Wii Classic Controllers

Review by Nite:

If you plan on buying a Wii and going through with the virtual download, then getting the classic controller is not such a bad investment. What causes to be a bad investment however depends on what games you plan on downloading for the virtual console. Case in point, if you've got a Gamecube controller, there's a big possibility you may want to stick with that one instead.

To begin, the controller attaches to the Wii remote, so it is in fact wireless. So you don't have to deal too much with cords in the way. Although, this brings about the problem of your Wii remote batteries dying. Then your shell controller doesn't work so well either. Another interesting aspect of the classic controller is that you can use it to navigate through the Wii channels if you like.

The layout of the controller is almost an exact replica of the classic Super Nintendo Controller. The differences are two Z buttons, one next to the L button and one next to the R button, and a home button to navigate back to the wii menu. Its fantastic for playing virtual console games because the buttons are set to correspond to the same things they did on their respective controllers. Although at the same time this can be troublesome, particularly for playing Nintendo 64 games. If you plan on downloading N64 games, the Gamecube Controller works far better than the shell controller does. Mainly because the button layout just feels awkward at times. The Z buttons are small, unlike the Gamecube controller which happens to have a fairly large one. The control stick is also far better on the Gamecube Controller for N64 games and the A and B button placements are better as well.

Otherwise, if you plan on getting a Super Nintendo game, this controller is perfect! It's also perfect for NES games, although you could just use the wii remote to play those games (although, the wii remote definitely feels awkward at first). Aside from that, the classic controller works extremely well.

There are a couple of problems, however. For starters, the classic controller doesn't work for Gamecube games at all. This brings about the question as to whether the classic controller is worth buying at all. The answer is simply that it depends on what you want more of. If you plan on playing tons of Super Nintendo games on your virtual console, then yes the classic controller is a fantastic buy. It even works better than the Wii remote when playing classic NES games and TurboGrafx-16 games. However, you can't help but admit the Gamecube controller works great as well (although the Gamecube controller doesn't work quite as well with Super Nintendo games; just try playing Contra III). The classic controller is great, but until there's actually a Wii game that requires it above all else, its hard to tell people with Gamecube controllers that they'll absolutely need it. It's a great controller, but not yet a necessity.

On the positive side

+The button layout is pretty good

+Can be used to navigate the Wii Menu

+Attaches to the Wii remote so you don't have to deal with a lot of cords

+Controls are precise and corespond accordingly to each game

+Works especially well with Super Nintendo games

On the negative side

-It feels awkward with N64 games (the Gamecube controller is better)

-As of yet, there are no wii games that require the classic controller

-It's really difficult to recommend the classic controller when the Gamecube controller works just fine as well. Perhaps when a game for the Wii that requires the controller it'll be a lot easier to recommend to people.

So it really IS a good controller, but unless you plan on playing tons of Super Nintendo classics, the Gamecube controller is a better buy right now--especially if you plan on playing Nintendo 64 games.

Review by C. R. Vandenheuvel:

For all the people saying that a wireless GameCube controller is a better purchase ... I'm wondering, have you tried Super Mario World with the GameCube controller yet?

It's unplayable. I have both and I tried to play 2-player SMW. The classic controller of course works perfectly, but the GameCube one is awful. Here's why: SMW requires you to do running jumps over pits. That means you hold Y and press B to jump. Y and B are right next to each other on the classic controller, but on the GameCube controller, there is an enormous A button almost directly between them. You have to bend your thumb at a weird angle to hit B and Y but not A, because if you hit A you will do a spin jump and probably fall in the pit.

So really, one of the best Virtual Console games out right now does not work well with the GameCube controller ... the classic controller is great and works well with all of the games. (That's what it was made for, you know)

Review by James Faile:

I got this product when I bought Monster Hunter Tri.

I already had a Classic Controller that I purchased when it was first released.

I have used the Classic Controller to play Super Smash Brothers Brawl since a few months after that game was released. I'm still good at using the Gamecube Controller, but I wanted to start using the new controllers so that I wouldn't have to hunt for Wavebirds when they stopped being produced.

This controller addressed all of my concerns with the original design.

While playing using the original Classic Controller, my left hand would rotate around the analog stick slightly. This would not usually be detrimental until it had shifted enough that pressing a direction would register as a diagonal. For example, trying to press Up-B to recover while my hand was rotated downward caused me to press Over-B which would cause a suicide and a wasted stock.

With the new Classic Controller Pro, my hand stays anchored in place and I notice less mistakes during critical matches.

Another issue with the old Classic Controller was the R and L buttons being analog. This was the same issue that Gamecube Controllers have where a slight press doesn't register as a shield unless the button is completely pressed in. This is an issue specific to Brawl as Melee supported slight indentation.

