As well as being a fun and accessible console system, the Wii has racked up quite a collection of games over its lifespan and now, thanks to the wonders of emulation and Dolphin, you can enjoy Wii games, Wiiware, Wii Channels, Virtual Console and Gamecube releases in glorious HD on your Windows or Mac computer. You can even connect multiple Wiimotes and a sensor bar for the full Wii experience, with visuals you never thought possible.

Note: Despite the fact that Dolphin works on the PC & Mac, this walkthrough has been completed using the Windows version and thus contains some advice not applicable to Mac users.

Download & Install

You can download the latest version of Dolphin from the downloads page on the official site. The official system requirements are quite vague, though you’ll need a fast processor that supports SSE2 (the more cores the better) and a graphics card that supports Pixel Shader 2.0 or better.

There are two versions for Windows – 32bit and 64bit (if you’re not sure right click Computer in your Windows menu and choose Properties) – and a single Mac OS X install. The version I downloaded for Windows was packed with 7zip, though there are a host of archive managers that will extract the files.

Once the archive has downloaded, extract it to a location of your choice, and remember where you put it. After extraction you will be able to run Dolphin by double clicking Dolphin.exe. I’d recommend testing it straight away, as you might receive a nasty error or two.

On Windows one of these errors (VCOMP100.DLL not found) is caused by a missing Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package. 32bit users can download this here, and 64bit users here. You will also need the DirectX 9 End-User Runtime if you haven’t already got it. By the time you have downloaded and installed these dependencies, you should be able to launch Dolphin.exe.

Connect Wiimotes

Next you’ll want to connect your Wiimotes so that you can actually play using a real controller. There are other options, though you can’t beat the real thing and this is what we’ll be focusing on here. If you want to use the pointer then you’re going to need to buy a wireless infrared sensor bar and set that up on top or below your monitor, though you won’t need one for every game.

Before attempting to connect your controller make sure Bluetooth is set up on your machine, either via an internal chip or external dongle. On Windows, Wiimotes are connected by right clicking your Bluetooth icon in the system tray and choosing Add a Device. When the dialogue loads, hold the 1 and 2 buttons down on your Wiimote until the LEDs begin rapidly flashing.

Your PC should have detected the Wiimote as Nintendo RVL-CNT-01, select it and choose Pair Without a Code. You won’t need to install drivers or anything – your Wiimote is now Windows ready (you’ll need to pair it with your Wii to use your console again, if you have one).

Next go back to Dolphin and click on the Wiimotes button. Hit refresh and your Wiimote should buzz and assign itself a number denoting that it’s been found. Well done, you can now use your Wiimote with Dolphin. If you want multiple controllers then simply repeat the process.

Playing Games

The exciting bit! Dolphin gives you the option of launching games via your optical drive from original game discs, and from disc image files of games. As always, I must mention that downloading games you do not legally own is against the law. Then again there’s very little wrong with creating backups from your own discs or supplementing your physical copy with a downloaded image someone has already created.

With your Wii game or disc image to hand, launch either by clicking File then Boot From DVD Drive or by clicking Open and choosing a Wii game image on your hard drive. When you’ve made your selection the game will launch, probably windowed if you’ve yet to alter display settings.

You might find that the game you launched is either too slow, too fast or glitchy. Don’t worry, tweaking Dolphin so that it’s perfectly set up isn’t too hard with the performance guide on the official site. This will also give you a few tips about playing games in HD, which basically entails turning the resolution up (if you hadn’t worked it out already).

Naturally, if your PC didn’t handle the standard resolution very well then you’re not going to have very much joy at higher resolutions.

Conclusion

That’s pretty much it! You can find lists of compatible games on the official wiki, which should help guide you in the right direction. I tried New Super Mario Bros, A Boy and His Blob and Muramasa The Demon Blade on my aging Core2Duo with an 8400m. Initially the first two were not operating at full speed, with Demon Blade averaging 70% speed. After a quick performance tweak they’re all up to playable speed, so I’d better stop writing this article and get gaming…

Did you enjoy this how to? Have you tried it yourself? Do you use Wiimotes on your PC for other tasks? Let us know in the comments below.

