Wii Classic Controller

The Wii remote's 2005 unveiling in Japan left many wondering how multi-platform releases would work on Nintendo's next-gen console. Most developers have signed on to Wii with the right mindset: games must use the console's unique features or its point is moot.

But there are some games that are not yet ready to adapt a unique control style. An exclusive Mortal Kombat could be amazingly innovative on Wii. But the current MK games, for example, would not necessarily be improved by Wii remote integration.

Furthermore, Nintendo created the Wii with retro gaming in mind. Dozens, and soon hundreds (and eventually thousands) of classic Nintendo, Sega, and Turbo Grafix games can be purchased and played through the Wii Virtual Console. Turning the Wii remote sideways reveals an NES-like design, but it doesn't have enough buttons – or a thumbstick – necessary to control SNES and N64 games.

Nintendo solved this problem with the Wii Classic Controller. It's small, very lightweight, looks cool, and most importantly, is very comfortable to use.

Buttons/D-Pad/Thumbsticks: 9.5

Nothing but the best and most reliable materials. The Wii Classic Controller has eight buttons – four on top and four on the front – the most of any Nintendo game pad. Whereas the 360 and PlayStation 3 have shoulder button columns (one in front of the other) for quick access with the index and middle fingers, the Classic Controller has its buttons all in one row.

L and R, the primary shoulder buttons, appear to have the same pressure-sensitive functionality of the GameCube shoulder buttons. Depress the two buttons and you'll hear a click at the end – a cool GameCube feature used for additional applications and further sensitivity in some games. If the developers need an extra button, that click can fill the void.

The other two shoulder buttons, ZL and ZR, are set further toward the center of the controller. They're much smaller – about 1/4 the size of the L and R buttons -- and have a much lighter click. The face buttons are big with a raised and rounded tip, which is preferable to controllers with buttons that are somewhat indented. They have a great, highly resistant feel that works perfectly games that require a lot of rapid firing, including new Wii releases like Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 (which can be played with either the remote and nunchuck combo or solely the Classic Controller).

However, this controller's greatness is not limited to button-mashing. It can take a mashing and keep on thrashing (er...ticking), but works well with any kind of current- past-generation game you can find.

The D-pad is softer than the NES original but is no less responsive. Both thumbsticks are equal in size – a first for Nintendo – and have the same resistance as the nunchuck attachment, which is slightly more resistant than the GameCube thumbsticks.

The best thing about the Classic Controller is how loose and natural it feels in your hands. There are no grips, so you don't feel like you have to grip it. But if you choose to hold it tight, the results will be the same – the controller is still the most comfortable pad Nintendo has ever produced.

The Wii Classic Controller plugs into the Wii remote’s expansion shot, as illustrated here with the nunchuck attachment. You do not need to wave or touch the remote while using the Classic Controller – just plug it in, put down the remote and forget it’s there.

Controller Design/Aesthetics: 9

Merging elements of the SNES and GameCube controllers, the Wii Classic Controller is Nintendo's best traditional game pad. The retro design is excellent. The A and B, X and Y, and L and R buttons go back to everyone's favorite 16-bit console. Likewise, the oval shape and smooth, rounded back are very SNES.

Durability: 8.0+ ?

The buttons, D-pad and thumbsticks were built to last. They feel as sturdy and as reliable as any Nintendo-made controller.

My concern is with the plastic Nintendo used for the Classic Controller. It feels great – it's very smooth and shiny on the front, and has more of a standard matte finish underneath. It's also very light, and doesn't have the same thick feel of the N64 and GameCube controllers. I have similar concerns with the nunchuck, but given that it has motion capabilities, it was important for Nintendo to make it – as well as the remote – as light as possible.

But there was no reason to make this controller equally as light, other than for added comfort. I'm probably just having console launch paranoia, at least that's what I hope. I've never had a Nintendo controller or system break on me outside of a GameCube that had an internal manufacturing problem. I try to be cautious with my peripherals, but when you've got 10 controllers lying around the floor, you're bound to step on one of 'em from time to time.

The SNES controllers – I could toss them around and not have to worry. I've stepped on my Dual-Shock 2 quite a few times, and I've dropped and stepped on my GameCube and Xbox controllers as well. Their functionality is still 100%. My fear with this controller is that, with the lighter and thinner plastic, dropping or stepping on it one too many times might hurt its functionality. At the very least, scratches are more likely to show on its shiny white surface.

GameCube Functionality MIA

Despite the Classic Controller's two analog sticks and pressure-sensitive shoulder buttons, it was not designed to be used with GameCube games.

Pressure-sensitive buttons were not invented until the PS2 era, therefore they are not needed with pre-PS2 and GameCube releases. That wipes out every game available on the Virtual Console.

Two thumbsticks – another Sony innovation that was not a part of Nintendo's world until 2001. Developers did not have the technology to create Nintendo games using two sticks for N64, SNES, NES, Sega Genesis, or Turbo Grafix.

The inclusion of these elements leads gamers to believe that GameCube functionality is supported.

One could assume that Nintendo was covering all bases. They want all games to come to the system, even those without motion-specific features. Analog buttons might be needed down the road...

Or Nintendo might be thinking of themselves. Some people might not want to play Super Smash Bros. with a Wii remote – they might want to use a game pad.

Whatever the reason, I feel gypped. The Classic Controller has all these great functions, and for now, they're going to waste. It's not that playing old GameCube games with a new controller is somehow more exciting. But this is my favorite Nintendo controller next to the Wii remote, and not being able to use it with Resident Evil 4, Pikmin, and Mario Sunshine, etc., really sucks.

 
Umbrella Corporation wouldn’t comment on this news, but sources within the company say they are most displeased.

Pros:

• Very light and comfortable

• Eight sturdy, reliable buttons; two top-notch thumbsticks; one solid D-pad  

• Cool retro design integrates the best of Nintendo's best

• Technically wireless – the Classic Controller plugs right into the Wii remote

Cons:

• No GameCube support  

• Plastic casing doesn't feel as sturdy as previous Nintendo pads

Verdict: 8.4
The Wii Classic Controller could've been an absolute must for everyone had it included GameCube support. Surely you'll need and want to buy it if you're planning on downloading games from the Virtual Console. It's great for the classics, no doubt. But given its name, I would have liked to be able to use it with all my classics, not just those from the pre-GameCube era, or those developed for Wii – a next-gen console – that the developers felt needed a retro touch.