How to Convert Wii Nunchuk to USB

By Marshal M. Rosenthal

Updated September 22, 2017

Items you will need

  • PIC 18F2550 microcontroller

  • USB cable

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The Nintendo Wii’s secondary controller is called the “nunchuk” and attaches to the primary Wii remote through a special connector. The nunchuk can be used as a high-resolution mouse with a PC, providing that a USB interface is provided to connect the nunchuk to the PC. You'll need a USB controller circuit board, but no soldering or electronic skill is required. The computer will recognize the nunchuk as if it were a mouse, and neither the computer or nunchuk will be damaged when used. The nunchuk will also be able to continue being used with the Wii remote.

Connect the nunchuk's plug to the input port on the PIC 18F2550 microcontroller. Connect one end of the USB cable to the output port on the PIC 18F2550 microcontroller. Attach the other end of the USB cable to a USB port on the computer.

Begin using the nunchuk as if it were a mouse on a Macintosh computer immediately. Click on the "OK" button on the "New Hardware Detected" popup window that appears on the screen if using a PC. Use the nunchuk as if it were a mouse once the popup window disappears.

Push the nunchuk forward and back to move the mouse pointer on the screen. Adjust the cursor speed knob on the PIC 18F2550 microcontroller to speed up or slow down the mouse pointer's response to the accelerometer being used in the nunchuk.

Click the "Z" button at the front of the nunchuk to activate a mouse's left click. Click the "C" button at the front of the nunchuk to activate a mouse's right click.

Disconnect the USB cable from the computer when done. Disconnect the nunchuk from the input port of the PIC 18F2550 microcontroller when done.

Tips

The PIC 18F2550 microcontroller can be placed inside a case if you want to protect the components while using it.

Warnings

Do not put the PIC 18F2550 microcontroller down on carpeting, as static electricity can be generated that will short it out.

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