Controller for Nintendo GameCube - Indigo Reviews

• Nintendo's Controller of the Future

  
  By A1YGQM3JRUNZFK on 2001-11-28
  Friends rejoice, the controller Nintendo designed for its newest console, the Gamecube, is by far the greatest controller ever conceived. No controller, not Sega's not Sony's nor Microsoft's, can match this baby once you grasp in your hand. I'm not saying the Gamecube controller is flawless, no such thing exists, but this sucker is so darn close to being perfection that you will forget all about its minuscule flaws. The Gamecube controller features an incredibly unique design and intuitive control that only the geniuses at Nintendo could think up.

  First and foremost is the controller's downright bizarre looking design. Mini D-pad, yellow C-stick, giant A-button, and kidney shaped X and Y-buttons may throw both you pro and amateur gamers off at first glance, but don't let this controller's intimidating looks deceive you. The Gamecube controller was, from the feel of it, designed to make the gamer forget he or she had such a device in their hands. The side handles are contoured to a person's hand, the L and R-buttons are grooved for your index fingers, and the green A-button is the largest of the four main buttons so you never lose the primary action button.

  As I said, the A-button is the largest of the four main buttons because it is intended to be you primary action button. With this design, you'll never mistake another button for the A-button. Whether you're jumping from platform to platform of blasting away enemy fighters with lazer canons, the A-button's large size will always keep you from losing a game because you pressed the wrong button.

  The X and Y-buttons are uniquely designed in the odd shape of kidneys for a reason. If you place your thumb over the A-button, you will see that this strange set-up is there so your thumb can easily navigate from button to button when you need to most without accidentally tapping the wrong one. Don't believe me, try playing "Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3" on both Gamecube and Playstation. You'll soon discover as I did that it is much easier to master the skater game with the Gamecube controller than it is with the Playstation controller.

  The last of the main buttons, the red B-button, is of the normal size and shape buttons have been on Nintendo controllers for years, but was set slightly apart, in size and shape, from the A X and Y-buttons because it acts as a secondary action button. Play "Star Wars: Rogue Leader - Rogue Squadron II" and find out what I talking about. In "Rogue Leader" the A-button fires your main weapon, lazer canons, while the B-button fires your secondary weapons, proton bombs or ion canons depending on the ship your using, weapons which are usually limited in supply. With the B-Button being smaller than the A-button, you won't mistake it for your main action button and go firing those all important proton bombs before you need them.

  The L and R-button are the secondary buttons and are grooved for perfect comfort as your index fingers rest atop them. In "Star Wars: Rogue Leader - Rogue Squadron II", the L and R-buttons are used as "gas pedals." The L-buttons slows your ship down while the R-button speeds it up, and the harder you press the button, the slower or faster your ship will move.

  Next up are the two analog sticks. The larger gray analog stick is the main control which will guide ships and characters through their quests. The control stick is larger, of much better quality, and easier to use than Nintendo's N64 version. The second and smaller yellow analog stick is the C-stick used for camera control, but will no doubt be used for secondary control on later games. The C-stick replaces the awkward C-buttons of the N64 which were both small and uncomfortable to use.

  Another great feature is the built in "rumble pack." For those of you who had N64s, you may remember having to purchase the rumble pack separately from your controller and having to replace those pesky batteries. No more my friends. Apparently Nintendo heard the cries of its consumers and rabid fans and decided it best not to charge gamers for features companies like Sony already have built into there controllers. Smart thinkin' there Big N.

  Lastly come the flaws and surprisingly enough, given the Gamecube controller's somewhat strange design, there are only two and you may never have to deal with them. Design flaw number one is the purple Z-button, which is located directly above the R-button. Although Nintendo states the Z-button will act as an emergency button, I fear some companies shall use this in a capacity where you will constantly need to use this button. I fear this because the Z-button, though it is directly above the R-button, is in an awkward location and testing the overall feel of the controller, I found it hurt my index finger slightly trying to press it. Design flaw number two is the directional D-pad, which in previous controllers from Nintendo was designed to be your primary means of controlling character movements. Not so with the Gamecube controller. In an attempt to wean their gamers from using the D-pad and relying more heavily on the analog control stick, Nintendo has shrunk the size of the D-pad making it hard to use, although it is within comfortable reach of one's thumb.

