Wii Classic Controller Pro

[Wraith]

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2009/02/classiccontroller226092.jpg

Get a grip: Nintendo reveals Wii 'Classic Controller Pro' (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/get-a-grip-nintendo-reveals-wii-classic-controller-pro/) (Joystiq)Nintendo's Japanese site is now showing a new version of the dual-analog Classic Controller for Wii. The "Classic Controller Pro" replaces the original's tiny secondary shoulder buttons with a traditional Dual Shock style "two rows of buttons" set up, moves the two analog sticks out a bit from the center, and adds some hand grips. Hand grips are for pros.

Basically, if a Dual Shock and a Wii Classic Controller had a baby, it would be -- a disgusting thing to think about. But if someone were to design a video game controller that used elements of both of those controllers, it would be the Classic Controller Pro.

Nintendo plans a summer 2009 release for this controller, which should dovetail nicely with Monster Hunter 3 -- no doubt irritating Capcom, who is bundling a port of its predecessor, Monster Hunter G, with a special blue version of the original Classic. No pricing or information about a release outside of Japan is given.

[Wraith]

The current classic controller, for comparison:

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/Mephistar/ClassicController.jpg

[GigaFuzz]

When I saw the pic I passed it off as a 'cube controller remake. They did add some extra buttons though.

[Mike Kelehan]

Thank god. The classic con is great for SNES games, but those sticks are way too close together. This should make the Wii a much better choice for classic-style games.

When I saw the pic I passed it off as a 'cube controller remake. They did add some extra buttons though.

Same buttons. Z1 and Z2 are just much more usable now.

[Gorvi]

So it's essentially a PS Dual Shock controller. I don't have a classic controller yet, so I'd probably snag it so long as it's reasonably priced.

[GigaFuzz]

Thank god. The classic con is great for SNES games, but those sticks are way too close together. This should make the Wii a much better choice for classic-style games.



Same buttons. Z1 and Z2 are just much more usable now.

Extra buttons over the 'cube controller anyway.

[KSmitty]

Classic controller is great for older games, anything past that I have always used my old Wavebirds. Speaking of, this will be great for games that support GC controls, now you won't have to buy a third party controller or pay out the wazzoo for a used old Wavebird on eBay. (Way too late for me, but good for some you out there)

[Suave Peanut]

In case this does remain overseas, would the Japanese hardware work on US consoles?

[Urizen]

In case this does remain overseas, would the Japanese hardware work on US consoles?

Yes, sir. I can't imagine using this remote would require any sort of firmware upgrade to the console.

[quidmonkey]

Them sticks better be stiff this time around.

[Mike Kelehan]

Classic controller is great for older games, anything past that I have always used my old Wavebirds. Speaking of, this will be great for games that support GC controls, now you won't have to buy a third party controller or pay out the wazzoo for a used old Wavebird on eBay. (Way too late for me, but good for some you out there)

But this isn't a GC controller; it's a new classic controller. It still won't work for Gamecube games, or games that support the GC controller but not the classic, like Metal Slug Anthology and... nothing else I can think of.

[Iron Past]

Man, if Sony or MS tried to pull the controller bullshit Nintendo did this gen, people would flay them. If you already have a Classic Controller, I'd suggest the Nyko grip (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PHX4KQ), which is basically this. It works surprisingly well.

[Urizen]

So it's essentially a PS Dual Shock controller. I don't have a classic controller yet, so I'd probably snag it so long as it's reasonably priced.

Them sticks better be stiff this time around.

More stiffness means less like the Dual Shock. It bugs me that Nintendo has made it's 'a' buttons on the Wii and DS its 'OK' for any command, and its 'b' button it's 'Cancel' for any command.

Sony and MS have 'agreed' to a layout where the bottom button of the right-side face buttons is 'OK' and the rightmost one is 'Cancel'. Nintendo should have played along for their Classic Controller.

Man, if Sony or MS tried to pull the controller bullshit Nintendo did this gen, people would flay them.

Sony launched with the SIXAXIS. MS put wired controllers in Arcade units (though this isn't as bad as last gen's fatty controllers). We can argue about which is the biggest inconvenience, but they all shoulder blame.

[DylonCorp]

If I could use it as a 'cube controller as well, I'd buy. As I already have a Classic Controller Classic, and two 'birds, I'd probably have to pass.

[Iron Past]

Sony launched with the SIXAXIS. MS put wired controllers in Arcade units (though this isn't as bad as last gen's fatty controllers). We can argue about which is the biggest inconvenience, but they all shoulder blame.

I was referring to them having three separate types of controllers, and some games only being able to be played with a certain type of controller/setup. The upgrade stuff doesn't really bother me, though I do wonder how the hell the original Classic Controller launched the way it was.

[crazyD]

I was referring to them having three separate types of controllers, and some games only being able to be played with a certain type of controller/setup. The upgrade stuff doesn't really bother me, though I do wonder how the hell the original Classic Controller launched the way it was.

Every game will state on the box which controllers it supports, and to the best of my knowledge, nothing requires the use of the Classic.

[Iron Past]

Every game will state on the box which controllers it supports, and to the best of my knowledge, nothing requires the use of the Classic.

Many, many of the Virtual Console games can only be played with the Classic Controller, and while you can argue that they weren't made specifically for the Wii, they are released for use on the platform, and neither MS nor Sony require you to buy an extra peripheral to play emulated games on XBLA or PSN (peripheral-specific games don't count).

I'm not saying I'm exceptionally bothered by it, I'm saying MS and Sony would be dragged through the ringer if they even mentioned it.

