Wii Classic Controller Reviews

• Nintendo Wavebird GameCube controller may be a better buy

  
  By A9Z5L0JFXKIU2 on 2006-11-26
  The Nintendo Wii Classic Controller is intended for use with the Wii Virtual Console. Consider purchasing a Wii Classic Controller if you intend to play Virtual Console games only, otherwise consider buying a Nintendo Wavebird GameCube controller for the ability to (wirelessly) play both Virtual Console games and Nintendo GameCube games.
  
  Although the Wii Classic Controller is smaller and lighter (and has slightly different control stick and button layouts) than any Nintendo GameCube controller, the Wii Classic controller cannot be used to play any GameCube titles, and there are currently no Wii-specific titles that require a Wii Classic Controller. By contrast, Nintendo GameCube controllers may be used for all GameCube titles and currently all Wii Virtual Console titles.
  
  Although the Wii Classic Controller has a slot that allows for an underneath clip attachment, no current Wii controller or accessory utilizes this slot.
  
  

• A Very Good Controller in Most Cases

  
  By A29BQ6B90Y1R5F on 2006-11-27
  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.
  
  

• A little classic flare for that new-fangled Wii contraption!

  
  By A388ZDFVK72VCA on 2006-11-24
  The classic controller is a controller attachment for the Wii that plugs into the expansion port at the bottom of the Wii remote. It is wired, like the nunchuk attachment, but it utilizes the same wireless signal of the Wii remote.
  
  The Classic controller is used specifically in conjunction with the Virtual Console download service. With this service, players can download classic games from the NES, SNES, N64, Sega Genesis, and Turbografix-16 game consoles! Currently, no Wii games have been officially announced to utilize the classic controller and the classic controller CANNOT control games for the GameCube system.
  
  The pros of the controller are obvious. You can use it to play classic games from the virtual console service, and it remains wireless by using the power from the batteries in the Wii remote.
  
  If you plan on playing GameCube games in your Wii, however, it may be a better purchase to buy a GameCube controller or a WaveBird wireless GameCube controller, as all games currently on the virtual console can also be controlled by these as well as the classic controller.
  
  Overall, the classic controller is a nice addition to the Wii hardware and should fit nicely in your family of Wii peripherals. If you don't own a GCN controller, and don't plan on playing GCN games on your system, the classic controller is a no-brainer, and a convenient way to get back into classic gaming!
  
  

• To adddress the other review here

  
  By A1SOC964FSIE9X on 2006-11-22
  It's not in ANY way spelled out or obvious, but this controller connects to the Wiimote. So it kinda IS wireless. Had I known, I would have spend $20 for this, rather than $15 for the GC controller.
  
  So, three stars for being unclear.
  
  

• Necessary

  
  By A2AMBTVF2GGE5F on 2007-02-19
  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)
  
  
• When the Wavebird just won't do
  By A38ZZ5M2KJX22O on 2007-01-05
  I gave this a 3 on the "fun" rating simply because the controller itself isn't really fun. It is, in my opinion though, a necessity for anyone who wants to get the best experience out of the Virtual Console.
  
  I held off buying a classic controller for the simple fact that Virtual Console games using it could also use Gamecube controllers. I had my trusty Wavebird, so it's not like I'd have to deal with being tethered to the console (oh, the horror!) :)
  
  Then it happened; Castelvania IV was released for download. It didn't take long to realize I needed something that hearkened back to the feel and control layout of the SNES.
  
  The problem comes from the fact that older games were designed without the thought of analog control, and it shows when you try and use it and the direction pad on Gamecube controllers just isn't located in a good enough spot to use either.
  
  For NES and TG16 games I just hold the Wiimote on its side, which works well enough. This can work alright for Genesis games too, unless you need to use three buttons, in which case the 'A' button is used. Ten minutes of "Toe Jam & Earl" and you'll realize you need something different. You could try a Gamecube controller, but my argument placed for SNES games carries over.
  
  Considering the prices of the Wiimote and Nunchuck, a Classic Controller really isn't too bad of a buy. It connects to a Wiimote, so you're still wireless.
  
  It should also be noted that the creator of Super Smash Brothers has hinted that the Wii version will NOT use the Wiimote and will be optimized for the Classic Controller.
  
