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Wireless controllers offer a freedom simply not possible when shackled to the console with a cable. They are, quite rightly, now the norm in the video game world but this new wireless age brings a new problem: batteries.
Sony’s Sixaxis controller features a built-in rechargeable battery that can be juiced up simply by connecting it to the console with a USB cable; Microsoft’s Wireless Xbox 360 controller supports an optional Play & Charge kit; and the Wii Remote has… erm… a new pack of AA batteries.
Strangely Nintendo has chosen not to release any official peripheral to incorporate rechargeable batteries into the Wii Remote. Step in JOYTECH with their Power Station, a simple alternative to your standard rechargeable batteries.
Retailing at £24.99 the Power Station is pretty self explanatory. It comprises of a base unit (room for two Wii Remotes) and two Remote back covers that also house rechargeable battery packs. Set up is straightforward, simply requiring the base unit to connect up to the Wii power socket using a pass through cable and the standard Remote covers to be replaced with the battery-equipped versions.
Charging your Remotes is now a simple task of docking them on the base unit, with exposed contacts on the back of the cover meaning the batteries can charge while still installed in the Remote. When charging a light (one for reach remote) on the Power Station glows red and changes to green when the batteries are fully charged. It’s also worth noting that the Power Station is fully operational even when the Wii is turned off (on the red and orange light).
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Charge time is approximately four hours and you can expect around eight hours play time, although this will depend very much on which games you play. If you’re a loan gamer then you could also charge up two battery packs (one at a time) giving you twice the play time. That said, the four hour charge time is a little longer than we would have wished, especially given the existence of sub 20-minute battery chargers.
Besides the charge time, the Power Station’s only other fault is the inability to re-sync the Remote when the new rechargeable batteries are installed. Because the sync button can only be accessed by removing the Remote cover, thus removing the battery pack, you’ll need to take a pair of standard AAs with you if you’re taking your Remote to a mate’s house.
The positives far outweigh the few minor niggles though. Ease of use is second to none and in the long term the rechargeable batteries will more than earn their money back. If you’re looking for a solution to your Wii battery problems, JOYTECH’s Power Station is just the ticket.
