Computer and video games are more popular now than they have ever been, but there is one thing that is at the centre of it all, the point of which physical reality and the imaginary unite. The 'point' being the controller/control pad. Nintendo are undisputed leaders when it boils down to innotive ... Read review
The GameCube Controller provides the crucial connection between the player and the game. ... more
Two analog Control Sticks, a built-in rumble feature and flawless ergonomic design ensure that the Controller feels and plays perfectly.Built-in rumble2 analog c...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
The GameCube Controller provides the crucial connection between the player and the game. ... more
Two analog Control Sticks, a built-in rumble feature and flawless ergonomic design ensure that the Controller feels and plays perfectly.Built-in rumble2 analog c...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
The GameCube Controller provides the crucial connection between the player and the game. ... more
Two analog Control Sticks, a built-in rumble feature and flawless ergonomic design ensure that the Controller feels and plays perfectly.Built-in rumble2 analog c...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Comfortable/ Durable/ Built in rumble pack/ Variety of colours now Disadvantages: Still quite expsnsive / Exotic colours harder to locate
...being the controller/control pad. Nintendo are undisputed leaders when it boils down to innotive controller designs, for example way back In 1981 Gunpei Yokoi created the D-Pad that allowed for a single finger to maintain all directional controls. The format was later copied by every gaming company on earth. However things didn't stop there, later buttons known as "shoulder buttons" became permanent fixtures on Nintendo's controllers and ... ...was the case for the Nintendo 64. The rumble can be set to various levels on certain games and even turned off completely, and depending on which game is played the rumbling feature yields different effects. For example, in shoot 'em up games the rumble will most likely seem fiercer than a rumble induced by playing a platform game where you may be jumping from one platform to another.
Now I must admit that when I first saw a picture ... more
Computer and video games are more popular now than they have ever been, but there is one thing that is at the centre of it all, the point of which physical reality and the imaginary unite. The 'point' being the controller/control pad. Nintendo are undisputed leaders when it boils down to innotive controller designs, for example way back In 1981 Gunpei Yokoi created the D-Pad that allowed for a single finger to maintain all directional controls. The format was later copied by every gaming company on earth. However things didn't stop there, later buttons known as "shoulder buttons" became permanent fixtures on Nintendo's controllers and subsequently pretty much every recent console's control pads.
So, with the launch of the Gamecube console, the innovations only continued, as the control pad was revealed to have an analog stick and d-pad. Also for the first time in Nintendo's history an internal rumble feature was included, meaning no more extra costs had to be spent on batteries or rumble packs, which was the case for the Nintendo 64. The rumble can be set to various levels on certain games and even turned off completely, and depending on which game is played the rumbling feature yields different effects. For example, in shoot 'em up games the rumble will most likely seem fiercer than a rumble induced by playing a platform game where you may be jumping from one platform to another.
Now I must admit that when I first saw a picture of a pad, but had not actually held one, that I was sceptical. I had grown accustom to the Nintendo 64 controller, and was convinced that this strange shaped control pad would be somewhat awkward to hold, and difficult to even master. However I was very wrong.
The pad houses a unique face button layout, which consists of an oversized 'A' button; it is durable and comfortable, which is just as well as it is the most button on the pad. Followed by a standard red 'B' button, and curved X and Y buttons. The large A button acts as a "base" for the thumb, and a simple roll of the thumb to either direction allows easy access to the buttons, and a general feel is easy to accomplish and so no gamers need glance at the pad (which can be a matter of life and death for gamers!). A return of the Z button was inevitable, as it acted as a trigger in most shooting games, especially with this genre of game becoming more popular. The small Z button rests near the right shoulder button. I must admit that I preferred the location of the Z trigger at the back of the controller like that on the Nintendo 64, it somewhat resembled a trigger on a gun on shooting games and it was a lot accessible. I think that this was realised, and so the Z button appears to be used a lot less on the Gamecube, let's hope the next console has a nicely placed Z trigger.
Perhaps one of the best features is the camera control stick, which allows for in-game camera control, which is a lot more effective than the C buttons that allowed camera movement on the Nintendo 64, as the angles are much more wider here. The stick also serves as a secondary analog pad, although that isn't often called for. It is very comfortable to use also. Speaking of control sticks, the analog stick is much more comfortable than the incarnation on the Nintendo 64, which was thin and made of hard plastic. This is more rounded and rubbery, and allows much nicer grip for the thumb. Also, if rotating the stick by the palm of your hand is needed in a game, you won't end up with blisters (like many gamers did with the Nintendo 64's stick). The stick allows movement in every direction and depending on how much pressure is applied, your character will respond accordingly, perhaps with a tip toe, or even a fast paced sprint. It is very responsive. The D pad is not often used, but it can be used for slight degrees of motion in gaming, as well as scrolling menus and such.
Finally the pressure sensitive analog shoulder triggers include a "digital click," which creates the functionality of four buttons in two, which is a revolution in gaming controls. I also feel that I must add, if anything on this pad is comfy to press, then it would be these buttons, pushing down on them feels as if your finger is pressing slowly down in clay (without the mess of course)!