  
  
• Nothing new here.
  By A2LMDI9Y5ACHNQ on 2006-11-22
  Don't waste your money on this if you already have any GameCube controllers. More importantly, Nintendo will no doubt release a wireless version of these same controllers in under a year. So think twice before Nindendo has you spending more money than you counted on.
  
  
• This thing is worthless garbage.
  By A3FGB8QWBMQFV6 on 2008-05-27
  I bought this so-called "classic" controller because I wanted another controller for Super Smash Brothers Brawl. I hate the stupid poorly designed Gamecube controllers, with the L and R buttons that have to be pressed down two inches to have an effect. So I go to the local big box store and pick up a so-called "classic" controller. I open it, and the thing does not plug into the console. It plugs into the Wiimote! So I've paid $20 for no extra controller. And I can't take it back because it's been opened. And the packaging says nothing about plugging it into the Wiimote. The idea that there should three or four separate control schemes for a single console is ridiculous. There was a time when one whole controller came in a box, and all the peritent details about said controller came on the outside of the box.
  
  The fact is that the only reason to get this is to play VC games. No virtual console, dont get this stupid thing. Getting the stupid GameCube controller will at least give you another whole controller.
  
  
• Solid design but Nintendo failed on the details.
  By A2Y6X38QO8ZAF9 on 2007-03-01
  This is basically an SNES controller with a pair of analog sticks. I will review it based on emulators:
  
  NES - The wiimote is a chunky controller for NES games so the classic controller appears to be a light and comfortable alternative. Unfortunately, it is not. Nintendo fouled up the button mapping on this controller which means that it's needlessly difficult to control both action buttons simultaneously. The correct layout should have been Classic b = NES A, and Classic y = NES B. The implementation chosen means your thumb cannot rest of both buttons simultaneously. Nintendo rubbed salt in this wound by mapping y & b to the NES B button and x & a to the NES A button. Had the y & x buttons been mapped to the other button the user would have had the option of using a correct button mapping or the existing backwards implementation. Nintendo wisely allows the left analog stick to act as a D-pad instead of leaving it dead, but why not map the shoulder buttons to something as well? Give the user some options, Nintendo!
  
  SNES - Games feel identical to their control back on that system.
  
  N64 - The layout is OK, but this is where the controller's lack of rumble comes into play. Leaving rumble out of this controller is inexcusable. This system also uses both analog sticks and the tiny size of the controller becomes a problem here because the controller feels very unbalanced when using those sticks.
  
  
  I don't have much experience with the other consoles from when they were released, so I cannot compare. That said, Nintendo's stubborn refusal to allow custom button mapping is a serious limitation and needs to be addressed.
  
  
• Not sure what they're for
  By A2G27AJWU370D on 2007-06-22
  I bought 3 of these when I bought my Wii. I guess I don't know what they're for! I was under the impression they were for using with the older Nintendo Gamecube games, but they're not. You still need Gamecube controllers with the Wii if you want to play Game Cube games. Perhaps they're to use playing Wii games instead of the Wii Remote? Why would anyone want to do that? I just don't know the purpose of this remote.
  
  
• A must for DK
  By A6SZWQ0ZZZPY8 on 2007-08-17
  I bought this controller after downloading Donkey Kong Country on Virtual Console and trying to play it with my wireless Gamecube controller. The controlls were so awkward on the GC controller that I had trouble making it through the very first level. When I got this controller and played it felt just like it did on the SNES and the controlls were natural and easy.
  
  I also like the fact that you can use either the joystick or the pad to move, and it is easier to use the joystick to browse the menu than pointing the Wiimote at the screen and having to hold your arm out. It also feels more natural than using the Wiimote for games such as Sonic. I don't have many games downloaded on Virtual Console, but I found it absolutely necessary for DK.
  
  
• Do not buy this controller - Buy a Wavebird!
  By A38H612AIQJVEY on 2007-01-09
  You don't need this controller! Buy a Gamecube Wavebird and you will be much happier. The Gamecube controllers work for all Virtual Console games, but this controller DOES NOT work for Gamecube games! You can also use your Wii remote for many Virtual Console games.
  