  The verdict: the Gamecube controller is, in every sense of the word, a work of art. Nothing past or present, in the opinion of this veteran gamer, can match its ability to immerse someone into the game which they are playing, even with its minute flaws. And even if you find those flaws to be a bother, there are already third party alternatives that address the problems and unfortunately create some of there own. Nintendo revived video gaming in America, rescued it from certain death, and the Gamecube controller is still proof positive that Nintendo is here to stay.
  
  

• This little baby is great!

  
  By on 2001-10-21
  I went to one of the Nintendo Cube Clubs and got my hands on this sweet little thing and it is awesome! The controller melts into your hands and the button positions make it easy to adapt and the C-stick and analog stick have a nice grip to them which make them comfortable to use. The L and R shoulder buttons are possibly the best feature of the Gamecube controller. They mold perfectly into your hand and have what most people call the "double-click". It works like this: You press down a first click on the button and it then stops at a certain point, but, you can click down one further past this point. This is useful for racing games and such. The Z trigger (which is directly in front of the R button) is a little out of the way but strikingly is not used much. Overall, the controller is a beauty and in my opinion, THE best controller out there. Nintendo really out did themselves this time.
  
  

• Not for adults .... kids only or small hands!

  
  By A1V15AIAHQF5D4 on 2001-12-01
  I rate this controller a 2 overall because while it is the best controller I've used for any system ever (and I have them all except PS2), it is too small! My hands are very sore after only 1 game of Madden '02 w/5 min. quarters (@ 1 hour real time). I'm an adult male age 28 with average hand size. I suggest the Pellican G-3 or Madcatz controllers because they are slightly larger and allows your hands to relax while holding it. After switching to the G-3 I've had no problems and complete comfort. I plan on getting a Madcatz one as well because you need up to 4 controllers anyway and I like the grip on them. I only suggest you buy these VERY SMALL Nintendo brand controllers if you're buying for a child. I normally NEVER EVER buy 3rd party controllers or accessories either but with this I had no choice. I would like to mention though the EXCELLENT button shape and placement. This is the first controller I've been able to hit the right button consistently on demand with. Even the L and R buttons that are usually awkward to reach and use while using the regular A, B, X, and Y buttons simultaneously. The Z button takes a little getting used to though. Overall Gamecube has the best controller, just not the Nintendo brand (for adults and teens anyway), sorry Nintendo.
  
  

• Not what i expected

  
  By on 2001-11-11
  I have tried this controller and it is great.I thought it would feel weird and i would have to get used to it.Once i tried this crazy thing i was amazed!It was so comfortable and very nice to use.This taught me one thing.Don't judge a controller by how crazy lookin it is!!!!
  
  

• So good oh yeah

  
  By A336IJN38TUH5H on 2001-11-12
  It is awsome man it really just fits in your hands.Don't listen to X-Box fans saying it is the worse thing ever.The button positions are perfect and good for almost any sized hand!Great deal and great colors!!!!!
  
  
• Flawed... yet still very cool
  By on 2002-05-13
  The N64 controller was, in my opinion, an excellent one. The Z trigger was at the underneath the analog stick and was perfect for playing games like Goldeneye. However it did have its flaws, mainly the small c buttons and the stupid white stuff that got into the analog stick.
  Now the GCN controller. It has an analog stick that kicks the n64 one off the map. The L and R buttons are great, and the placement of buttons is unique. However it does have quite a few, but only minor, flaws. The first is the Z trigger. No more N64 like action here, it is placed all the way up next to the R button and is extremely hard to use, like using both the R1 and R2 PSX buttons at once. Hopeless for games like Perfect Dark 0. The second issue is how small the controller is, it becomes quite uncomfortable after a while, especially for older gamers, which the cube is meant to be designed for. Another minor problem is the colors... way too many grey buttons, they could have made the X button blue or something.
  Anyway, its a great controller, better than the X BOX controller that doubles as a hammer and the PS2 one which was exactly the same as the PSX one
  