However, with the new Classic Controller Pro, L and R are now digital like the rest of the buttons. This lets them be used like Super Nintendo Controller shoulder buttons or like Gamecube Controllers that have had their shoulder button springs removed.

It's worth getting just for that.

Also, the analog sticks are farther apart, which makes it so that Thumb Clash (Thumbs colliding during gameplay) is no longer an issue. It was rarely an issue to begin with, but the thought is nice.

As for Monster Hunter Tri?

The zR and zL buttons are barely used in this game, so if you already have a Classic Controller the Classic Controller Pro is only worth the upgrade it you have you want to blow. Otherwise the old controller will work perfectly for you.

All things considered, I don't regret buying this controller at all and would do it again if I lost or damaged this one.

Review by Mitrox:

I gave this controller a 5 star rating because when you don't compare it to other controllers it's a really decent controller. Although this controller feels really comfortable when you hold it, it's a bit difficult to get used to when you've played on the GCN Controller for so long. Especially when you are playing SSBB, you have to reach upward diagonally for the (x)/(y) button ( which delays a few milliseconds and leaves you open for an incoming object/attack). While on the GCN Controller you could click ( x ) towards the right when you needed to react quickly. However, this is not a review about the GCN controller.

I never owned the original CC since I did not have the money at the time to purchase it. Neither did I have in mind to purchase it because I did not see any use for it until later on. That's when I started purchasing virtual console games and then that's when I realized that the GCN controller did not play well with Super Mario World. So I skipped the original CC since it did not look comfortable to hold for other games besides VC ones and I did not want to purchase it just to play VC games. So months later I stumbled across the Japanese design of the CCP on YouTube while randomly searching up Nintendo items. I took massive interest and I pre-ordered it on Amazon. I waited about 1 month and it finally came in the mail. I really loved the look of the controller, and the feel of it. I first tested it with Super Mario World and it ran really smooth. However, when I started playing SSBB with it, I did not feel as free as I wanted to with the controller, but after practicing and memorizing the layout I got a little used to it, but it felt as if I were learning a whole new experience again. It worked great with Super Sonic Racing though, So no if's or buts there. Anyway, it isn't called the "Classic" controller for no reason, so you can't bombard Nintendo with comments on how this controller could of been better when they made it especially for virtual console games with intentions of including it for other games. Most of us know that the GCN controller is still very comfortable. So hopefully in their next gen console they will keep the design and include wireless features without the need to connect it to the wiimote.

Positive Side:

+ Controller is great for playing SNES/virtual console games

+ The added handles make it look and feel more comfortable

+ The R&L analog sticks are more spaced apart making it easier to reach

+ The cord being upward instead of downward is better

Negative Side:

- the Zr&Zl button location is a bit spaced out (especially when grabbing in SSBB making it feel awkward)

Overall, this is a great controller. I only have minor adjustments that I did not approve of, other then that it's a Viewtiful controller. ^^

Review by James Faile:

I got this product when I bought Monster Hunter Tri.

I already had a Classic Controller that I purchased when it was first released.

I have used the Classic Controller to play Super Smash Brothers Brawl since a few months after that game was released. I'm still good at using the Gamecube Controller, but I wanted to start using the new controllers so that I wouldn't have to hunt for Wavebirds when they stopped being produced.

This controller addressed all of my concerns with the original design.

While playing using the original Classic Controller, my left hand would rotate around the analog stick slightly. This would not usually be detrimental until it had shifted enough that pressing a direction would register as a diagonal. For example, trying to press Up-B to recover while my hand was rotated downward caused me to press Over-B which would cause a suicide and a wasted stock.

With the new Classic Controller Pro, my hand stays anchored in place and I notice less mistakes during critical matches.

Another issue with the old Classic Controller was the R and L buttons being analog. This was the same issue that Gamecube Controllers have where a slight press doesn't register as a shield unless the button is completely pressed in. This is an issue specific to Brawl as Melee supported slight indentation.

However, with the new Classic Controller Pro, L and R are now digital like the rest of the buttons. This lets them be used like Super Nintendo Controller shoulder buttons or like Gamecube Controllers that have had their shoulder button springs removed.

It's worth getting just for that.

Also, the analog sticks are farther apart, which makes it so that Thumb Clash (Thumbs colliding during gameplay) is no longer an issue. It was rarely an issue to begin with, but the thought is nice.

As for Monster Hunter Tri?

The zR and zL buttons are barely used in this game, so if you already have a Classic Controller the Classic Controller Pro is only worth the upgrade it you have you want to blow. Otherwise the old controller will work perfectly for you.

All things considered, I don't regret buying this controller at all and would do it again if I lost or damaged this one.

Review by Mitrox:

I gave this controller a 5 star rating because when you don't compare it to other controllers it's a really decent controller. Although this controller feels really comfortable when you hold it, it's a bit difficult to get used to when you've played on the GCN Controller for so long. Especially when you are playing SSBB, you have to reach upward diagonally for the (x)/(y) button ( which delays a few milliseconds and leaves you open for an incoming object/attack). While on the GCN Controller you could click ( x ) towards the right when you needed to react quickly. However, this is not a review about the GCN controller.

