A new charger developed by Sanyo makes replenishing the batteries in Nintendo Wii controllers as easy as placing them in a cradle.
The device, which will go on sale in Japan in August, consists of a rechargeable battery pack that replaces the batteries and battery compartment cover on an existing Wii remote control, and a charging cradle and AC adapter. In both the battery pack and charging cradle are coils of wire that, when brought together, enable energy to flow by induction from the cradle to the battery pack.
Nintendo said a fresh set of alkaline batteries should last for up to 35 hours, but with gameplay sessions often occupying several hours at a time, most users face having to change batteries several times a year.
The Sanyo charger will completely charge a remote control in a little under four hours, the company said.
The basic set of the battery pack, charging cradle and AC adapter will cost around ¥5,500 (US$51). Additional cradles and battery packs will cost around ¥2,500 each. A single AC adapter can be used to charge up to four remote controls but they won't charge simultaneously. The charger closest to the adapter will first replenish its controller and then the next one will begin charging.
The charging system will go on sale in Japan on August 25. Sanyo doesn't have any concrete plans to put it on sale overseas at present.
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Sounds pretty cool. The one thing that sucked about the Nyko charger I tried out for about 6 months was that in routinely would not charge solely due to its contacts not connecting under normal usage conditions. If this was priced decently I would give it a try when it eventually becomes available in the US.
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UPDATED on July 25th with more info and picture.
Sanyo and Nintendo have joined together to form an agreement for the release of something everyone has been screaming out for since the release of the Wii console - an official recharge unit for the battery-sapping controllers.
Considering there have been reports of unofficial charge units potentially breaking your Wii Remotes if used over a prolonged period of time, it is great news that Nintendo has teamed up with Sanyo for this official solution. The new package will include a special battery and charger based on the Eneloop concept. These low self-discharge NiMH batteries feature longer shelf life than normal rechargeable batteries.
All consumers have to do is place the Eneloop battery pack on the back of the Wii Remote and then stick it into the charger stand and wait for a maximum of two hundred and twenty minutes. On top of this, the Wii Remotes can then be used for up to six and a half hours after a full charge! Also, up to four controllers can be charged by one AC adapter and users will not have to remove the special Wii Remote jackets since the Eneloop cells are charged by magnetic induction (contactless recharging). Currently they are only set for a Japanese release on 25th August, but if popular they will likely come abroad.
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So, now this is a official Nintendo product. This means it should be of the highest quality and reliability. However, it only lasts 6.5 hrs? I thought regular AA batteries last up to 35hrs as my first story on top states. hmmm. Is it really worth it? I guess it will depend on the cost and lifespan of this charging system.
