Last year Nyko introduced the Wand, their version of the Wiimote. This year they update it, outdoing Nintendo by incorporating Wii MotionPlus technology into one single controller. That’s what Nintendo gets for being slow.

I’m glad I didn’t buy one of those MotionPlus accessories. Now I can get this and have a less bulky controller. The Wand + reduces the controller’s overall size and should give you a more comfortable gaming experience.

Nyko has unveiled new accessory packs for their Wand 3rd-Party Wiimote. You can get the Wand Action Pak and the the Wand Core Pak. The Wand Action Pak includes a Wand Wiimote and Pistol Grip. The new pistol grip has a digital connection to the remote instead of the usual mechanical connection to a button. It’s Trans-Port so they claim it will reduce wear and tear. There is also a switch on the bottom of the grip that can flip the A and B buttons for use in different games. That’s probbly the best part.

The Wand Core Pak includes a Wand and a wired Kama, Nyko’s own version of the Nunchuck. The Kama has vibration and connects to the Wand with a 4 foot cord. The Wand Action pack will be available for $49.99 in June, while the Wand Core Pack should be available also in June for $49.99.

This good looking device is the only Wiimote alternative. It’s Nyko’s Wand Wiimote. Good news. You only need to wait until April to get one for $35. There are also two bundles available:

With the Wand Action Pak available in June, you’ll get the Wand and the Pistol Grip for $50. The Pistol Grip uses Nyko’s Trans-Port technology to connect the trigger to the Wand electronically instead of mechanically. Also in June, the Wand Core Pak will be available, which will give you the Wand along with a Wired nunchuk with Rumble for $50.

It had to happen and I’m surprised it took this long. Someone had to clone the Wiimote. That someone is Nyko. According to Mark Wilson of Gizmodo, who had a chance to play with it at CES, the device is pretty impressive, with no tangible difference aside from the red, white and blue color scheme.

The quality and response seems dead on. But aside from one-upping the Wiimote on good looks, “the Wand” has one advantage. Nyko is using it as the basis for their new Trans-Port peripheral technology. Where most Wii peripherals like the Zapper use mechanical contacts to link a trigger to an actual button on the Wiimote, Nyko makes this connection digitally.