Upon first starting mario party 8, when the start screen comes up.. it is as if the remotes for my wii isn't being read, the player 1 pointer is up on the upper right hand part of the screen and won't move.. is this a problem with this particular game or what can I try to fix this and get started??

SOURCE: cant add a controller

I had the same problem and called Nintendo support. They had us unplug the wii console for 30 seconds, plug it back in and start the system back up. BEFORE pressing the A button on the health and safety screen, we needed to take the battery cover off of one remote, press the red sync button, then quickly press the sync button on the front of the wii console (in the front - you have to open the flap). Once the single blue light was on at the bottom of the remote, do the same with the other remote (press the sync button on it and then on the wii console). Then the second blue light should be lit on the second remote. Hope that helps!

SOURCE: Second wii remote will not recognize the Mario Kart.

take the battery cover off the wii controller and press the red button. then open the cover at the front of the wii and press the red button. do this when you are at the wii menu. this registeres the remote

SOURCE: another problem with second wii remote for mario cart

press the red button at the back of the remote and then open the cover at the front of the wii and press the red button

SOURCE: Disk error with Mario Party 8

Try taking it back to the store and get a new disk.

SOURCE: mario kart wii is not working on my wii. i keep

Try a Wii system update