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I've been thinking about getting a Wiimote charge station,
as a solution that's better for both my wallet and the environment...
but which gets the most bang for your buck?
Or should we just be waiting for the rumored Wiimote update,
as ManaBurnX reported about here.

I couldn't find many other threads on the different Wiimote chargers,
and I've been researching the subject, so I figured I'd compile what I know about
all of them for comparison's sake.
Hopefully this will help others figure out which product is best for them.
If anyone knows of any other charger, feel free to add a profile of the product,
or if anyone has any of these products please share your experience with them!



Nyko Charge Station

Package includes:
- dual dock charge station
- 6 foot cord plugs into wall outlet
- 2 NiMH rechargeable batteries
- 2 battery covers w/ holes for battery contacts and rubberized grip (grey)

Features:
- recharges in 8 hours
- charge lasts "25 hours", equal or lesser than standard AAs
- charges two wiimotes simultaneously
- indicator lights blue = charging, green = charged
- allows room for straps via groove on either side of dock
- white/grey color
- available by the end of Q1 or March 15th
- $29.99

Pros/Cons
+Charges two at once
+Added grip
+Streamlined look
+Average size
-Need custom batteries & covers
-Another thing to add to power strip
-Not sure if is available internationally,
especially considering it plugs into the wall

Manufacturer's website:
http://www.nyko.com/nyko/products/?i=102
IGN review (9.0 overall):
http://gear.ign.com/articles/764/764273p1.html



Penguin Wii Remote Charging Dock

Package includes:
- single dock charge station
- 1 rechargable lithium ion battery
- 1 battery cover with hole for battery contact
- USB connection cable

Features:
- single wiimote charge dock
- charge lasts "38 hours"
- draws power from Wii via USB cord
- white color
- available: now - website, April - stores
- retail $29.99 Penguin website $19.99

Pros/Cons
+long battery life
+Plugs right into Wii, doesn't take up power strip space
+super small, takes up less space, even if have multiple units
-only one charge dock
-custom battery and covers

Manufacturer's website:
http://www.penguinunited.com/proddetail.php?prod=PU_011
IGN preview:
http://gear.ign.com/articles/770/770861p1.html
N+ review:
http://my.opera.com/Nplus/blog/penguin-u...rging-dock



Thrustmaster T-Charge

Two different package options available:
T-Charge NW:
Package Includes:
- set of silicone controller covers one for wiimote and one for nunchuck
- 4 standard NiMH rechargeable AA batteries
- dock with integrated charger with USB port/cord???

Features:
- AA batteries can be charged two at a time in a seperate compartment,
not whilst still in Wiimote
- stand fits one wiimote, storage compartment for nunchuck
- connects to Wii via USB for easy charging
- LED indicator light
- padded covers allow for easy access to buttons, shock resistant, and added grip
- black color
- Available in April
- $24.99

T-Charge +NW:
** The +NW has all the same features, but also includes
an additional storage dock and protective covers (in white color).
So you get one unit that charges batteries, and one that is solely a storage unit.
- $34.99

Pros/Cons
+Available in numerous different countries
+Uses standard NiHM AA rechargeable batteries, therefore easy to replace, and...
+...you could charge battery sets for all four wiimotes with one dock, but..
-...only one set at a time.
+/- Looks a little strange,
but apparently is supposed to sit nicely next to Wii, as it shares its shape
-Batteries do not charged whilst housed within wiimote,
adding time between you and immediate gaming

Manufacturer's website:
http://www.thrustmaster.com/News.aspx?Ac...lectionnee
or
http://www.thrustmaster.com/default.aspx
(make sure to choose your language at top, Wii accessories at bottom left)
IGN Preview:
http://gear.ign.com/articles/768/768353p1.html
Review:
Only one i could find was in German, but here it is if you can read it.
http://www.benintendo.be/2007/03/02/revi...cessoires/



Brando Wii Rechargeable Battery & Charger Stand

Package Includes:
- single wiimote charging station/dock
- custom rechargeable battery integrated into battery cover

Features:
- charges via USB cord that plugs directly into Wii
- wiimote dock unit also has a space to cradle a nunchuck
- LED indicator light red=charging, green=charged
- white color
- Available: now
- $17.00

Pros/Cons
+Cheapest
+USB charging
-Cheapest
-Multiple charging units could take up a lot of space

Manufacturer's Website:
http://videogame.brando.com.hk/prod_deta...d_id=00447
IGN Preview:
http://gear.ign.com/articles/772/772303p1.html
Review:
no review found



Joytech Power Station

Package Includes:
- dual dock charge station
- 2 rechargeable battery packs
- 2 custom battery covers with holes for battery contacts

Features:
- Charges two wiimotes simultaneously
- USB cord plugs into Wii for charge
- LED indicator lights red=charging, green=charged
- Two sets of antennae on either side of the dock allow a resting place for
nunchucks, or can be retracted when not in use
- white/grey color
- Available: ?? was supposed to come out Jan in the US...
but appears to be out at least in the UK
- $39 or 30 Euro or £19.99

Pros/Cons:
+Available Internationally (unconfirmed)
+Best looking of the bunch with its sleek curves
and face that is flush with front of wiimote
-Details have been scarce since it was previewed back in December,
unsure if it is actually available stateside

Manufacturer's Website:
http://www.joytech.net/5/products/wii/12...tation.htm
or in UK
http://www.joytech.net/1/products/wii/12...tation.htm
Joystiq Preview:
http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/19/rechar...k-in-2007/
Review:
Could only find Amazon reviews from UK
http://astore.amazon.co.uk/ragesreviews-...B000L3DFS0


So if anyone has any additional information about or personal experience
with any of these, any other products, or any opinions, fire away.

I have the Nyko and i love it, it is the only one available at the stores in my area though but i would recomend it. if you do get one, make sure it's a double dock and not a single dock since you charge two at once.

I would get the Brando one, mostly because it is cheapest. Unless you have more than 1 wiimote, then just go ahead with the Nyko one

I like the Nyko and the Joytech ones. Hmmm well the Joytech looks the best but it isnt known where and when it is available for sure. But it does have the nicest look and easy to dock so ill say Joytech ftw.

wow. I didn't realise there were so many different Wii remote charging alternatives.

Same here. Some I've never seen before but they look interesting. I'll stick with my rechargeable batteries to keep spare though. Guess it depends on how many Wiimotes you have to know which one you should get.

Good to hear the Nyko one works well. I was considering it, and I really like the Joytech one too. It's hard to decide when you've never had any experience with any of the brands. Whenever it's early in a console's life, I feel like there are a lot of subpar products released that companies make just to get something out there people need, regardless of how well made they are. So I've been a bit skeptical.

And I now have three wiimotes.. so simple rechargeable batteries would be a good solution as well...

But if Nintendo is going to release their own rechargeable Wiimotes, that would be the solution I would prefer, less mess, more reliable...

I dunno hopefully more people can weigh in on what devices they may use.

But so far Nyko gets one point!