The Nintendo Wii can do a lot of things play games, report weather, and browse the internet.  The latter ability has typically been a matter of trial and error from spotty Flash performance to simply browsing the web.  While the Xbox 360 and PlayStation have their own mini-keyboard solutions, both are first-party efforts, and it's here that we once again return to Nyko for a proper solution to one of the console's most pressing issues.  The TypePad Pro is the first QUERTY-style keyboard attachment for the Wii, and while having a small cluster of tactile keys will help those looking to browse quicker and make those small typing jobs easier, it still feels more like a work in progress than a final solution.

Upon opening the package and under further inspection, this thing looks like an absolute beast. The unit sports a full QWERTY-style keyboard that is separated in the middle and cradles the Wii remote.  There are also buttons on the front (blue button) for symbols and caps lock, as well as two rear triggers that are specifically utilized to take advantage of the “Trans-Port” technology seen on Nyko’s Wand products for easy reassigned use of the A and B buttons.  Also included is a small USB dongle that syncs the unit to the Wii console, as it doesn't actually run through the Wii remote itself, and this means it doesn't require extra batteries.

Unfortunately, the initial setup process is just one of many hurdles you'll have to overcome if its quick 'n easy internet surfing that you're after.  For a device that's all about making web browsing easier and less cumbersome, I'm surprised there are so many steps needed to get the show on the road.  With the Wii console turned on and the USB unplugged insert the remote into the TypePad, then hold the sync button on the TypePad for five seconds, then wait until the USB dongle starts blinking then insert into Wii. The light on the dongle will stay solid for ten seconds to indicate sync – if not repeat entire process. Once the unit is synced properly it can be removed and put aside for later use, which is nice because how much use it'll get depends on just how you'll be using your Wii console.

The Wii's Internet Channel gets a lot of use in my environment, especially when I want to share some funny (and more often than not completely inappropriate) YouTube videos with friends.  Not that using a standard Wii remote is much of a hassle, but coming from a fully functioning computer (with mouse and keyboard) can make having to manually hunt down and click every number and letter a buzz kill.  The TypePad Pro eliminates this, as the sturdy keys (while tiny) were easy to press and felt solid enough after some serious pecking.  Navigating web pages was even easier if you use Nyko's own Wii Wand as the trigger shortcuts are exclusive with Nyko’s previously mentioned “Trans-port” feature, a burden if you only have pretty good Wii Remote handy.  Also, having internet-ready buttons for such useful commands like "return", "space", "delete" ".com" and "@" makes things even quicker, at least, once you get used to their awkward placement.

Another fun discovery is that it's also compatible with practically everything targeted to bring up a Wii alpha/numeric input box, such as Wii Shop Channel purchases or the bane of every online Wii gamer's life, the dreaded Friend Codes.  It may not sound like much, but given the option to manually point and pluck every digit of your credit card or your newest friend's console code or simply plugging one of these in, we'd be fools for not choosing the latter.

Of course, the TypePad Pro is pretty much useless for gaming, at least any that require the use of the Nunchuk controller.  As the unit uses the Wii remote's battery (via the bottom connector), this significantly limits its functionality - and usefulness - to a questionable niche market. Even more curious, given how the TypePad is designed to function better with Nyko's own Wand controller, is how they didn't allow the use of their own Kama wireless Nunchuk attachment instead.  Given the option, I think the majority of gamers would probably have preferred to use their own batteries and freed up the bottom connector for Nunchuk use, which would have helped eliminate this problem altogether.

Still, I'm not sure if these omissions will be enough to distract users from its primary objective, as most online Wii games seem specifically designed to avoid having a keyboard handy (i.e. Animal Crossing: City Folk).  With in-game gestures and symbols, this may not be an issue with most users.  For the rest, let this be a big, fat caveat for anyone hoping that such a potentially useful add-on would help make games that specifically target the keyboarding community, like Monster Hunter 3, even more fun and playable online.

For what it was designed for, Nyko's TypePad Pro is a solid solution to a problem that many internet-only Wii users may have experienced a time or two, and should make those longer sessions with the Internet Channel and Shop Channel easier than ever with the first-ever QUERTY-style keyboard for the console.  Those looking for a replacement to their standard USB keyboard should keep looking, as the unit monopolizes the Wii remote's bottom slot, meaning any game that requires a Nunchuk won't be compatible.  Ultimately, its small merits only help to underline a number of missed opportunities that are difficult to ignore, and we can only help for a more robust follow-up next time.