I never owned the original CC since I did not have the money at the time to purchase it. Neither did I have in mind to purchase it because I did not see any use for it until later on. That's when I started purchasing virtual console games and then that's when I realized that the GCN controller did not play well with Super Mario World. So I skipped the original CC since it did not look comfortable to hold for other games besides VC ones and I did not want to purchase it just to play VC games. So months later I stumbled across the Japanese design of the CCP on YouTube while randomly searching up Nintendo items. I took massive interest and I pre-ordered it on Amazon. I waited about 1 month and it finally came in the mail. I really loved the look of the controller, and the feel of it. I first tested it with Super Mario World and it ran really smooth. However, when I started playing SSBB with it, I did not feel as free as I wanted to with the controller, but after practicing and memorizing the layout I got a little used to it, but it felt as if I were learning a whole new experience again. It worked great with Super Sonic Racing though, So no if's or buts there. Anyway, it isn't called the "Classic" controller for no reason, so you can't bombard Nintendo with comments on how this controller could of been better when they made it especially for virtual console games with intentions of including it for other games. Most of us know that the GCN controller is still very comfortable. So hopefully in their next gen console they will keep the design and include wireless features without the need to connect it to the wiimote.

Positive Side:

+ Controller is great for playing SNES/virtual console games

+ The added handles make it look and feel more comfortable

+ The R&L analog sticks are more spaced apart making it easier to reach

+ The cord being upward instead of downward is better

Negative Side:

- the Zr&Zl button location is a bit spaced out (especially when grabbing in SSBB making it feel awkward)

Overall, this is a great controller. I only have minor adjustments that I did not approve of, other then that it's a Viewtiful controller. ^^

Review by SegaGuy217:

Overall I feel the NYKO Wing is a good alternative to the Classic Controller. The analog sticks actually feel really good in games like Mario Kart Wii. I tested it in a FPS WiiWare game known as Water Warfare and both analogs worked great.

The D-Pad is not as good as Nintendo's but it is a good 2nd in quality as I tested the D-Pad playing Super Mario World via my VC collection. Overall the general construction of the controller is good but the plastic and buttons feel cheaper in comparison but there is absolutely no lag in button presses.

The strongest features this controller offers is it is a lot more comfortable in the hands then the Classic Controller. I had to buy the NYKO Classic Controller grip to get the original Classic Controller to fit comfortably in my hands as to where the NYKO Wing is a lot more comfortable straight out of the package. Also the chord is a foot longer.

It is about the same size as the classic controller but the design of the controller is where the comfort lies. The quality of the plastic just feels cheaper in comparison to a 1st party Nintendo controller which is common with 3rd party accessories. Well there is the info and you can take it for what its worth.

Review by RWZBomber:

It's straight up a standard Gamecube controller but colored to match a Wii. The cord for it seems to be about 10ft which (if I recall correctly) is much longer than the original Gamecube controller's cord was. I'd recommend it for anyone who needs a Gamecube controller in general or if you're looking for one for the Wii.

Review by Xero:

This is the official Nintendo Gamecube controller. This, obviously, can be used on the gamecube and also the Wii. This controller looks amazing in it's clean, stylish white color. What is really nice about this certain colored gamecube controller is that it matches the Wii's color, and more importantly, has a longer cable than the other colors.

This is overall a great purchase to anyone looking to play Gamecube games, and certain Wii games such as Super smash Bros. Brawl or Mario Kart Wii.

Review by Michael J. Tindal:

The Classic Controller Pro is the new updated Classic Controller released to the japanese market. It will be available stateside in April with the release of Monster Hunter 3, but Amazon is offering the imported Classic Controller Pros and I bit and bought one.

First, the grips make the controller a lot more comfortable to hold. Your fingers have something to wrap around and do not feel as cramped. The extra shoulder buttons feel a lot more natural to press and aren't as awkward as the original Zr and Zl buttons.

I did have an issue with playing Ocarina of Time where the right stick was not mapped to the proper C buttons, but a quick switch back to the original Classic Controller and back to the Classic Controller Pro proved it was working, and I believe it was an issue of controller positioning when I plugged it in.

It feels much better to hold and use than the original Classic Controller and I would recommend anyone who plays a lot of Virtual Console/WiiWare or games that use the classic controller get one of these.

Review by D. A. Grant:

I have this controller and the original white classic controller. Even with an optional Nyko kit (adds grips to classic controller), the original white classic controller felt really awkward. The black controller is a lot more PS2 like, especially with the shoulder button layout (which is a good thing). Overall, very good controller for playing older Nintendo (virtual console, gamecube) games on the Wii.