WiiNoob » Wii Mods

One of the Cutest Uses We’ve Ever Seen for the Wii Balance Board

Jacob Lopez — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:11:57 +0000

It’s awesome when people use interesting methods of helping kids overcome obstacles. This time, it’s helping very small children who may otherwise be unable to walk by using the Wii Balance Board and wiring it to a wheeled machine known as a Pioneer 3. Most machines used for children with similar disabilities are made for slightly older kids, as the original report reads.

The machine is said to use a kid’s natural desire to reach towards something they want. For example, I one holds a juice-filled sippy cup in front of the kid, he or she will lean forward to reach for it. The cart will roll foward until the kid can reach the cup.

What’s more interesting is that because the Balance Board can detect weight in four areas, it allows for kids to steer. For example, if the sippy cup is held to the child’s left side, they will reach that way. The machine will detect that and carefully turn (which is probably why it’s on only two wheels) and move in the direction where the child’s weight shifts.

The chair also has a remote control override for added safety. This way a parent can control the machine if the child starts rolling somewhere they shouldn’t.

For now this is only a project by Ithaca College called Tots on Bots, and it doesn’t necessarily mean we will see it used in the real world. Still, it could make for some interesting technology down the road.

This is as cool as hearing about the guy who modified a GameCube controller so that his physically disabled brother could play. Those who don’t want to mod their Wii Balance Board can always look around for some fun games that will get them in shape.

Via: Engadget

Wii Fit Balance Board…In Your Shoes

Jacob Lopez — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 05:14:45 +0000

Here’s a new idea for a Nintendo peripheral, a Wii Balance Board built in to the user’s shoes.

Recently, Nike held a challenge called Nike78, which asked 78 artists to change the design of a pair of Nikes in a way that would change their function, while using sports as a theme. This particular artist used a pair of Nike Air Max.

He decided to use Nintendo’s Wii as his inspiration, according to his blog, basing the redesigned shoes around Wii Fit.

As the designer says, Wii Fit is currently one of the most popular ways to exercise right now, because it incorporates a fun, interactive game with a workout. Making it so that users may not even realizing they are burning calories.

What was his next step? Turn these shoes into a Wii Fit Balance Board. All he had to do was play around with some electronics, cut a few things open, there was probably some glue and scissors involved…and after working his magic, was able to put together something functional.

While it’s not necessarily the most beautiful design out there right now, it’s definitely a cool start. However, the designer did point out that the functionality is a bit different, because the user is now standing on the shoes one cannot simply step off the board when the game asks them to–they must sit down on a chair to take pressure off the device on both feet.

Either way, it looks like a tough hack, and unless Nintendo and Nike partner up and market something like this (fat chance) we doubt many people will ever get to try this. Not to mention, you have to take apart a good pair of shoes and a working Wii Balance Board (Not many of us have more than one of those lying around) to even attempt this. Maybe it’s best left to those who know what their doing.

Modding can always lead to some interesting designs. One of our favorites was the one-handed GameCube controller that some awesome dude made for his brother, who can only play games with one hand. Then there are times when it’s simply to add some fun function, like the DS Rumble Mod we found a while back.

Via NJGM

Kevin Smith Clerks Wii Mod

Ben — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:14:17 +0000

Fans of Kevin Smith’s movies, and especially Clerks, would simply adore this Nintendo Wii Mod that is made as tribute and respect to the characters that brought Kevin Smith great recognition.

You do not have to be a Nintendo WIi fan to appreciate the artwork and characters, but you do have to be familiar with the movie Clerks to know who is who. Of course, Jay and Silent Bob are present and although Bob is as quiet as in the movies, this is the only time Jay will ever be as quiet.

The actual Nunchucks and Nintendo Wiimote are also part of the Mod coming all in black (made a long time before the Black Wii) and even tagged with “Kevin Smith” and “Silent Bob” for an added bonus.

With all the different Nintendo Mod available, this is definitely a prized posession and would be just as fun as what we are already used to.

Via: WiiLiving

Conceptual Wii Remote Vintage Design

Tom — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:41:01 +0000

The Wii Remote and Nunchucks of the Nintendo Wii are great controllers by as provided, but it is always fun to see different Nintendo Mods that show other cool looks for the video game peripherals we love.

This specific Nintendo Wiimote design goes for the Vintage wood look and seems to present so really well. As explained by the designer, Joe D, if such a concept was truly made, the style would probably have to be stickers or actual veneer. Making the Wiimote and nunchucks with real wood could cause problems of slight millimeters for the controllers addons.

Besides that, the overall concept seems fun and a little more lively. Of course, when playing we should be watching the screen and not the actual controllers, but it is always fun to see something we are used to in another form and color.

Legend of Zelda Wii Mod

Anna — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 03:17:07 +0000

Link has been busy fighting the Prince of Darkness trying to make sense of the chaos in Hyrule for so very many years. And now, the battle has spilled out of the fantasy land right into your living room, giving you the chance to wield Link’s mighty sword and carry forth with the battle.

