We look at a great new controller add-on for the Wii.

Our readers know that here at Kung Fu Drafter we are avid gamers. They probably also know that our love of gaming extends across multiple genres and platforms. Whether it is Batman: Arkham Asylum for the PS3 or Fallout 3 for the PC, we love to sit and play through any great game. Of course, that also means that we play our fair share of Wii games.

Over the years, the Wii certainly has gotten its share of attention for its motion tracking controller mechanism. There is little doubt that this one feature is what made the Wii a breakout hit and courted a completely new segment of gamers to Nintendo’s console. Of course, when you have an attractive controller you are going to have third party manufacturers trying to get in on the action. The Wii has had its share of controller add-on’s that range from odd to plain dumb. Recently though we have come across a controller for younger gamers that we think is nothing less than revolutionary.

How cute can a Wii accessory be ...Enter the WiiWaa, a plush animal puppet that is a Wii controller add-on. Like most add-ons for the Wii, the Wiimote is contained in this odd little puppet. Once inserted the idea is that your youngster (we are thinking 4 years or so) will sit and play the game by manipulating the puppet to complete the mini-games on the screen. The young player controls the game’s character by bouncing, tossing or shaking the puppet. We have to admit that the demo video below does make it look like fun.

WiiWaa comes from Swedish game developer Zoink Entertainment. At Zoink, the corporate motto is “We create original games with a positive attitude.” How much more simple can it get? From what we can see from WiiWaa Zoink is right on the money bringing a game that looks both engaging and fun. For a great interview with the creator of WiiWaa, Zoink’s own Klaus Lynegeled, check out Die Hard Gamefan. In the interview Lynegeled reveals that the inspiration for the WiiWaa came watching his own children playing. We think the shear brilliance and simplicity of the product portrays its light-hearted origin.

At first glance, WiiWaa may just seem like a silly little gimmick, but we are convinced that it represents the single biggest leap in game controllers since the Wiimote itself. By creating software and “hardware” that is engaging to children Zoink is poised to open a market that has thus far eluded developers. That is the market of 10 year old and younger gamers. To date no developer has been able to capture the market with software that was suited for the age group that can be embraced by parents. Zoink’s approach with smaller mini-games and cartoon like (dare we say D-Word) characters is sure to attract kids and parents alike. Add to that an approach to controllers that removes the need for tactile dexterity while maintaining a wide range of control and you could have a real winner.

Well we said we were gamers and true gamers can appreciate all forms of games. We cannot wait for the WiiWaa to come to America. Who knows, if you look around the Kung Fu Dojo later this year you may just find a WiiWaa. Oh who are we kidding, you will definitely find a WiiWaa ...

- KFD -