Intercooler
Score: 88% Developer: Nyko Device Type: Accessory
Function: The Intercooler is a line of products that have come out for each of the next gen consoles in order to help improve the airflow and cool off these systems as they perform more complex graphical and mathematical calculations than consoles ever have before. The concept is simple: add more fans to the system's exhaust area. All three Intercoolers plug into the system's existing power slot and you just plug the system's power cable into it. This way, you don't need any extra power cable and you still get the added benefit of several extra fans (well, except for the Wii version, the console is so small, only one fan is required). One of the issues with Intercooler's for the other systems was attaching and taking off the device. In both cases, the Intercooler required you to twist or wiggle the Intercooler in order to clip it into the exhaust holes. The Intercooler for the Wii has tabs on the side that let you release the Intercooler's grip on your system, a very nice improvement.
Performance: So how does the Intercooler handle? As far as I can tell, it is definitely pulling a lot of air out of the system, but I have to say, I never really had a problem with my Wii over heating, or even seeming to get close to that point. Now my PS3 and 360 on the other hand, yes I worry about that quite a bit. Based on my tests involving taking temperature with the Intercooler on and off, there is minimal or no difference between the heat coming off of the Wii when it is in standby or Wii Connect 24 mode (personally, I don't think the device should be powered when your Wii is like this, but more on that later). As for when the console is fully up and running, I tested the Intercooler while playing games like Victorious Boxers Revolution and Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution. I found that the difference in temperatures ranged between five and 15 degrees, with the average difference being about nine. So yes, the Intercooler has a noticeable, measureable effect on the heat of your system. I couldn't really tell if there was a performance difference with these games, but I'm not really sure these are the most system-taxing games for the Wii.
Features: Reduces ambient temperature by moving hot air away from the console Powers on and off with the console automatically Easily clips on the back of the Wii, no installation or modifications necessary Allows easy access to all back ports on the Wii Can be used in horizontal or vertical position, or in Wii Stand
Drawbacks & Problems:: It's an odd aspect of this line, that each system's version of the Intercooler has had different types of problems. There are only two issues I have with the Wii version of this product. The main one, and probably the worst in my opinion, is that the Intercooler doesn't fit right with my particular setup. The Intercooler is designed to clip over the exhaust area of your Wii. Not only does it have two clips that fit around the long-ways direction of your system (damn these days when systems can lay in two directions -- I can't say "vertical"), but it also has clips that go the other direction and fit at the extremes of the exhaust area. Consequently, you have to fit it exactly in place. So why is this a problem? I am using Psyclone brand component cables, which unlike the official Nintendo brand (which came out later than I was willing to wait) have a wider grip around the part that plugs into the Wii. So, if you are using that brand, the Intercooler doesn't quite fit right. In fact, I have it sort of hanging off of my Wii. This one really irks me because it isn't like the cables came out after the Intercooler. I just feel like Nyko should have tested the accessory against all existing products in order to make sure it fits optimally. The other issue is more of a minor annoyance. One of the biggest aspects of the Wii that Nintendo has pushed is Wii Connect 24, where your system stays in a sleep mode all the time so it can receive messages and other interactions can occur even if you aren't at your system. Unfortunately, it seems like the Intercooler can't tell the difference between sleep mode and completely on. This means that the Intercooler was on all the time. This is only slightly annoying because I have gotten used the sound of a fan coming from my entertainment cabinet, but it seems like the device might need to be just a little smarter. So should you get an Intercooler for your Wii? Like I said, I have never really been worried about my Wii overheating like the other systems might, but if you are, then you might want to look at this device. I warn you though, check out your cables before you purchase it. If it's not the official Nintendo products, you might be a bit disappointed.
-J.R. Nip, GameVortex Communications AKA Chris Meyer
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