How to Set Up a Second Controller for a Nintendo Wii

The Nintendo Wii has unique "Wii Remote Controllers" for you to use when interacting with the system. You point these controllers at the screen to make selections similar to a remote control, but you also use them to play games and select options, similar to navigating menus with a conventional game controller. To set up a second Wii Remote Controller you have two choices: you can use the "Standard Mode," an indefinite connection that the remote and Wii "remember" after powering off, or you can use "One Time Mode," which is a temporary connection that the Wii and the controller "forget" when turned off.

Items you will need

• Two Wii Remote Controllers

Standard Mode

Step 1

Turn on your Nintendo Wii. You can do this by pressing the power button on the front of the unit or by pressing the power button on the first Wii Remote Controller that is already set up with the system.

Step 2

Access the battery cover on the back of the Wii Remote Controller. If you have a sleeve on the control, you'll need to remove that. If you use a Wii MotionPlus, you'll need to remove the sleeve by sliding the lock switch down and then pressing in on the release buttons to pull it out. If you have both on your controller, you'll need to unlock the MotionPlus attachment before trying to take the jacket off.

Step 3

Remove the battery cover by pressing on the release tab and then pulling it up and off of the remote.

Step 4

Press the red "SYNC" button just below the batteries' location. You do not need to remove the batteries access the button. The LEDs on the remote will begin blinking.

Step 5

Open the cover to the SD card slot on the Wii and press the red "SYNC" button.

Step 6

Wait for the LEDs to stop blinking on the Wii Remote Controller. The controller is now set up and ready for use.

One Time Mode

Step 1

Turn on the Wii. You can turn it on by pressing the power button on the front of the console itself, or you can turn it on by pressing the power button on the Wii Remote Controller that is already activated for the system.

Step 2

Press the "HOME" button on the Wii Remote Controller that is already synced with the system. This is the blue button near the middle of the remote with an icon of a house. This will bring up the option screen. You can do this within a game you're playing as well as from the start up menu.

Step 3

Choose "Wii Remote Settings" to access additional options.

Step 4

Select the "Reconnect" button.

Step 5

Press and hold the "1" and "2" buttons at the same time on the Wii Remote Controller that you want to connect in One Time Mode. The LEDs on the remote should begin blinking.

Step 6

Wait for the LEDs to stop blinking. The second remote controller is now connected.

Warnings

• If you turn off your Wii, access a Wii Channel or begin playing a new game with the second controller set up in "One Time Mode," the synchronization will end.

References

• Nintendo: Wii Operations Manual

About the Author

A self-professed nerd who can't get enough of geeky gadgets, technology blogs and product reviews, Matt Skaggs began writing professionally in 2010. His work has appeared on various websites. In 2008 Skaggs graduated from Bob Jones University with a Bachelor of Arts in humanities.