Wii controller tactile guide
This page describes the physical and tactile features of the official controllers for the Wii.
Wii Remote (RVL-003)
The Wii Remote is a long, rounded rectangular controller. It can be held vertically or horizontally, depending on the game.
Unlike most controllers listed, the Wii Remote can be held in either hand.
The Wii Remote may also be covered by a removable silicone Wii Remote Jacket. The jacket covers most of the controller but leaves the main controls accessible.
Vertical orientation
The Wii Remote is held like a traditional remote control, with the buttons facing forward. When held vertically, the thumb rests on the A button on the front, while the index finger rests on the B trigger on the back, and the remaining fingers grip the battery cover.
The power button is above and to the left of the D-pad.
The D-pad is cross-shaped. Each direction has lines marked on it.
The A button is round.
The Minus, Home, and Plus buttons are arranged from left to right.
The speaker is below the Minus, Home, and Plus buttons.
The 1 and 2 buttons are round, with 1 above 2.
Below the 2 button are four square player indicators. They light up when the controller is powered on.
The B button is on the back of the controller. It is shaped like a trigger.
The battery cover is below the B button. It has a small notch that can be pressed with a fingernail to release the cover.
The wrist strap is typically attached near the battery cover.
The accessory connector is above the wrist strap.
The SYNC button is located inside the battery compartment on the original Wii Remote. The battery cover must be removed to access it.
Horizontal orientation
When held horizontally, the left thumb rests on the A button, while the right thumb rests on the 2 button.
The D-pad is on the left, and the A button is to its right.
The Minus, Home, and Plus buttons are arranged vertically. Minus is on the bottom, Home is in the middle, and Plus is on top.
The 1 and 2 buttons are on the right side, with 1 to the left of 2.
The B button is on the back.
Wii MotionPlus Remote (RVL-036)
The Wii MotionPlus Remote has essentially the same button layout as the Wii Remote. Wii MotionPlus is built into the controller rather than being a separate attachment.
The SYNC button is located directly on the battery cover and can be pressed through a small opening with a thin object such as a pushpin or paperclip. Unlike the original Wii Remote, the battery cover does not need to be removed to access the SYNC button.
Wii Nunchuk (RVL-004)
The Wii Nunchuk is held in the non-dominant hand and connects to the Wii Remote.
Grip
The thumb rests on the Control Stick. The index finger rests on either the C button or Z button. The remaining fingers grip the underside of the Nunchuk.
Control Stick
The Control Stick has a circular pattern that provides a tactile landmark for the thumb.
Buttons
The C and Z buttons are on the back of the Nunchuk, beneath the index finger.
The C button is above the Z button and is round.
The Z button is below the C button and has a curved, rounded-square shape.
Wii Classic Controller (RVL-005)
The Wii Classic Controller is a flat, rounded controller with no pronounced grips. It connects to the Wii Remote.
Left side
The left thumb can rest on either the D-pad or the left control stick, while the left index finger rests on the L button.
The D-pad is toward the upper-left.
The left control stick is diagonally down and to the right from the D-pad.
Right side
The right thumb can rest on either the B button or the right control stick, while the right index finger rests on the R button.
The four action buttons are arranged in a diamond. The B button is at the bottom of the diamond, where the right thumb can rest.
A is diagonally up and to the right from B. Y is diagonally up and to the left from B. X is directly above B.
The buttons are marked with lowercase letters: "b", "a", "y", and "x". The markings are not tactile.
The right control stick is diagonally down and to the left from the action buttons.
Center
The Plus button is to the left of the Y button.
The Minus button is to the right of the D-pad.
The Home button is between the Plus and Minus buttons.
Top edge
The controller's cable exits from the top edge.
ZL is to the right of L, while ZR is to the left of R.
Between ZL and ZR is a small release button. Pressing it moves the sliding pieces on the back of the controller.
Back
The back panel has a pill-shaped Nintendo logo.
The back panel also contains the sliding pieces operated by the release button.