If you think I’ve lost my marbles then just take a moment to hear me out; introducing the Legend of Zelda Wii mod which has been pimped up to the point of perfection. The obviously best part of the mod is the sword and shield ensemble which had been a collectible, highlighted in place with blue LEDs. The sword is detachable, offering you endless hours of fantasy play, pretending to rescue Zelda (or any other Princess for that matter!) Apart from looking more amazing than words could possibly imply, the proceeds of the Wii mod went to a children’s charity called Child’s Play. Link saves not just the princesses but the princes, too, you see.

Via: Engadget

Super Mario Brothers Nintendo Wii Mod

Carlos — Fri, 29 May 2009 06:37:58 +0000

Sometimes the best things in life end up being forgotten and when we again come across them, we would be delighted as in the case of this awesome Super Mario Bros. Mod. Mario has been one of the characters we all grew up with as kids in late eighties and nineties. Now, we can relive our childhood nostalgically by getting the Mario-themed Wii case mod. It is not just the case that is modded but the Super Mario Bros. Mod also comes with a pipe at the back where you can charge your Wiimote.

The mod was created by BeerBellyJoe a year ago. He used clay in order to sculpt out Mario and affixed him to one of the side panels of Wii. Late he painted the whole system and also decorated the front base to remind you of the game. The base comes with an extra USB port which you could use to connect accessories. The LED mushrooms glow in the coolest way when the port is being used.

If you wish, you could check out Joe’s guide in order to learn how to make your own Wii Mod and customize it with Mario or any other character. There was also this Super Mario Galaxy Mod which is a pure work of art by a genius. If you are tired of Mario and his world and would rather go for something blinged up, try the Zelda Crystal Wii Mod which is made of crystals and would surely cost you a bomb.

Via: Joystiq

Zelda Crystal Wii Mod is Too Expensive for my Blood

Jai — Thu, 28 May 2009 01:56:57 +0000

Wii has been called the most stylish console ever, though other consoles perform better sometimes. Nintendo’s Wii has the style, look and panache that other consoles do not have. However, since the console is so popular, everyone would end up having almost the same model which leads to uniformity and boredom. If you are rich enough and not affected by recession or one of those economic problems, you should really get this blinged out Zelda-themed Wii.

One can’t be sure if it is made of pure gold, precious crystals or any other precious metal. The way it shines makes me wonder if it is an artificial and tacky shine which is usually associated with fake precious metals. However, the glyphs and the shiny exterior is quite enough to convince me that this is one of the coolest crystal Wii mods I have ever come across.

If it is made of crystal, I am sure it would cost thousands of dollars and reduce all the stimulus plans and recession fears to crude jokes. If you have that kind of money and are willing to spend it on a Zelda-themed console, you really must try and get this if possible. However, there is no information about either the price or availability. You must try and check out the cool Gold Wii Mod, which is similar but more blinged out than this one.

Via: Go Nintendo

Gold Plated Nintendo Wii for the Queen

Tom — Sun, 24 May 2009 10:28:10 +0000

A gold plated Nintendo Wii was provided to the Queen as a small PR stunt to promote Nintendo family games.

As if we didn’t already know that Nintendo provides family games and have the money for off the wall Public Relation, and extravagant Wii console was created being gold plated. It is a shiny new way to look at the Wii and really makes it stand out…even more for the Royal family.

The thing that really gets me is that instead of granting such a Wii mod to recreation centers or schools, they provide an expensive Nintendo Console to the family that has so much money to probably buy out Nintendo.

Via: PocketLint

LED Wii Casemod

Anna — Sun, 17 May 2009 05:17:18 +0000

When it comes to creating better versions of gaming accessory, modders usually concentrate on the console or remote. A lot of gamers though, are quite happy with how their consoles work but may have a slight problem with its look. If you have a Wii that you think is perfect but could do with a little help in the looks department then not to worry.

Modder MisterXausDe made this cool Wii case with added electronic parts from an XCM Hot Rock Case. The case has a cut out Wii logo that flashes in five different colours. LEDs at the base and even the cartridge port ensure you would never be bored with your Wii again. This would look real flashy, especially if you are into playing your Wii in the dark at night. The strange thing is that the modder added a digi-thermometer right at the base of the Wii logo; just so you know you have heated up your Wii to the point of spontaneous combustion!

SNES Wii Mod

Anna — Tue, 12 May 2009 01:34:02 +0000

Nintendo fans never play it shy when it comes to creating mods of all things related to their favorite console. Whether it is the very new and favorite Wiimote or NES consoles that have seen the best of their days, modders can pimp things up and offer you a finished product that would have you drooling.

French modder, Kotomi, is not new to the art of creating mods and his SNES mod will prove he’s no novice at this. Kotomi’s Wii based Super Nintendo will play classic SNES cartridges and looks real chic. Kotomi modified the PCB so the cartridge port could be moved along the side and added blue lights to give it an ethereal look. Kotomi worked on the console for two months and originally meant for it to be an NES mod but apparently the call to go Super was stronger. Since it is Wii based, Kotomi titled this mod the Nii. Just get a classic controller and while away your time with the Wii Nii mod!

Via: Geekologie