You may be thinking hold up I thought the whole appeal of the Wii was it didn't have to use use a normal pad. Why on earth would I want to spend a £10-15 on old technology. Well the main reason reason is the Virtual console which allows you to download old games from N64, Snes, Nes, Mega Drive, Master system and the lesser known PC engine. Allot of these games require button setups that the Wiimote can not provide either because it does not have enough buttons or the layout of the buttons does not suit the old style game.
So the Classic controller is a sort hybrid of all Nintendo's past controllers rolled into one with a d-pad 4 Shoulder buttons (2 long L and R buttons and 2 short Z buttons), 2 Analogue sticks and four basic buttons on the front face. Which allow for you to play the classic games with a control setup they were designed for rather then twisting your hand around the Wiimote.
You can also use the Gamecube pad to play virtual console games but the controls are a bit hit and miss. As often commands are assigned to stupid buttons on the pad making it impossible to play the games. (Probably on purpose to make you by a classic controller!). Also you have to plug it directly into the Wii which for me was a bit odd having gotten use to being wireless. So for me the Classic controller works allot better then using the Gamecube pad.
The pad itself is comfortable to hold I have just finished Paper Mario on the N64 with about 15 hours worth of play using using it for 2 -3 hours at a time without getting any hand strain or cramps. The analogue stick is responsive and all the buttons have good bounce and snap back to them so you feel like you can bash them and make the contact you want.
At present there are not many Wii games that you can use the pad on although I have found it useful for the game Mercury Meltdown Revolution (Think Marble Madness) as at times it gives you better control and makes it easier to do the puzzles. I guess as more non specific Wii games get ported to the Wii the classic controller may get more use as often Wiimote motion sensor controls are just added on to games and do not really improve anything.
The only problems I have with it is I think it should be about £5-10 as it is essentially just old technology so being half the price of the Wiimote seems a bit much but that may be me just being a cheap skate! Also you have to plug it into the Wiimote. This makes it a bit awkward as you have to rest the Wiimote on your lap or have a surface next to you to rest it on. It would have been nice if it was completely Wireless.
So in conclusion if you have no intention of using the Virtual console at present there is not much use getting this as not many current Wii games utilise it although this may change in the future. If though you have a Wii and are wanting to use the Virtual console this is a must buy and a very well designed pad.
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I was going to pick up one of these, but then I figured I might as well just get a Gamecube controller and put up with the bad points to save money. Although to be honest I haven't bought either YET.
Advantages: Comfortable, Works with every Virtual Console Console, One type of controller needed for any VC game Disadvantages: Not wireless (plugs into a Wiimote), a little expensive
Advantages: Comfortable, Works with every Virtual Console Console, One type of controller needed for any VC game Disadvantages: Not wireless (plugs into a Wiimote), a little expensive
Advantages: fun for family, downloadable content, 4 controllers, wii shop channel Disadvantages: controls hit and miss, miss out if cant get ur wii 2 connect 2 the internet
mcleism01 09.07.2008 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of NintendoWii
Jul 28th, 2007
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