So recently I decided I would have a go at modifying my Wii U game controller with a (comically) large battery. I have seen a few different ways of going about this, everything from just buying some dubious China version of the original "high-capacity" battery which Nintendo sold, all the way to 3D printing some 18650 battery holder to bolt onto the back of the controller.
For anyone interested in the exact battery I used, I can't share links yet, but search for this:
“Makerfocus 3.7V Lipo Battery 10000mAh Lithium Rechargeable Battery 9065115”
The main criteria for me doing this was to ensure that:
This adds around an extra 100g of weight, however the battery life goes from around 2 -3 hours to easily 18+ hours at medium brightness and low/medium volume.
Below is the end result
Below are a few photo's of the actual modifications to the case, I only had wire cutters and a sharp blade to hand... this would look much cleaner with a Dremel.
Every time I've seen someone else do this type of mod, they solder the "red and black" wires from the LiPO battery they bought direct to the red and black wires on the Wii U's original battery control PCB, this will explain why the battery indicator doesn't work properly and runs into other issues such as not being able to power up the system. The BCM PCB from your original Wii U battery should replace the one on whichever battery you use.
For anyone interested in the exact battery I used, I can't share links yet, but search for this:
“Makerfocus 3.7V Lipo Battery 10000mAh Lithium Rechargeable Battery 9065115”
The main criteria for me doing this was to ensure that:
- The controller looks completely unmodified from the outside
- The battery indicator/LED/general functionality all work properly
- Can still use the original charger dock/cable
This adds around an extra 100g of weight, however the battery life goes from around 2 -3 hours to easily 18+ hours at medium brightness and low/medium volume.
Below is the end result
Below are a few photo's of the actual modifications to the case, I only had wire cutters and a sharp blade to hand... this would look much cleaner with a Dremel.
Every time I've seen someone else do this type of mod, they solder the "red and black" wires from the LiPO battery they bought direct to the red and black wires on the Wii U's original battery control PCB, this will explain why the battery indicator doesn't work properly and runs into other issues such as not being able to power up the system. The BCM PCB from your original Wii U battery should replace the one on whichever battery you use.