Remember when the Nintendo Wii arrived and promised to change how we played video games forever? While many sports games settled for simple waggle mechanics, Konami did something radical. For PES 2008 on the Wii, they threw out the traditional controller playbook and built a football game entirely around the Wii Remote + Nunchuk.
Instead of just controlling one player at a time with a directional pad, PES 2008 turned you into a tactical mastermind, using the Wii Remote like a conductor's baton to orchestrate the entire pitch.
If you’re revisiting this classic or trying it for the first time, here is the ultimate breakdown of how this unique control scheme works.
The Core Blueprint: Wii Remote + Nunchuk
The secret to mastering PES 2008 on the Wii is understanding that your hands are doing two completely different jobs:
- The Nunchuk Stick: This is used strictly for moving the player currently on the ball (direction only). Unlike traditional games, pushing the stick all the way doesn't make them sprint—sprinting is handled entirely by the Remote.
- The Wii Remote Pointer: This is your command center. The on-screen cursor is used to point at players, open space, and opponents to drag them into runs, passes, or tackles.
The Magic Mechanic: "Drag Player"
The definitive feature of this game is the ability to literally draw lines on the pitch to command your players. It works both on-ball and off-ball:
- Select a Player: Hold the A button on the Wii Remote and point at a player.
- Draw the Run: An arrow will appear, stretching from the player to your cursor.
- Set Speed & Direction: Adjust the length and angle of the arrow. A longer arrow tells the player to sprint faster, while the angle dictates their path. Releasing the A button locks in the movement.
Because you can do this off-ball, you can manually drag your wingers into open space to exploit a gap in the defense while dribbling with your midfielder. It gives you a level of tactical freedom traditional controllers still can't match.
Passing, Shooting, and Skill Moves
Once you get used to drawing arrows, the rest of the game falls into a unique rhythm:
Passing & Dribbling
- Passing: Want to play a short pass or a killer through-ball? Just point the Wii Remote at a teammate or an open patch of grass and press the pass button (typically B or 1).
- Skill Moves: No need to memorize complex button combos. Flicking the Remote or executing quick A-button + pointer gestures lets you pull off step-overs, sharp turns, and tight dribbles effortlessly.
Unleashing the Shot
- Shooting & Heading: Ready to test the keeper? Instead of pressing a button, you swing the Nunchuk forwardright as your player meets the ball. The angle and power of your physical swing, combined with how the ball arrives, determines the trajectory of the shot.
Total Defensive Control
Defending in PES 2008 feels less like a standard football game and more like a real-time strategy simulation.
- Targeted Pressing: Point the Remote at the opposing attacker and press A. The nearest defender will automatically close them down. You’ll see a blue circle appear around their feet, which turns red when a tackle is initiated.
- The Double-Team: You can send up to two defenders at once to press a single attacker. This allows you to trap opponents along the touchline and create realistic, suffocating defensive pressure.
The Quick Matchday Cheat-Sheet
To help you get your bearings during kick-off, here is the simplified control map to keep in mind:
| Controller Action | In-Game Result |
|---|---|
| Wii Remote Pointer | Aims passes, selects players, guides runs |
| Hold Remote A | Drag player to create a run (or trigger defensive press) |
| Press Remote B / 1 | Execute short pass / through-ball to cursor |
| Flick Remote / Gesture | Perform skill moves and close-control dribbling |
| Nunchuk Stick | Moves the active player (jog speed) |
| Swing Nunchuk | Shoot on goal or attempt a header |
The Verdict
PES 2008 on the Wii is a fascinating piece of football gaming history. It swapped muscle-memory button combos for tactical awareness and spatial control. Once you get past the learning curve, dragging defenders out of position and pinging passes into open space feels incredibly rewarding.
Have you ever tried the Wii version of Pro Evo, or are you tempted to dust off the old console to try it out? Let us know in the comments below!