Disappointed with the usefulness of Wii’s free browser? That makes sense. Some major sites like Hulu don’t work on it, and there’s no HTML5 integration to speak of. An update is in order, I think. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t find any free Wii internet games.

While the quality of the games out there is certainly inconsistent, it’s still fun to see the creativity people put into such games. Besides, with the Wii browser being a free download, there’s no real reason to not try a few free games out. These games make use of the Wii’s motion control, either by design or by virtue of being mouse-driven. Some can even be controlled with the Wii’s buttons, which can make for great gaming experiences.

You’ll need to connect your Wii to the Internet before you can play any of these games of course, but don’t worry: it’s easy and free, provided you have WiFi at home.

Wiicade

Probably the best-known repository of Wii-compatible games on the Internet, WiiCade is a great place to start in your quest for free Wii internet games. You’ll find hundreds of games, though the quality of course is varied.

One nice thing about this site though, is that a ratings system makes it easy to sort the wheat and the chaff. If you’re looking for a good game to start with, I highly recommend Bubble Shooter.

It’s kind of like Frozen Bubble, but with your WiiMote.

Wiiplayable

Another site dedicated completely to Wii games, WiiPlayable is certainly worth bookmarking on your Wii. You’ll find an assortment of games, arranged by category. There’s a lot to discover here, so check it out.

There’s a lot to discover here, but for nostalgic reasons you really should check out Duckhunter for Wii.

This game is shockingly close to the real thing, although sped up to account for the ability to see where your cursor is. Nothing of course will be as fun as the original light gun, but seeing as it doesn’t work with modern TVs this may be the closest you can find.

Videlectrix

If you’re a fan of Homestarrunner.com you should probably check out the Videlectrix Vii Collection. Here you’ll find parodies of Atari-era games done so well you’ll forget they’re parodies and just enjoy yourself.

Not a lot of games, but they’re all pretty fun. Why Trogdor doesn’t make an appearance I’ll never understand, but it’s nice to have access to a few well-made games with Wii-specific controls.

Got More?

So, commenters, what did I miss? Share any other great sites for free Wii games below, or just let everyone know which games are best.

Now if you just don’t have the budget for a full-price smartboard, here’s something you will love: it’s a neat hack to use a Wii remote (Wiimote) and an infrared pen as a smartboard. Using a few cheap tools you might already have alongside some free software, you have the recipe for a smartboard. This is a fine hour for open source and hacking popular gadgets!

Why Use A Smartboard?

Backing up a bit in case you’re not completely familiar with smartboards, essentially a smartboard is when your computer screen is projected onto a white screen and you can manipulate this projection as if it’s a giant touch-screen.

Now, here’s a quick run-down of the sorts of things you can do with a smartboard:

• Use interactive websites in demonstrations.
• Highlighting text while discussing it.
• Draw to help explain complex processes.
• Record your entire lecture for replay later.
• Play games as a group.
• Create visualisations of data while obtaining the data.
• Check out this presentation for more ideas.

Basics Of A Wiimote Smartboard

Johnny Chung Lee is the designer of the Wiimote Smartboard and the full instructions and YouTube demo are available on his website. Essentially, the Wiimote Smartboard works like this: the Wii remote can track up to four infrared signals. So if you project your computer screen onto a white screen (or just use a large LCD monitor) and point your Wii remote in the same direction, you can interact with your computer using up to four infrared pens.

What You Need

You will need:

• Wii Remote (cheap imitations don’t usually work as well).
• A reliable way of mounting your Wii remote and holding it still.
• Infrared pen (check compatibility with your chosen software before buying – or, build your own IR pen if you’re keen).
• Computer with Bluetooth (to connect to Wii Remote).
• Large monitor or projector and white screen (anything to make it bigger).
• Software to make it work (there’s a few choices – read on).

