For a system designed to function without wires, the Nintendo Wii can sure resemble an octopus when fully loaded with extra accessories and cables, some of which are optional (gaming attachments) and some vital (connectors).  Among the most disliked of these pieces has always been the console’s Sensor Bar, that annoying horizontal bar that helps make motion-controls and cursor pointing possible, yet occupies previously available real estate in your entertainment center.

For those Wii owners that, for whatever reason, may find themselves in need of a new sensor bar, the available options are slim-pickings.  For some odd reason, Nintendo seems to have made it as difficult as possible to replace this lovely contraption, one of the most crucial components of the Wii experience.  Its a good thing for active Wii owners that one of the most widely available options is also one of the best, thanks to the Mad Catz Wireless SenseBar.

Like many third-party sensor bar replacements, the Mad Catz Wireless SenseBar can be used wirelessly, but like others is also a battery hog.  Thankfully there are three battery-saving settings to help curb the waste, as the shut-off timer can be set to 1, 2, or 3 hours after inactivity.  4 AAA batteries seems like an awful lot for such a crucial device, and while the unit boasts a better-than-average battery life average of 40 hours, the last thing most Wii owners are wanting to do is maintain yet another battery-sucking peripheral.  This is where the option to use the device wired is such a great thing.  A simple switch in the back saves the batteries for another day, and by simply plugging in the cable you'll be back into the game in no time.

For those looking to replace their stock sensor bars and don’t feel like hassling with Nintendo’s propriety equipment, the Mad Catz Wireless SenseBar is a smart alternative, as its one of the few options that allow for both wired and wireless operation.  Its flat design is superior to Nintendo’s original, and its shorter cable (for wired operation) means less bunched up cables, a nice bonus for those looking to eliminate their wiry messes.  MadCatz also produces the SenseBar in wired-only form, so those looking to save a few bucks and buck the wireless option also have that option.