Buying guide for Best Wii u chargers
The Wii U comes bundled with a controller charging cradle for the console’s unique GamePad, but it doesn’t cover the multiple Wii remotes that will need replacement batteries between marathon gaming sessions. Even then, no one wants to consider the worst-case scenario of figuring out how to get back in the game if the controller charging cradle stops working some day. Fortunately, there are plenty of third-party Wii U controller chargers available to help make sure you’ll always have a fully charged Wii U GamePad or remote handy for couch-side fun with friends.
If you’re afraid that your Wii U controller may run out of juice as you’re facing down the final boss or as you’re about to KO your biggest online rival, a dedicated controller charger is just what you need. But they’re not all the same, so it’s a good idea to compare a few models to find the one that’s best for your gaming habits. After taking some popular Wii U controller chargers out for a spin, we at BestReviews have learned how to pick the best from the rest. Read on to find out what we learned and to see some of our favorites.
Key considerations
Gameplay time
The Wii U GamePad will always deliver three to five hours of uninterrupted gameplay per charge, but the hours of playtime provided by battery packs included with Wii Remote, Wii Remote Plus, and Pro Controller chargers vary by charger. Since you’d rather keep your Wii U controller in your hands and off the charger for as long as possible, look for devices that feature higher-capacity battery packs.
Recharging time
A Wii U GamePad with a dead battery takes 2.5 hours to fully charge, but how quickly a Wii U controller charger takes to completely restore a spent Wii Remote, Wii Remote Plus, or Pro Controller battery will vary by model. As a general rule, you shouldn’t have to wait longer than an hour or two for one of these other controllers to charge fully.
Quality
Unfortunately, the official Nintendo GamePad Stand/Cradle Set is difficult to find in the wild, and Nintendo has never released an official method of recharging Wii Remote, Wii Remote Plus, or Pro Controllers, so you’ll be forced to adopt third party devices to charge your Wii U controllers. No matter which charger you select, you should have no difficulty inserting compatible controllers into the connection slots, and it should fully recharge your controller every time you use the device.
Expert Tip
STAFF
BestReviews
Wii U charger features
The most important aspect of any Wii U controller charger is that your controllers get fully charged within a few hours, but these devices have few defining features that set them apart from each other. Whether you need a Wii U charger for a GamePad, Wii Remotes, or Pro Controllers, here are a few common features that are usually included with a charger:
Slots to charge two or more Wii Remote, Wii Remote Plus, or Pro Controllers at once
LED lights that clearly show the battery status of the connected controllers
Battery pack for each Wii Remote compartment of the controller charger
Long cable that allows you to play the Wii U as the GamePad charges
Wii U charger prices
Since the Wii U console often sells for $300, new games are priced between $20 and $60, and the various controllers range from $45 to $109 a pop, it’s a little reassuring that you can easily find a Wii U controller charger online for the affordable price of $6 to $32. Generally speaking, the simple charging cord required to power a Wii U GamePad is the cheapest charging device available. The prices for a Wii Remote or Pro Controller charger only go up from there, but the good news is that it’s rare to find a Wii U controller charger that breaks the $30 mark.
Expert Tip
No matter which Wii U controller charger you buy, your controllers should snap snugly in place and deliver a full charge after a few hours. If you have trouble connecting your controllers, or if the device doesn’t power your controllers as advertised, return the charger immediately and purchase a different model.
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips
Double-check that the Wii U controller charger you’re considering is compatible with your preferred controller. The Wii U utilizes a number of controller types, including the GamePad, Wii Remote, and Pro Controller.
Note which power source a controller charger needs before you buy. Some Wii U controller chargers use an AC adapter that plugs directly into the wall, while others require a USB port to recharge your controllers.
Remember that you can play as the controller recharges. Cable-style Wii U GamePad controller chargers will recharge your controller as you play, so you don’t have to let a low battery warning get between you and having fun!
FAQ
Q. Can I recharge my Wii U GamePad and play games at the same time?
A. Yes! Because most Wii U GamePad chargers are either a simple AC cable or a charging cradle, players still have their choice of continuing their adventures on the TV or via the small screen embedded in the GamePad itself.
Q. Are all Wii U controller chargers compatible with all Wii U controllers?
A. No! This is a big deal because the Wii U console utilizes a number of different control schemes, including its iconic GamePad, Wii Remote and Wii Remote Plus, and Wii U Pro Controller. Unfortunately, each type of controller features differently shaped charging ports, and we haven’t found or tested a Wii U controller charger that can handle more than one type of controller. Make sure that the Wii U controller chargers that you’re considering will work with your controller before you buy.
Q. Will a Wii U controller charger recharge multiple controllers at once?
A. Most of the time. If you’re in the market for a Wii Remote or Wii U Pro Controller charger, chances are good that the device will have at least two charging ports. Wii U GamePad chargers usually consist of a simple AC adapter cable or charging cradle that is exclusively made to hold and charge the GamePad. The good news is that there aren’t any Wii U games that utilize multiple GamePads, so you’ll never need more than one charger for this kind of controller.