Hints

Before you run into trouble, take this advice:

• If you’re using a monitor, look for an infrared pen which doesn’t require you to press down in order to activate. Look for a switch on the side of the pen as well as a click button.
• Two Wii remotes work better than one (in case the signal gets blocked by you standing in the way).
• Try the Wiimote Project forum for help.
• If you want extra guidance and tips, try the SmoothBoard Wiki.
• Calibration can be tricky – ensure your devices will work with your software before you buy, then check the forum if you need specific help.

Software Options

There are free and paid software options available:

• Johnny Lee’s original Windows WiiWhiteboard Software.
• Free Java-based multi-platform open source software option at uweschmidt.org.
• Sourceforge Wii Whiteboard Project.
• Smoothboard Windows Shareware (not free).
• Potentially many more options available to purchase.

How To Make Your Wii-Remote Smartboard

• Install whichever version of the Wii-remote smartboard software you’ve chosen. Then set up your computer with your projector or large monitor as you wish.
• To connect your Wii remote to your computer, turn on Bluetooth for the computer, then press the 1 and 2 buttons on the Wii remote to pair the devices.
• Place the Wii remote so that it’s facing the board, not less than 45 degrees angle from the board. Try to make it so that you won’t accidentally block the line between the Wii remote and your infrared pen with your body.
• Run the software and ensure you calibrate your infrared pen as per the instructions. From now on, you should be able to use the pen as if it’s a mouse “” clicking and dragging objects, drawing or highlighting text.

Love Hacking?

If you’re a bit of a DIY hacker, then you might also love these posts:

• 10+ Awesome Geeky Halloween DIY House Decoration Ideas
• How To Make Your Own DIY Vented Laptop Tray
• 10 Lesser Known How-To Video Websites for DIY Stuff
• 5 Best Sites For Free Halloween Do-It-Yourself Projects
• DiyOrNot: Helps You Decide If You Should Do It Yourself

Let us know how you use your smartboard (Wii-remote variety or purpose-built). Do you use it in a classroom or for work? What works well? Let us know in the comments!

Ever since the console launched, a whole flurry of these Wii addons have become available. There are so many of them to choose from, how do you know which ones to buy and which ones to skip?

Let’s take a look at the 5 coolest Wii addons to enhance your gaming.

Wii MotionPlus

The Wii MotionPlus is a simple addon for your Wii Remote controller. Just attach this expansion device to the bottom of the Wii-mote and you’re all set.

The addon increases the accuracy of your controller by using additional sensors to respond to any of your motions in a 3-D space. This allows for noticeably enhanced gameplay control on compatible games, including Wii Sports Resort and a variety of other titles.

Wii Wheel

Another cool addon to have is the Wii Wheel. The peripheral simply turns the Wii Remote into a steering wheel. Just snap in your Wii-mote and you’re good to go.

Now, there is a trigger on the back of the wheel to function the Wii-mote’s “B” button, but that’s it. The addon itself adds no functionality, just the feel of a steering wheel in the player’s hands.

It doesn’t look like much, but it sure is a blast to play Mario Kart Wii with this thing.

Wii Balance Board

The Wii Balance Board isn’t just for exercise games. The accessory acts as a video game controller, just like the Wii Remote. Using Bluetooth technology and multiple pressure sensors, the board is able to sense your weight and balance to interpret the movements of your feet.

A wide variety of titles utilize the Wii Balance Board addon, including the popular Wii Fit. Be sure to check out the Top 5 Wii Fitness Games To Get Into Shape From Home.

Wii Zapper

If you are a fan of first-person shooters and basically any shooting style video game, you may want to consider checking out the official Wii Zapper peripheral.

Like the Wii Wheel, the addon is simply a shell for you to attach the Wii Remote up on top and the Nunchuk in the back. Uniting those two together, the result is a more gun-style controller that’s easier on the arms and gives you greater control when playing games that test your shooting skills.

Nyko Perfect Shot

If you’d prefer a pistol-like design, the Perfect Shot from Nyko is one of the best gun shells on the market.