  Don't waste your money!
  
  
• No vale la pena
  By A2HQNJI60H6U4M on 2007-01-22
  este control no funciona para juegos de Gamecube, solo para los juegos de virtual console y algunos pocos de wii, los juegos de VC son caros y de muy mala calidad.
  hay que esperar que se hackee el wii para que se puedan copiar los Roms y así el control servirá de algo, yo lo tengo sin destapar esperando que alguien me lo compre a mi mientras tanto.
  
  
• useful but annoying
  By A1E0ABILR772ET on 2007-02-03
  I purchased this because I intend to play a lot of virtual console games on my Wii, and this resembles the Nintendo NES and Super NES console controller's which had me thinking it would be great to have. It turned out that it is really frustrating to play with.
  
  Negative because;
  
  1. Cord is way too short, I mean come on, I'm already sitting close to my TV in my room because it's cluttered as it is, but this cord wont even reach from my game stand to my bed. Nintendo really messed this up, it's a lot shorter than the NES and Super NES controller cords, and I'm sure nowadays people would say those are too short since they like to sit further from the TV and for the most part the controllers are wireless. This irritates me so much.
  
  2. For some games, the A, B, X, & Y buttons do the same thing, (ex: Super Mario Bros. A & X jumps and B & Y shoot fireballs and runs. I always end up hitting the wrong button because I'm used to the original NES controller style and I end up killing myself in the game. It's annoying because you can't save your progress either, so everyday I'm constantly playing the same levels.
  
  3. The cord comes out the bottom of the controller instead of the top of it and it's annoying when it's bumping your leg while you'r playing a game, or if you try to cross your legs the cord can get tangled up with you.
  
  4. I knew this before buying it, but I didn't know the cord was going to be so short. The cord plygs into your Wii Remote, and since it's so short your Wii Remote slides around. You literally have to be right next to the TV.
  
  The only positive thing I can say for it is that it's the closest you can get to the original NES/Super NES controller's, but I prefer them over this controller. I think it could have been a lot better.
  
  
• old school delight
  By A207U4X011OLDD on 2007-07-03
  If you are reading this, just buy it. The wii was my first console since the 64 back before high school, and I am actually having as much if not more fun playing the old school games.
  
  
• An essential purchase for old-school gaming fans.
  By AK41OYS6RW2KB on 2006-12-31
  If you're interested in playing Virtual Console games on your brand new Wii, then the Classic Controller from Nintendo is basically a must-have. Sure, it's true that a lot of games can be played simply with either the Wii Remote or a GameCube pad, but the Classic Controller, for old-school action, outdoes them both.
  
  Consisting of your old-fashioned, yet very vital directional pad, two analog sticks, placed in the same positions as the ones on the PlayStation home console family's controllers, four face buttons (a, b, x, and y), two triggers (L and R), both of which "click" just like the GameCube controller's triggers do, interestingly enough (even though you can't use it with GameCube games, at least at the time this review was posted), as well as two Z buttons in between the L and R triggers (ZL and ZR), and +, -, and Home buttons, the Classic Controller is clearly packing a lot of things to press and move.
  
  Another interesting thing to note about it is that there's this "latch" on the back of the controller that is not currently used by anything on the Wii. It was originally speculated that that is where the console's remote would plug into, but that clearly isn't the case anymore. It seems Nintendo has some future plan(s) for it, none of which we, the public, know about yet.
  
  Okay, so now that you're familiar with the button and stick layout, you may be wondering how it feels? Just fine the answer is. Like a mix of the Super NES, Dual Shock, and GameCube gamepads, this thing feels very comfortable and doesn't weigh too much (which is assisted by the fact that there's no rumble feature present). The directional pad is nice and big, unlike the one on the Wii Remote, and the buttons feel very good, as do the analog sticks and triggers.
  
  One minor complaint I have with the controller is the fact that it isn't completely wireless. You see, you have to plug it into the Wii Remote's extension slot. Still, I said it was minor, and it really isn't that bothersome at all, although I do wish it was fully wireless.
  