  
• Unique controller a main reason GameCube rises above rest
  By AUDSM2CTLLW1Q on 2002-11-09
  The Nintendo GameCube already has so much going for it in terms of superior library of game titles and a more reasonable price, but what really helps it stand out from Playstation 2 and that mammoth debacle called X-Box is its control pad. It possesses a unique design that allows the user to developing an intuitive sense of where each button or control is and what it does, as opposed to Playstation's perfectly symmetrical controller that requires the user to consciously think about which buttons they are pressing. The advantage to the more intuitive design is that it frees the user to focus more attention on the action taking place on the screen and, given the advanced nature of today's games, that is a very important benefit to have. The asymmetrical way in which the buttons are placed throughout the pad help the user develop a customized feel for the pad based on the different spacings. Additionally, the buttons, themselves, are shaped different (the X and Y buttons are kidney-shaped and the A and B buttons are different-sized round buttons), which enhances the intuitive feel of control. Once again, Nintendo proves that it understands the user better than any other platform, and that is why it continues to be the best in the industry.
  
  
• Nearly perfect
  By on 2001-11-11
  I recently had the opportuinity to try out a GameCube, and the first thing I noticed was the size of the controller. Everyone raves about how small the console is, but the controller is what really got me. This thing is tiny, yet remarkably comfortable. The button layout seems very intuitive; the only problems I had were with the B and Z buttons, which initially seemed a little awkwardly placed. Also, the D-Pad is tiny. I can't really say if this is a good thing or not, since I wasn't able to try any games that used it, but it seemed comfortable enough under my thumb. The only real issue I have with this thing is that the handles feel a little too short, much like a PSX controller. If you've never had trouble holding the PSX controller, though, this thing should fit your hands perfectly.
  
  
• incredible pad
  By A1MZQ1IATLGS7H on 2001-11-19
  It literally melts in your hand, it's like a mechanical extension of your hands to the gamecube.
  You dont even have to think about it when you're using it.
  
  
• Best Controller Ever
  By on 2002-08-30
  This is by far the best controller I've ever used. It's designed so that your grip can perfectly fit around it. The contol stick is cushioned so that it will move with your finger instead of having to push it like the N64 controller. The buttons are placed and designed so you don't have to look down to know what you're pushing. The L and R buttons are curved so that you can rest your fingers on them.
  Keep in mind it's not perfect. The control pad is in a strange place and it's kind of small. But those are the only drawbacks I can think of. This is definitly one one the best new features for Gamecube.
  
  
• Not item as shown.
  By AUGR60SWO2J0F on 2006-12-05
  The picture shown is an "Authentic Nintendo Controller"... when you receive it... it is an offbrand. Not even the color stated! Seller said that it was Amazon's fault and not his, that he did not enter that picture. Said that it would cost too much for him to absorb cost to ship back. Was forced to buy at lower price.
  
  
• Nintendo Made This Controller? Why Am I Not Surprised?
  By A1W661TC1P6VQI on 2001-11-21
  This controller fits like a glove...a really tight one. I am 16, and this thing is so small my thumbs overlap two or three buttons at the same time! The Z trigger is in a worthless spot, and it's not easy to use at all (Which means whenever they will make you use the trigger there will be all heck to pay)! The analog is in the right place this time (Thank god), but what's with the C analog? Why can't I just use the the L and R triggers to move the camra!?! Plus why can't I push the A button? I swear. Regardless how big that button is I can't use it right to save my life (And when playing a video game, that could be a bad thing)!

  Don't even ask me what we'll ever need the D-Pad for, I don't know! However this is a cool color though, so I gusse that count's for something! Otherwise I don't recomend! Nintendo has has a bad reputation with making bad controllers (N64 anyone?), and this one is no different!
  
  

• Definitely the best controller I've ever held!
  By on 2001-11-24
  This is definitely the best controller I've ever held! At first, the controller looks very confusing but it really isn't! Nintendo has gone through all the trouble of finding the best set up from all the other controllers. It's a very inuitive set up and you really don't need to look down at your controller. Now I have big hands and this thing is small but it's really the best thing. The analog stick has a very rubbery feel to it and no more of that white stuff from the N64! The A button is good since that's where your thumb can sit. The B, Y, and X button has it's own feeling into it. All of this may seem great but the best thing are the L and R triggers! Your finger feels good when your pressing it. And there is a digital click when you pres dow hard enough. Definitely a controller at it's best!
  
