Thrustmaster T-charge+ NW Nintendo Wii Accessory Review

May 15 2007, 12:00am CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Thrustmaster is well known for game pads and PC gaming controllers. They also have a line of accessories for the Nintendo Wii that protect and charge your Wii remotes. If you use your Wii remotes frequently and are tired of buying batteries for them the Thrustmaster T-Charge+ NW may be just what you need.

Gallery

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Benchmarks

Features & Specifications
I like my Nintendo Wii, but it seems like I have to replace the batteries in my Wii remotes every time I pick them up. Thrustmaster has a product called the T-charge+ NW that has four rechargeable AA batteries that recharge from the USB port on the rear of your Wii. The battery charger is built into the black storage stand and can charge a pair of AA batteries in 24 hours.

In addition to the black storage stand, which is built to store the Wii remote and Nunchuck, you get a white storage stand that doesn’t include a battery charger. A set of grippy silicone protectors is included for your Wii remotes and your Nunchucks. One set of the protectors is black and one set is white to match the storage stands and allow easy identification of each players remotes.

The Wii remote protectors are designed so that you don’t have to remove them to access the batteries. A textured finish on the protectors makes gripping the Wii remote easier and more safe during extended play where your hands might get sweaty. If you don’t like to play with the protectors on, they slip on and off very easily.

Gaming & Use
In use the protectors work very well, and if you have kids that use the Wii frequently and tend to drop or mishandle the Wii remotes like my kids do, the extra protection the silicone protectors provide is most welcome. The rechargeable batteries could certainly be more convenient if there was a method of allowing the batteries to charge without having to remove them from the remotes akin to what Nyko does with their recharging system.

Once the batteries are charged they do last a long time, I have had them in my remotes for over a month now of casual play and they are still working well. If you are a hardcore Wii player naturally you will see shorter life for your batteries. Personally, I would have rather seen both of the storage stands and the silicone protectors in white to match the Wii better.

Verdict

Conclusion

Pros

Silicone protectors add protection to your remotes and Nunchucks
Storage stands keep things tidy
Rechargeable batteries save cash

Cons

Batteries must be removed from the Wii remotes to charge

Verdict
If you are looking for a way to tidy up your entertainment center and get your Wii remotes and Nunchucks out of the way the Thrustmaster T-Charge+ NW is a great way to do it. An added benefit is that a battery charger is built into the black storage stand and four rechargeable batteries are included. Overall the Thrustmaster T-Charge+ NW is a nice product that fans of the Wii will love.

8.0

where to buy

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Shane McGlaun
Leading our review center, Shane knows technology inside out. His extensive experience in testing computer hardware and consumer electronics enable him to effectively qualify new products and trends. If you want us review your product, please contact Shane.
Shane can be contacted directly at shane@i4u.com.