  All in all, I highly recommend you buying the Classic Controller for the Wii. If you're at all interested in the system's Virtual Console selection of titles, you couldn't go wrong with it. Nintendo designed it with some of the best controllers from the history of video gaming in mind, and they've succeeded in making a very comfortable controller for all those old games you're likely to purchase and download from their Virtual Console service.
  
  
• Brings back the classic controls universally
  By A22AD8M2SSOFHJ on 2006-12-31
  This pad is a necessity if you are going to be downloading games that are either from the Super Nintendo, Genesis, Turbo Graphix, or N64 on the Wii. Although Nintendo does allow some campatibility with the Game Cube controller. I grew up with the Genesis so having this controller is a necessity. Playing games like Toe Jam and Earl feel just like the good old days with this pad in hand. Generally it has a comfortable fit and with the analog sticks I can see it being used for many, many games over the next few years. I have been making sure I have a great supply of classic games on my Wii and knew that without this pad it would be impossible to play the best. This pad is a mutation of a super nintendo and playstation controller. It works well for the several games I have tried and even lets you use analog for Super Mario Bros. I enjoy the fact that it easily connects into the Wiimote to provide easy wireless gaming. A great device for a decent price.
  
  
• Awesome prepherial, especially for old school gamers like me!
  By AIMMIYQCNGM24 on 2007-03-28
  I'm mostly an old school gamer, and when I play the Wii, I usually find myself playing the Virtual Console games more than the newer actual Wii games! This is a GREAT device to own, and it's perfect for all NES, SNES, Genesis, TG16 and N64 titles on the VC. Go pick it up, because it's worth it. Plus you can't play any Super Nintendo, N64 and most Genesis games without it. Worth every cent!
  
  
• Great controller for all the Virtual Console games
  By A25VP3I0RRMR7S on 2007-03-31
  First, let me say that if you're not playing Virtual Console games, you don't need these. They don't work with any of the regular Wii games, nor do they work with the Gamecube games (which need an actual Gamecube controller plugged in). It's possible that some Wii games will come out that will support them (they do have dual analog sticks and more buttons than any previous Nintendo controllers...seems odd if all they are intended for is emulating old Nintendo games).
  
  But, if you're playing games you've downloaded from the Shopping channel, these controllers rock! The NES and SNES games work with the left analog stick (or you can use the D-Pad if you have tougher thumbs than me). The button layouts match up really well for every game we've tried so far (Super Mario World 3, Super Mario 64, Legend of Zelda: A link to the past, and Dungeon Explorer). It's obvious that this is the controller that Nintendo was aiming for when setting up the emulation. I was a little skeptical when we first got them, because they didn't feel right (too used to old Gamecube controller I guess), but after 2 minutes of playing it felt perfect, and much more comfortable than I expected.
  
  So, if you're playing VC games, get some :)
  
  Note: These work by plugging in to the Wiimote (like a nunchuk), so buying more than the number of Wiimotes you have is a waste of money.
  
  
• Why you should or should not buy the classic controller
  By A28LDDBWG1ASBG on 2007-04-12
  I wasn't going to buy one at first but I figured I would try it out before I judged it.
  
  The Classic Controller is designed alot like the Super NES Controller so it has that nostalgic feel went you use it. BUT you can play most of the Virtual Console Games without it. I haven't heard or seen any good explanation for why there are some many extra buttons on the Classic Controller.
  
  It has been rumored that some upcoming Wii Games are designed to be played with the Classic Controller, but CAN be played without it. It makes sense that Nintendo has more in store for this controller than just playing Virtual Console Games.
  
  If you look at the pictures of the Classic Controller, you will see one of them that shows 3 extra buttons on the top, "ZL", "ZR", and one thin button that releases two... clamps on the back of the controller. Why? And what is the joystick on the right side of the controller for.
  
  I don't know but I'll have my Classic Controller when it comes time to find out. Plus I'll be playing Super NES games in a mush more comfortable way.
  
  The cord on the bottom is only 3 feet long so when you plug it up to the Wii Remote you need to leave the controller in your lap on on the floor.
  
  I have a Gamecube Wireless and wired controller so I've played with both. Judge for yourself. If you decide not to get one you can always change your mind later.
  