  
• the controller that fits like a glove
  By on 2001-12-09
  this is the best controller for any video game system. It is very easy to use and is extremeley comfortable in your hand. If you have a game cube stock up on these while you can--color doesn't matter
  
  
• Best controller ever!
  By A1YI6YSJHFA39Z on 2002-04-23
  When I first looked at the controller I thought "wow, that looks really wierd" but in fact it is so comfortable. It is nearly flawless. I never lose because I press the wrong button anymore. The only button that seems out of place is the Z button on top of the controller. But that's nothing compared to how great the rest is. It has 2 controll sticks, the gray one is the main one that moves you around while the yellow one isn't used very often except in Luigi's Mansion where it moves the camera so you point in a different direction. The controller itself fits in your hands perfectly, unless you have big hands, and It has a built-in rumble feature. I still have my NES and it is a HUGE transition from that square controller with two action buttons & a directional pad to a controller with 7 action buttons, 2 controll sticks and yet again a directional pad. It's the best controller to have come out from any platform. Nintendo rules!
  
  
• Incredible controller, best ever
  By A2MESGKKDC5E9X on 2002-06-18
  The GameCube controller. This controller is one of the best ever made. No doubt about it. Nintendo's previous controller, from the Nintendo 64, was good, but not great. It was a very different type of design. The GameCube controller is a million times better than that controller. It's really hard to believe. The very first time I held this controller in my hands, I knew it was a winner.

  Many people say this controller was made for people with small hands. I disagree with that. I have small hands myself, but I have a few friends who have huge hands, and they have no problems with it. The left and right triggers are in the perfect position for both of your index fingers. All the buttons on the right side of the controller are easily accessible with your right thumb. They button layout is nearly perfect; with an enlarged "A" button for games with repetitive pressing of a single button. The analog stick can be easily accessed with your left thumb, and it rotates smoothly every time. The C-stick has replaced the C buttons from the previous N64 controller, and it allows for much more precise control.

  The only problems I could possibly think of with this controller are that the control pad is a bit small, but it is very rarely used, so that really isn't too big of a problem and the second thing I could think of was that the length of the controller cable is a bit short, but that can be easily fixed with extension cables. And now that the WaveBird is out, you can enjoy the wonderful GameCube controller without all the trouble of cables!

  I've had this controller for nearly eight months now, and it is still extremely dependable. All the buttons are still firm, and the control stick is still nice and tight. Nintendo hardly needs to issue any kind of a warrantee with this controller; there is hardly any chance of anything bad happening to it. You would have to drop something heavy on it, or pour something on it. I've dropped my controller numerous times, and nothing has happened to it yet. It is still in nearly brand new factory specifications. I am truly amazed.

  Overall, this controller is better than any of its counterparts. It deserves the "best controller" award in my book. Nintendo has come up with another masterpiece.

  Mark Williams
  
  

• Better than the MadCatz Controllers
  By A10W380KKDXCIB on 2004-04-01
  This is way better than the MadCatz series. MadCatz just try to make the controller look good but it is mostly about how the controller feels and the Nintendo origanal controller is the right thing. It is shaped perfectly and does not get stuck MadCatz. This is a great controller!!!
  
  
• melts right in your hand!
  By on 2001-11-26
  this is a great controller for those who have small to average sized hands. the butons are close but not too close like on the xbox and it feels great! but if you have realy large hands then you might want to go with the mad catz controler for the gamecube. this is also the standerd controller that comes with the gamecube incase you were wondering. i would recomend this to anyone with a gamecube.
  
  
• IT FEELS GREAT!!!
  By A2U3QFPXDPV5LC on 2002-01-06
  Gc controller is the best controller I ever played video games with....but one thing, WHAT'S WITH THE THE "Z" BUTTON?!...They should have placed it under the handle on the right of the controller.
  
  
• A work of art
  By A3ID0CJW6MRVA4 on 2002-01-17
  As a veteran of many Playstation controllers I can say that this one is the best one out there.
  