The addon features a comfortable ergonomic grip and, unlike the Zapper, its design requires only one hand for operation, allowing your other hand to wield the Nunchuk or other accessories at the same time. Best of all, though, is its satisfying spring-loaded trigger. This is a third-party addon done right.

What are some of your favorite Wii addons? Do you play with any of these? Let us know in the comments.

Image Credit : nicolasnova

Getting started with the Wii’s internet browser and familiarizing yourself with its basic functions and controls requires just a few simple steps. Before long you’ll be able to search Google, watch YouTube videos, and play online games, all with your Wii remote!

How Do I Connect My Wii to the Internet?

First of all, you will of course need to connect your Wii to the internet. This simple guide can tell you how.

Once you’re connected to the internet, you have to download the Wii’s Internet Channel from the Wii Shop Channel. Select Wii Shop Channel from the Wii’s main menu, and then select Start.

Once the Wii Shop Channel loads, select Start Shopping at the bottom. Then select Wii Channels on the right.

On the next screen, scroll down until you see the Internet Channel. Select it, and then choose Download on the following screen. Then select Yes to begin your download. Watch Mario pound some coin blocks until your download is complete.

You can now access the Internet Channel from the Wii’s main menu.

The Start Page

When you start the Internet Channel, you will find yourself on the Start Page. From here, you can choose to search the web using Google, select a bookmark from your favorites, or type in a web address. You can also access the operations guide, settings, and a guide to controls.

Controls

The controls for the internet browser are optimized for the Wii remote.

The A button works like left-click. Use it to click on links and forms. When you click on a form (such as a search bar), the on-screen keyboard will pop up, and you can type by selecting keys with the A button. The B button and the plus and minus buttons are your essential navigation buttons. Scrolling is accomplished by holding down the B button and pointing your Wii remote in the direction you want to scroll in. Zooming is accomplished with the plus and minus buttons.

Pressing the 2 button will switch to single column mode, which can make some websites easier to read. Press the 2 button again to switch back to the website’s normal layout.

Browser Controls Bar

When on the Internet Channel, you’ll see the browser controls at the bottom of your screen.

Selecting Search will make an on-screen keyboard pop up where you can type in a Google search. You can change the search engine it uses to Yahoo! by going to Settings on the Start Page.

Selecting Favorites will show you the pages you’ve bookmarked and give you easy access to them. It can be pretty useful to bookmark a lot of the pages that you regularly visit just because typing their addresses in with the on-screen keyboard can take a while.

The next option, Enter Address, lets you type in a web address, and Start Page brings you back to the Start Page, which you can read about above.

The Best Uses for the Wii’s Internet Browser: Games and Videos

The Wii is a game console, so it makes sense to play games on it, right? Well, you might find that playing some old browser games with your Wii remote will make them feel brand new again. Check out WiiCade.com for some of the best online games compatible with the Wii’s internet Browser.

Be sure to try out 3D games that normally use a mouse””like Curve Ball (http://www.curveball-game.com/) and Missile Game 3D (http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/games/missilegame3d)””on your Wii. Playing them with the Wii remote’s motion control can be a lot of fun.

And don’t forget to visit video sites like Hulu.com on the Wii. With the Wii’s internet browser, you can watch free TV shows and movies right on your TV!

Conclusion

Using the Wii to browse the internet certainly has its advantages, especially if you want to play browser games and watch online movies and TV shows on your TV. And you can even hook up a USB keyboard to one of the ports in the back of the Wii to make searching the internet as simple and convenient as on a regular computer. Do you have any more tips for browsing the internet on the Wii?

All you need to accomplish your fitness goals is your Nintendo Wii Fit. 22.5 million copies have sold since December, so now’s the time to put it to good use.

In this article I am going to cover the top Wii Fitness games you can use to get in shape without leaving your house. Again, I know what you’re thinking – MakeUseOf only covers free software and tech. Well, we’ve decided that when it comes to your health, it doesn’t hurt to explore all of your options, so we’ll let it slide this one time.

