How to Spot a Fake Wii Remote

Counterfeit Wii Remotes (Wiimotes) are common. Here's how to identify them:

Red Flags

• Price: < $15 USD new = almost certainly fake.
• Packaging: Blurry logos, misspellings ("Nintento"), wrong model number (RVL-003 is official).
• Build Feel: Light, creaky plastic; loose battery cover; rattling buttons.
• Sync Button: Red button under battery cover may be missing or misaligned.
• IR Camera: Point at phone camera; genuine shows 4 IR LEDs flashing on press. Fakes often lack IR or flicker erratically.
• Speaker: Genuine plays sounds (coin, sword) from remote; fakes often mute or tinny.
• MotionPlus: Built-in MotionPlus (RVL-036) has a distinct notch; fakes claim it but fail calibration.

Safe Buying

• Nintendo Store, Amazon (sold by Nintendo), Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart.
• Used: test sync, speaker, IR, rumble before paying.

Fake remotes ruin gameplay (lag, disconnects) and can damage Wii ports if poorly shielded.