Skip to main content

What controllers should I buy for my Wii U?

There are a number of different controls to choose from and on this page we describe their features and differences. Which hand control you need depends on which game you want to play and which game style you like best. On the back of each game box, there are small icons that indicate which controls are compatible.

If you are multiple players, more controls are needed to play together. The controller that is supported by a particular game is shown by the small icons on the back of each game package. Not all players must have the same kind of controller, but it is possible to combine freely between the controllers that a game supports. In addition to the Wii U GamePad, up to four controllers of any type can typically be connected to the Wii U console at the same time.

1. Wii U GamePad

Wii U GamePad is included with the purchase of the Wii U and cannot be purchased separately. It has a touch screen, motion sensors and traditional button controls and two analog joysticks.

The extra screen is perfect for the family where several people have to share the TV, as you can switch from the TV screen to the smaller screen on many games, without having to pause or restart the game.

2. Wii Remote Plus

Wii Remote Plus is a motion-sensitive touch control with touch function that allows you to point directly at the TV screen and select various options. This is used in several ingenious ways. Partly to aim and shoot in certain games, but also to perform various things without having to navigate with the help of forces and analog levers. The vast majority of Wii U games support Wii Remote Plus, which is therefore a safe choice if you are unsure of which extra controller you need.

3. Nunchuk

Nunchuk is an additional control that can only be used with a Wii Remote Plus. It connects to the Wii Remote Plus using a cord and adds additional functionality. Using Nunchuk is usually optional, most games can be played with Wii Remote Plus only, although the experience with Nunchuk included is usually better.

4. Wii U Pro Controller

Wii U Pro Controller is the controller for you who play really demanding games where precision is A and O. The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to play even for longer periods.

5. GameCube Controller with adapter

An excellent choice of controller for anyone who has spent thousands of hours on Super Smash Bros. Melee to Nintendo GameCube and do not want to learn. The controller and adapter currently only work for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U which was released 2014-11-28.

Not everything is controllers

There are several different accessories that can be used with mainly the Wii Remote. These can be, for example, steering wheels, rifles, golf clubs and more. These accessories are not controllers in themselves and therefore never necessary to be able to play a specific game. What they add is more emotion than function. A good example is the Wii U Wheel, which is a plastic steering wheel that you attach your Wii Remote to. The steering wheel is not needed to control the game, but it gives a better feeling.

Upgrade your Wii Remote

The Wii Remote that came with it, and was sold to the previous game console "Wii", works in the same way as the Wii Remote Plus, but does not have the same precision in its motion control. Wii Remote works for those Wii U games that do not require super precision. Exactly what appears on the back of the game box.

There is an accessory called Wii MotionPlus that you can pair with the Wii Remote to turn it into a Wii Remote Plus. Just like with the Wii Remote Plus, you can pair the Wii Remote with a Nunchuk.

HELP, I still do not know what to buy!

If you still find it difficult to decide which controllers to buy, we recommend that you purchase the Wii Remote Plus Additional Set. This set includes a Wii Remote Plus, a Nunchuk and a sensor bar. Sensorbar is an accessory needed for the touch function on the Wii Remote plus to work. It is simply a secure card as Wii Remote Plus can be used in almost all Wii U games.


Nintendo Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, has created franchises that have become household names worldwide, including Mario™, Donkey Kong™, The Legend of Zelda™, Metroid™, Pokémon™, Animal Crossing™, Pikmin™ and Splatoon™, through its integrated hardware and software products.

© Bergsala | Official website for Nintendo in the Nordics