  
• Definitely Worth It!
  By AQK332WC9T8MP on 2007-04-21
  We started out using our gamecube controllers for the Virtual Console games that we purchased for our Wii, and they just didn't feel right. There were some button combinations from the SNES that just weren't possible or comfortable.
  
  Once we tried the classic controllers, it was a 100% improvement. I wouldn't be without them for my VC games.
  
  
• Muy bueno
  By A1TAXDK9L2K3LV on 2007-05-19
  El control esta muy bien, lo unico que me gustaria es que fuera independiente del wiicontroller.
  
  
• Great Innovation!
  By A260TFPGNNP2YB on 2007-08-03
  The classic controller is a very nice touch to the Wii system. Its very clean looking and is almost wireless by plugging it to the Wiimote. The only flaw is the price. For 20 bucks the price of one controller you could get 3 and sometimes 4 Gamecube controllers that work just as well.
  
  All and all its very nice and easy to use!
  
  
  
• What will you be using this for....does a gamecube contoller do the job just as well?
  By A2NBRS61M5I7A on 2007-11-18
  This is a great controller. Feels great in the hands and joy sticks are sensitive. However, most of the games that support this controller also support the gamecube controller. I got 2 gamecube controllers instead of the classic because the gc's can also play gc games while the classic cannot. I personally think the gc's are more versatile and can be used in place of the classic in a majority of games.
  
  
• Wii Classic Controller - Awesome for Gamers
  By A3L1P52LTHOULK on 2006-12-03
  This controller is great if you want to play classic games. But sure is hard to find, I believe it is sold out everywhere and not expected in stores until January. You absolutely need this controller to play the classic games or for Wii point cards. Plugs into the Wii remote for wireless access, great controller and concept. So much better than trying to use a GameCube controller.
  
  
• Ok if you don't have a GC controller
  By A39HMXZVZCGHSF on 2007-02-21
  I got this because my GC controller is not wireless and I have downloaded a few of the virtual console games. While the wireless was nice, the feel of the controller was nothing like a NES/SNES controller and I found more comfort with my stock GC one. The respose of the controller is great but since you are tethered to the Wiimote, it has that wired feel. If I could redo my purchase, I would spend a little more and buy a wireless GC controller.
  
  
• An Excellent Controller for Classic Titles.
  By A2999NM3UHRUOK on 2007-02-22
  This controller is ideal for the Super Nintendo games available from the Nintendo Wii's Virtual Console. A few titles that are perfect for this solid and well-made controller are Donkey Kong Country and Super Mario World. I recently downloaded Donkey Kong Country and attempted to play it with my Gamecube Wavebird controller. This did not work at all as the button layout on the Wavebird is optimized for the Gamecube and definitely not for the Super Nintendo, a piece of hardware that is three generations old. To play these classic games practically and as they are meant to be played, and most noticably the Super NES games, this Classic Controller is necessary. It's a high-tech version of the Super NES controller that looks and feels great.
  
  
• Wii Classic Controller
  By A1NHWB90T06MF2 on 2007-03-23
  Good idea, badly executed. The Wii Classic Controller feels very light in your hands. It is needed to play some of the games from Nintendo's Virtual Console so if anyone is interested in downloading games you will need this controller. The problem I have with it is that it plugs into the Wii remote instead of the Nintendo Wii. Using it means you have the Wii remote dangling on the other end of the Wii Classic Controller. The unit seems large enough to hold it's own battery so it should have been "wire free". I have dropped or come close to dropping my Wii remote using the Classic controller many times. You can't use the wrist strap because the Wii remote is only used for menu options. Needs redesign badly.
  
  
• Classic controller at best
  By A2AN91PM9K655M on 2007-04-02
  Use this for all VC games, except N64 games. I prefer GameCube controllers only for N64 games.
  
  
• A Definate Buy!
  By A3CQKX4WC6FSOQ on 2007-04-04
  It's perfect for any Virtual Console Game. I'd suggest it for anyone who plans to play VC Games.
  
  

• Wii 2000 Points Card
• Wii Nunchuk Controller
• Electronic Gaming Monthly
• Play

• Wii Nunchuk Controller
• Wii Remote Controller
• Wii 2000 Points Card
• Wii Charge Station
• Wii Play with Wii Remote