Wii Classic Controller
The Wii Classic Controller recreates the classic Nintendo format you’ve been using for years now. For gamers who don’t feel comfortable with the new Nunchaku or Wiimote controls, this is a familiar and comfortable alternative. Features include:
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Wii classic controller
Excellent to play all the past console games… feels like supernintendo once again… IS THERE ANY OTHER WAY TO PLAY MORTAL KOMBAT OR KILLER INSTINCT?????
4 Stars good for most vc games but not n64 games
its great for vc games not that good for the n64 its good for a couple of wii games
5 Stars wii classic controller
controller needed for old games available for download through the wii shop channel. it is required to play some of the games. just like using the old systems. plugs into a wii remote, so it does waste batteries.
4 Stars Good accessory for Virtual Console and new games
First of all, if you buy this product and plan on spending an appreciable amount of time playing on it, get one of these for each Classic Controller: Wii Classic Controller Grip. It fixes the ergonomic issues. With those attached, I have played 3-4 hours at a time with no discomfort. That said:
When my wife and I got our Wii, we got two Classic Controllers (CCs) so we could more easily play Virtual Console (VC) games. That was almost a year ago, and we just got our first VC game. That might make it seem like a waste, but one thing made it worth it: Mario Kart Wii. I played hours and hours and hours of Mario Kart 64, and the CC is far and above my favorite way to play Mario Kart Wii. You will give up tricks during jumps and wheelies, but I don’t really use those anyway.
We finally did get our first VC game (Super Mario Brothers), and the CCs work great. I can’t comment on GameCube games since I’ve never owned one and haven’t gotten a VC GameCube game, but the joystick and overall feel of the CC is a lot better than the one on any N64 gamepad I used (better material on top, better resistance, don’t have to tilt left wrist to use trigger button, etc.).
To those complaining that this isn’t truly “wireless” since you have to connect it to a WiiMote: because it is that way, you also don’t have to worry about extra batteries for this controller and unless you’re standing up and whipping the thing everywhere, I don’t see how that negatively impacts the experience: when I use the CC, the Wiimote sits next to me on the couch or end table and I forget it’s even there.
I don’t think everyone appreciates the challenge inherent in this product: the design team was tasked with building something that would play everything from NES up to the Wii. This wasn’t meant to be an N64 controller, an NES controller, or a GameCube controller (hear that, rest of reviewers?). It’s something that tries to be an acceptable replacement for all of those original controllers. Everyone forgets that Nintendo very well could have released new versions of all of those controllers and charged $25 apiece for them. I would rather have something that works well for all those consoles than rebuy several controllers to make use of all the kinds of VC games.
The only major complaint I have is the anemic support for the CC in new, first-party Nintendo titles. We got ours with the assumption that things would be like Mario Kart Wii: you can use the CCs, but you’ll give up some niceties. Instead, most titles won’t support it even though it seems the control scheme could translate to a CC. Super Mario Galaxy is a perfect example: you would give up the ability to grab star bits from far away, but you could adapt the core game movements to the CC. We were disappointed to find this is not supported.
Overall, I am very happy with the purchase: if nothing else, we have the intended controller for VC games and I found a fantastic control scheme for Mario Kart Wii that I much prefer to all others I’ve tried. It’s not every expensive, either. Is is my favorite controller ever? No, but it does its job well.
Pros:
- Good control scheme for most Virtual Console games
- Build quality is good and analog stick tops have nice anti-slip material
- When a new Wii game supports it, makes for a nice alternative
- No need for extra batteries since it plugs into a WiiMote
Cons
- Apparently not for GameCube games
- Need a third-party attachment for good ergonomics
- Because it’s not made for a specific console, some games’ control schemes might not translate well
- Wish more new first-party Nintendo titles would make use of it
Neutral
- Not truly wireless, but the cord is long enough to keep WiiMote from interfering in normal play
5 Stars Pretty cool guy
The Wii classic controller is a pretty cool guy. He lets you play Virtual Console games and doesn’t afraid of anything.
Also, I have this and I also have a Gamecube controller. Honestly, if you have a choice and don’t mind the wire (or can get a hold of a wireless one) a Gamecube controller actually is a bit better than the classic controller (and works on the same things the classic controller does), but this is pretty good nonetheless. It’s shaped a bit like like an oversized SNES controller with analog sticks. I mean, that’s pretty much what it is, right?
