Ever since the ‘zapper’-style peripheral for the Nintendo Wii was unveiled at E3 last year, albeit on its own behind a shield of glass, owners of the company’s latest console have waited patiently for news of its arrival or use in upcoming games - but to no avail. Earlier reports suggested a release date of May 1, 2007 but with only a few days to go, that’s looking increasingly unlikely to happen. Tired of waiting, Piranha Accessories has launched the first gun accessory for the Wii.

The W14 Gun is available for purchase via the Dutch company’s website and has more of a handgun look to it, as apposed to Nintendo’s E3 display which was styled like a shotgun. However, both designs work the same: simply clip the Wii remote into the front of the accessory so that its sensor is pointed towards the screen and you’re ready to go.

Here’s the product description direct from Piranha (thanks to Aert for the translation!):

Shoot like the best in all your shooter games. You only need your Wiimote to use the pistol. The pistol has every function to make your games even more realistic

• Rubber coating for extra grip
• Plug & Play technology: easy installation
• One gun for all the action - ingame change to different options
• Real trigger
• Nunchuck and Wiimote in one
• Sturdy and safe attachment of the Wiimote
• Stylish and realistic design

Although the maker’s site does not show any price or availability of the Wii accessory, CVG reports that it is available now for €19.99 EURO (around $20.00 USD or £14.99 GBP).

Nintendo’s E3 zapper: Piranha Accessories ‘jump the gun’ on it! Hohoho!

Such an accessory could very much come in handy for the upcoming Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles, an on-rails first person shooter exclusively in development for Wii. The game’s plot is set to be told from the Umbrella Corporation’s point of view and shed more light on its activities and eventual downfall. Chronicles is also set to tie up storyline gaps from previous iterations of the Resident Evil franchise.

Capcom recently reassured eager gamers that the title would be released before the end of 2007. Gonna get yourself a W14 Gun in preparation, anyone?