Recommended Wii Fitness Games

When you buy a Wii Fit, it comes stocked with a balance board and various strength training, aerobics, yoga, and balance games. While these exercises can be effective, they aren’t all that fun to do, at least in comparison to some of the games that have come out since.

If you’re going to go all out to get into shape you might as well have a little fun, right? The following games are a few of the more popular Wii fitness titles out right now. They aren’t in any particular order.

Wii Fit Plus

If you liked the games that came with Wii Fit but wanted a little extra, Wii Fit Plus might be for you. The Wii Fit Plus has over 20 new games for you to play, and includes a calorie burning counter, ability to create custom workouts, profile creation, and quicker navigation than its counterpart.

If you already own a Wii Fit, you can purchase the Wii Fit Plus game by itself to serve as an upgrade. If you don’t, you can buy the Wii Fit Plus bundled with a balance board.

The Biggest Loser

Whether you are familiar with the TV show or not (one of my favorites), The Biggest Loser video game is a fun way for players to get in shape and maintain their ideal fitness. Like the TV show, the game is set at The Biggest Loser ranch.

Settings allow you to compete in 4, 8, or 12 week programs against former contestants from the show. Your progress and schedule is kept on a calendar for you. If you want to see who can lose the most weight between you and your friends, you can compete that way as well.

The game allows you to keep track of in-game achievements and even allows you to receive credit for progress made outside of the game, like walking, running, cycling, etc. You do have to enter in outside progress on your own, however, so remember to write down your achievements during your daily workouts.

The Biggest Loser also features a lot of suggestions and tips from former contestants and trainers in the game. These healthy tips include 50 recipes straight out of The Biggest Loser book that you can follow.

EA Sports Active: More Workouts

The successor to EA Sports Active, EA Sports Active: More Workouts has, like the title implies, more workouts for you to follow (35 to be exact). These exercises allow you to customize your routines to target different areas of your body, like upper body, lower body, and cardio.

If you don’t want to focus in on one area of your body, you can try one of the full body circuit routines. It also has warm-weather activities for you to try like water-skiing and paddle surfing.

The game features a 6 week challenge of core exercises, including abs, curl ups, and crunch and punches. It has a warm up/cool down feature as well as an in-game journal for you to record your progress.

Jillian Michaels’ Fitness Ultimatum 2010

Jillian Michaels, trainer from The Biggest Loser (see above game), is one of the more intense trainers out there. Her fitness game, which is a sequel to the 2009 title, is pretty intense too. In the game, Jillian coaches and trains you for up to six months, giving you custom routines to work on in a one-on-one style session.

When playing this game, you will participate in a boot camp setting that is packed with energetic workout modes and 16 core exercises for you to follow. Included are cardio training, strength training, and balance training superset routines.

You can tailor your workouts to your specific abilities by adjusting the difficulty settings. Jillian gives you feedback while you’re working out so you can see if you are doing the workouts correctly or not. If you want to (I don’t know why you wouldn’t), you can work out on tropical beaches or in exotic jungles.

Don’t want to train with Jillian alone? Challenge family and friends in multi-player competitions.

My Fitness Coach

In My Fitness Coach, you get to work out with a virtual personal trainer named Maya. The game is designed to fit your personal goals. It tests your fitness level, sets your goals in the form of a calendar, and takes you through workouts that allow you to build routines.

There are over 500 unique exercises in this game, including yoga, pilates, kickboxing, cardio fitness, strength training, flexibility, and weight loss routines. You can choose which areas you want to work on if you have a particular need.

If you don’t know how to do one of the workouts in the game you can pause it and view a tutorial. You can workout in 9 different environments and customize the game’s music to your liking. You have 4 types to choose from: hip hop, 80′s, Latin, and dance.

Conclusion

The number one thing you need to get in shape is determination and focus. OK, that’s two things, but you need to set goals for yourself and stick to them if you want to reach your ideal fitness level. Be committed! Get motivated! Perhaps making a game out of it will help you get going. Put your Nintendo Wii to some good use, and above all, have fun!

Did you find this article useful? Is your favorite game not on the list? Let me hear it in the comment section below!