  
• A very comfortable controller
  By A2G8JETF10TUQ7 on 2002-01-27
  I haven't tried any of the third party controllers for the Game Cube but I have tried controllers for the x-box and PS2. Nintendo's controller is by far more comfortable. It's a quality product.
  
  
• Controller makes or breaks the system
  By A3RFW0W48XCRS9 on 2002-10-24
  Ergonomics done right... Nintendo does it again with a controller built for the gamer and not a controller built simply to accompany a console. The controller looks extremely strange but it is extremely comfortable and allows for quick and easy gameplay. Too bad Microsoft didn't get it right with their XBox controller, but then again, they're not pursuing great gameplay, just profit margins.
  
  
• Great controller.
  By A2E3UFJ9FMF135 on 2002-11-20
  Word of advise as we approach the holiday season. Stay away from thrid part products for Nintendo. This controller is [inexpensive] enough to merrit the extra five bucks. You will not be disappointed.

  This is a necessity if you have more than one gamer in the house, and mandatory to get the most fun out of Mario Party 4.
  
  

• Big Improvment From N64 Controller
  By on 2002-12-02
  This controller is awesome. You don't exactly need big hands to play. The A button is enormous! I don't know what these people are talking about with the Z button. It's in a perfect place. The controller is warm looks nice and has a great button layout. I thought that the N64 controller was good, but compared to this it's huge, feels like [inexpensive] plastic, and has an ugly color. Beileve me, you'll like this controller. You don't have to get that [costly] wireless one, just get this.
  
  
• Nintendo GameCube Controller Review
  By on 2004-02-04
  This is the best little controller I have ever played with and that includes other systems. It is comfortable and doesnt cramp your hands and it is good looking because it matches my system.
  
  
• melts right in your hand!
  By A2FX6SUL8KJVLH on 2001-11-26
  this is a great controller for those who have small to average sized hands. the butons are close but not too close like on the xbox and it feels great! but if you have realy large hands then you might want to go with the mad catz controler for the gamecube. this is also the standerd controller that comes with the gamecube incase you were wondering. i would recomend this to anyone with a gamecube.
  
  
• Nice controller, but...
  By A1HZ5TNN3EH1IR on 2001-12-29
  The GameCube controller is very well-designed. It's really easy to figure out the right button to push. I would have put the 'Z' button on the back of the controller, like with the N64, instead of in front of the 'R' button on top of the controller. Luckily it's not used much. Otherwise, it's a very nice controller.
  
  
• The Controller: by a kid who likes Cheesemonkeys
  By on 2002-05-20
  This controller beats down PS2 and Xbox controllers any day! The buttons are very creative, and in very good places. Here is what I think of the buttons:
  A=Excellent
  B=Excellent
  C-stick=Great
  Control-stick=Excellent
  D-pad=Okay
  L=Excellent
  R=Excellent
  X=Excellent
  Y=Excellent
  Z=Excellent
  Overall=Excellent
  So, there's my button review.Why do people hate the Z button? I think it is very cool.Here is my review of the features:
  Cord=Okay
  Feeling=Excellent
  Position of buttons=Excellent
  Overall=Excellent
  
  
• Cool but.........
  By on 2002-06-02
  Okay,the controller is cool,and it's design melts into your hand,but the quality isn't very good.After a week or two it starts to lose it's quality.The controller is made in china,so it isn't as good as the N64 controllers(Japan).So no matter how many times you do the L,R,and start button trick,nine times out of ten it doesn't work.The Madcatz controllers are way better.
  Here's my rating:

  Style:10/10

  Controller functions:9/10

  Quality:2/10
  
  

• Small but should be built better
  By A1HPK8HXZ278P0 on 2002-07-06
  Don't get me wrong i have and love gamecube and the controller because its so perfect. It is way better than the XBOX controller which is massive. Also the built in rumble is an improvement from the N64 Rumble Pak. However this very controller broke down on me. the c stick moves all by itself. ive reset it cleaned it and it still moves on its on. im waiting to get a refund on it. The funny thing is i took very good care of it anyway gamecube is still the best. I just wish i could get this repaired.
  
  

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