{tag [Wii]} {tag [Review]}

When Penguin United first announced their latest third party Wii peripheral, I was excited.

The Quad Charge Station sounded like the perfect device to fill, what I think, is a large gap in the market.  Most owners of the Wii are more than likely going to have four Wii Remotes, and, of course, will need a way to keep them powered.  To my knowledge, there are very few devices available, so exactly how well does the Quad Charge Station perform?

Just like the name suggests, the Quad Charge Station charges up to four Wii Remotes simultaneously.  That's a feature which really intruiged me.  It also recharges all four remotes in less than four hours.  I personally let my Wii Remotes charge over night.  Now getting the batteries into the Wii Remotes is a sinch, but you'll be leaving your old battery covers behind.  The new lithium-ion batteries snap into place and come with some extra ridges for gripping power.  These batteries are actually lighter than two AA alkaline batteries.  Using AA batteries makes the Wii Remote weigh .300 pounds, and with the battery packs it only weighs .245 pounds.  Will this allow you to perform better?  Unlikely,  but I'd like to think I play better because I'm just that good.  Of course, if the Wii is your exercise machine, then reducing the weight will reduce the impact, but probably not a whole lot.

My first issue with the Quad Charge Station is with the way the Wii Remotes sit into the base charger.  The charger does not work with the Wii Remote Jackets.  Sure, they are removable, but not fast and easy.  Of course, it would be hard to design around something that completely envelops the Remote as no metal contacts would touch to charge it.  Still, I don't like having to remove them.  Speaking of how the Remotes fit into the base, you cant just set them in casually.  The safety strap gets in the way unless you very carefully set the Wii Remote into the base with the strap facing the front.  It won't even fit if its going to the sides and if you have it sticking out the base it pushes it away from the charging contacts.

The lights on the Quad Charge Station indicate the charge status in 25% increments and let you know when the cycle is complete.  However, the blue lights underneath the Wii Remotes do stay on constantly, so it is wise not to place it in a room that you plan on having complete darkness, like a bedroom. Each battery pack is supposed to survive 13 hours of actual playtime.  It took me a while to drain my Wii Remote to the point where it would not stay powered on. It took twelve days and the battery did not quite live up to it's reputation.  The battery I tested with only lasted a total of 8 hours and 47 minutes.  Still, with a lifespan of 1000 recharge cycles the battery should last well over 4 years at it's current rate of use

My last gripe about the base is the noise.  If you've ever had noisy electronics then you would know what I am talking about.  It is not the base itself but the the AC/DC adapter that has a high pitched whine to it.  I've got one ear that really hears those pitches and I can tell you for sure that it is there.  It is a good thing I do not use the base in my bedroom or I doubt I would be able to sleep. 

Yes, the Quad Charge station has a few flaws.  However none of these flaws would be enough to keep me away from it.  I do not really need to use the Wii Jackets as I have only been hit in the arm once since our Wii purchase earlier this summer and the high pitched hum and lights are ok in our living room as no one tries to sleep in there.  The best point is the longevity, sure my battery didn't last as long as it is claimed to, but in a matter of four hours it will be renewed  I will let you know four years down the road if it is still kicking or not.  Can you imagine the savings by not using regular batteries?