those straps sort of fold under or to one side and cause you to have to rock the controller a little in its cradle in order to get the charge lights to come on and let you know the Wii-mote is properly positioned. Anyone who has a Wii should definitely look into this product. It is a great investment, especially if you've already had to replace your controller's batteries a couple of times, or find yourself fumbling in a drawer looking for new batteries while your game sits there paused and unable to save your game - always aggravating.
-J.R. Nip, GameVortex Communications AKA Chris Meyer
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