Because I'm more familiar with ps3 controllers, I apply what I know from them to the wiimotes. i.e I assume that assuming the controller is synched with the ps3 Wii you can use that to switch on the console. But when I try that with the Wii, one controller works but the other one doesn't. only way I can switch on the second controller is if I manually go into games to set it up. Is that meant to happen?

u should just press Awith the second controller and it should connect from the wii menu

The second controller did you press the red sync button on the back in where the battery compartment is and then press the red sync button on the front of the system where the SD card slot is? (while the Wii is on btw)

You can hard sync multiple controllers to one Wii console, but if you do not do that (the method MaxwellGT2000 described), then you have to manually sync the controller(s) every time you turn the console on.

1. Hit the Home button.
2. Select Wii Remote Settings.
3. Select Reconnect.
4. Now press A on each controller in the order you wish them to be used.

ah, I see thanks. I'll try it when I'm next with the Wii.

4.  Press 1 and 2 on each controller in the order you wish them to be used.

My friends and I end up re-syncing our Wiimotes all the time when we play at each others' houses...

Hard sync MUST be done for the Wiimote to function your console. You can do the reconnect at your friends house but first and foremost you must Hard Sync the remote with the red buttons to your console. Then it will be able to control your Wii.

If you want all your Wii remote to be able to turn it on.... you need to press he red "sync" buttons.

To do this, open the battery cover on the Wii remote, then open the cover on the front of the Wii (for the SD card slot) and press the red buttons on the controller and the console.... then do the same for your other remotes.

From then on, those remotes will operate on a first come first serve basis... if you turn the console on with one remote, that will act as the player 1 controller... then pressing a button on another controller makes it player 2, then player 3 in order.

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If you are in the middle of a game wiht the console on and you want to swap who is player 1/2 etc then you do what Viper said (except as WoW said, it is the 1&2 buttons you press)

Jesus Christ!!! I've had my Wii for over a year and never realized there was a red sync button. That could have save me a lot of time when friends would come over.