How to Turn Wii Remote into Media Center PC Remote Control

With the proper software and a little bit of tweaking you can turn an average Nintendo Wii Remote into a remote control for your computer. This is ideal for applications such as a computer that functions as a media center PC. This means you won't have to use a wireless mouse or have to get up to change the media playing on your entertainment media center. Instead of a mouse, the Wii controller acts as the cursor input and interface controller.

Download a Wii Remote application. Examples are available at the links at the end of this article and include WiiRemote and DarwiinRemote.

Turn on your computer's Bluetooth functionality before proceeding. If your computer does not have built in Bluetooth, you can purchase a Bluetooth dongle for a few dollars that connects to a USB port on the computer.

Double click on the remote application icon on your desktop. Upgrade the software if prompted to do so. Choose motion sensing or infared as the Wii remote can communicate to the Bluetooth with either setting. With motion sensing you can attach the Wii nunchuck for additional movement controls of the cursor.

Click the "Enable" button in the program. Hold down 1 and 2 at the same time on the Wii remote until the indicator lights on the remote stop blinking and the first blue light remains solid.

Move the Wii Remote around to see if the on screen cursor responds. If available click on "Calibrate" and move the controller as instructed to help calibrate the cursor position to match your movement.

Adjust the settings such as cursor speed and controller buttons under "Settings" or "Controls" within the remote application. By default most of the programs will use the trigger (B button) as left clicks and the 2 button for right clicks.

Play around with movement and adjust the settings as needed.

Turn off the Bluetooth when not in use to conserve battery life in the case of laptops and also to conserve the Wii remote's battery life.

Keep in mind that the maximum range is usually 10 feet. Any further from the media center PC and the controls will become sporadic or unresponsive.

You must launch the Wii Remote application each time you want to use the Wii controller. This means it is a good idea to keep a wired mouse or keyboard connected to the computer to access this before sitting down across the room to watch a movie off of your computer.

Darwiin Remote application download: http://sourceforge.net/projects/darwiin-remote/
WiiRemote application download: http://onakasuita.org/wii/index-e.html