Much of the interest surrounding the Nintendo Wii is due to its new remote control technology, but if you were more at home with the old-school controller, they also offer the “classic controller.”
As the “classic” controller has been called, it is ideal for the old Nintendo games of yesterday. It’s designed for games where you can’t use the innovative Wii remote, nun-chuck, or any other fancy controller, although it can be used with any game. This is the controller of choice if you really want to keep it simple.
The design bears similarities to the Super Nintendo gaming platform. Its oval shape and buttons are diamond-shaped. It has the usual D-Pad and a start and select button. The buttons included on the front are the old A, B, X and Y buttons, and finally it includes the four buttons on the top edge of the controller.
The classic controller is much smoother over the Super Nintendo controller. The D-Pad has a much more comfortable feel than the SNEC, and the controller fits better in your hand. The analog sticks will move like a dream compared to the old ones. For some, the A, B, X and Y buttons can pose a problem as they are more widely spaced. It will take a little stretch of the thumb to use it, but you will get over it quickly. Although, it can still be difficult to do some of those move combinations in games like Street Fighter.
The classic controller has obviously been designed with maximum gaming comfort in mind. The controller buttons are rounded to be much easier on the fingers. Previous controllers had indented buttons, although they are easier to grip, they can get tiring after a long game.
The drawback of the classic controller is that it cannot be used to play games on the GameCube system. If that’s what you expected, you are advised to get something else.
The left analog stick of the classic controller is used to control the cursor when you are in the Wii channel menu. If you intend to play classic Nintendo games from the virtual console, this controller is a must.
That’s the true purpose of the classic Nintendo Wii controller – to play all those classic games that are available for the Wii. As cool as the Wii remote is, you just can’t play Mortal Kombat or any of the thousands of other games Nintendo intends to release. The Virtual Console is expected to give you access to all the great games of yesteryear shortly, and the classic controller is that perfect retro controller to enjoy.
The classic Wii controller will need to be purchased separately for $ 19.99, and there are places on the internet where you can get one.