That is not all, a wireless variation named "The Wavebird" is also acquirable, with a signal of up to ten meters. However, it is much bulkier than the standard controllers and requires batteries, although there is a sleep mode implemented to preserve battery power. I advise sticking to the standards for the time being.
Most Nintendo Gamecube packages come with a matching coloured pad, with the most common ones being purple, black and also silver. However, there is also a much broader range now including the once rare "Spice" (orange) coloured pad (of which I used to own 50 of due to imports, and then sold!) as well as emerald, platinum, gold blue and pink colour schemes . I have had one of each of the coloured pads and all look as impressive as each other, but the spice has to be my favourite for its colour. There is no difference at all in any of the button's layout nor less comfortable than the other to use.
There are many unofficial brands of Nintendo Gamecube pads about on the market, which can feature things such as "auto fire" features and the likes, and although they may possibly be cheaper or in more snazzier colours, what is generally absent is durability and you can guarantee that their life will come to an end much more before the official controllers. Which I must say that I have never had any problems with; the first one I had 3 years ago still works as perfect today as it ever has.
Amazon has a variety of Gamecube pads (although not all of the official Nintendo brand) and the official varieties retail for £22.99. I advise you invest in an official brand if you are thinking of acquiring extra pads for multilayer purposes. I am sure EBay will see the much more exotic coloured controllers pass through, so if you would like one of those to brighten your Nintendo deck up, then check there.
Advantages: Fits the hand perfecly! Disadvantages: it has wires.
These controllers fit your hand perfectly and your thumbs pivot to reach each button verry well.
The L and R shoulder buttons have a concave ridge to rest your fingers on nicely, they have a built-in rumble feature witch makes you feel like you can feel every explotion and bullet that hits you. The wires are a very good lengh.
The contrller has, all together 8 buttons, two analoge sticks and a D-pad not to mention that the L and R buttons are analouge ...
Space-pirate 26.08.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of NINTENDO GAMECUBE Controller game pad
Advantages: Vital to play GC games. Disadvantages: Loads of cheap copies around and official brands are more expensive.
...Gamecube or Wii. The official nintendo ones are obviously the best because of the superior build quality and feel but finding an official nintendo one can be tricky as they are rarer and slightly more expensive because of the vast amounts of cheap copies on the market. But if you don't mind forking out that little bit more cash and putting a bit more work into finding a decent official controller, it pays off as they will last forever.
If you can ...
Orangeman19 06.10.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of NINTENDO GAMECUBE Controller game pad
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Advantages: No wires, Excellent battery life, Use it with your Wii. Disadvantages: Bad if you have large hands, Same control issues as the wired pad, No rumble.
The Nintendo Wavebird is the Official wireless controller for the NintendoGamecube, Nintendo are known for their controller innovations and they are the first manufacturer to come out with their own wireless controller.
Look
The Wavebird controller is a dull grey colour, and is not available in any of the Gamecubeconsole colours. Slightly disappointing but it does go with the grey coloured controller port plate on the front of the console. Compared with the official wired controller it is slightly bigger, it sticks out where the analogue stick and D pad are, this leaves slightly less room for your fingers. If you have larger hands you may hate the Wavebird! The controller is also quite light but once you have placed batteries into it, the weight is good and is comparable to the Wired controller.
You also get a receiver unit ...
Advantages: Extremely reliable, traditional GC button layout, fits snugly Disadvantages: No rumble, frequency co-ordination with multiple wavebirds can get a bit fiddly
In this new age of wireless Dualshock, Wiimotes and Xbox 360 controllers, it is testament to Nintendo's own product design and reliability that the Nintendo Wavebird still manages to hold its own.
Pros
The Wavebird, being the Official Nintendo wireless controller, is one of the most reliable controllers you will ever find. It is extremely sturdy, and breaking it is really a mission. The only possible problem is that the rubber on the left analogue stick *can* come off in some circumstances, but save physically chewing on it or it being scratched by a cat, it should last.
It fits snugly into your hand, just like the original gamecubecontrollers did. Something about their shape and feel just makes these controllers feel right...perfect for wireless action on the Wii even for new games such as Super Smash Bros Brawl or Mario Kart ...
Advantages: No wires! Disadvantages: It doesn't come back if you throw it!
Nintendo have always led the way in controller design. First they designed the cross shaped d-pad for the NES, then it was shoulder buttons for the SNES, with the N64 it was the revolutionary analogue stick and now with the Wavebird they've developed the first truly excellent and functional wireless pad.
First of all it is identical to the GameCubepad safe for the expanded midsection to house the two AA batteries. I personally think that the GameCubepad is the best of the current console generation. Its analogue sticks are by far the most responsive and accurate; the button layout is far more intuitive than the competition, especially the cumbersome Xbox pad. The only fault with the pad design is the awkward location of the Z trigger - though fortunately it is not as essential for most of the console games as the Z trigger was ...
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