[crazyD]

Many, many of the Virtual Console games can only be played with the Classic Controller, and while you can argue that they weren't made specifically for the Wii, they are released for use on the platform, and neither MS nor Sony require you to buy an extra peripheral to play emulated games on XBLA or PSN (peripheral-specific games don't count).

I'm not saying I'm exceptionally bothered by it, I'm saying MS and Sony would be dragged through the ringer if they even mentioned it.

I dunno, I wouldn't really be upset if the released something that can be helpful in certain games, and required for some downloadable ones. I would love to see more keyboard and mouse support, which could be handled in a similar manner.

[OldJadedGamer]

So it's essentially a PS Dual Shock controller. I don't have a classic controller yet, so I'd probably snag it so long as it's reasonably priced.

I don't think it looks like a Dual Shock, I think it looks like a SNES controller with two added analog sticks.

[Gorvi]

I don't think it looks like a Dual Shock, I think it looks like a SNES controller with two added analog sticks.
I meant the button and stick layouts, they're identical, especially with the 4 top buttons.

[Troggles]

I meant the button and stick layouts, they're identical, especially with the 4 top buttons.

To be fair, the original PlayStation controller was just a SNES controller with two extra buttons on top.

[Gorvi]

To be fair, the original PlayStation controller was just a SNES controller with two extra buttons on top.
That it was, though I hated those original PS controllers, they just didn't feel right. I didn't like them until they redesigned them with the Dual Shock.

[Adam Blue]

Hm. I don't like this controller nonsense. If I can just use a GC controller I'd be fine....with a non-analog classic controller for....the classic games.

I'm in the group that doesn't like this Sony-style analog mess. But when I play games requiring a d-pad, the classic is fine.

Really, I think it's all a mess.

[OldJadedGamer]

I meant the button and stick layouts, they're identical, especially with the 4 top buttons.

Well, the PS controller stole the button layout from the SNES controller though. They are just adding two buttons up top and two analog.

http://library.thinkquest.org/06aug/01856/media/Playstation_Controller.jpg

http://www.axess.com/twilight/console/detail/snes.jpg

That it was, though I hated those original PS controllers, they just didn't feel right. I didn't like them until they redesigned them with the Dual Shock.

But the Dual Shock wasn't first analog Playstation controller. When the N64 controller hit, Sony copied it by putting analog on their controllers too. The Dual Analog controller was born. Then when the N64 introduced rumble into the controller, Sony went back again and created the Dual Shock.

Not many people know of the original Dual Analog controller but I still have one mint in the box:

http://www.axess.com/twilight/console/detail/psx_a.jpg

[Gorvi]

Well, obviously they based the PS1 controller from the SNES's, it was a smart thing to do. I just didn't like the original controller, but when I finally bought a PS1, the Dual Shock came with it standard. At least I'm 99% sure it did, it's been a while.

[Urizen]

Well, obviously they based the PS1 controller from the SNES's, it was a smart thing to do. I just didn't like the original controller, but when I finally bought a PS1, the Dual Shock came with it standard. At least I'm 99% sure it did, it's been a while.

The original PS1 controller was probably what going to be standard with the Stealth System.

[KSmitty]

But this isn't a GC controller; it's a new classic controller. It still won't work for Gamecube games, or games that support the GC controller but not the classic, like Metal Slug Anthology and... nothing else I can think of.I don't understand why it wouldn't support the GC controller on Wii games. It has a right and left analog stick, two shoulder bumpers, Z and C, and standard ABXY layout.

[DylonCorp]

Gamecube games don't recognize the Wii controller ports, only gamecube controller ports.

[Ravenlock]

Man, if Sony or MS tried to pull the controller bullshit Nintendo did this gen, people would flay them. If you already have a Classic Controller, I'd suggest the Nyko grip (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PHX4KQ), which is basically this. It works surprisingly well.

Yes. I have the Nyko CC Grip, and with the sole exception of the extra shoulder buttons and spaced apart analog sticks, it provides identical functionality to what it looks like this will do.

The grip connects to the CC very nicely, has a holder for the Wiimote so you don't have to put it in your lap, feels good in the hands, etc etc. Easy purchase to recommend if you've already put the money down for a classic controller.

[Suave Peanut]

Honestly, the first thing I noticed about this controller is that the cable is coming out of the top.

[DylonCorp]

Honestly, the first thing I noticed about this controller is that the cable is coming out of the top.

Well crafted, sir! I missed it completely, but this is no small matter.

[Joshkdmw]

Them sticks better be stiff this time around.

That's what... oh, never mind.

Sold! I loves me my classic controller. That plus little dongles on the bottom, plus 2 triggers? That equates to "Fun times".

[Stmfuller]

meh, another controller.
I didn't get the need for so many different controllers for the Wii.
GC controllers, Wii mote, and Nunchuck. That's it.
Although the fit is a neat idea.

[Doctor Setebos]

Honestly, the first thing I noticed about this controller is that the cable is coming out of the top.God damn, Nintendo. You still don't know how to make a wireless classic controller? Massive fail.

[Urizen]

God damn, Nintendo. You still don't know how to make a wireless classic controller? Massive fail.

I issue I believe (and it's a valid one) is that consumers would have had to manage battery consumption in that many more devices. I've never had a problem with the fact that my nunchuck or Classic Controller was tethered to the remote.

Is it really massive fail? Is it? Massive?

[Doctor Setebos]

I issue I believe (and it's a valid one) is that consumers would have had to manage battery consumption in that many more devices. I've never had a problem with the fact that my nunchuck or Classic Controller was tethered to the remote.

Is it really massive fail? Is it? Massive?I've been using a wireless nunchuk for a while now, and I love it. And while the wire between the nunchuk and Wii remote is no big deal, the wire between the Wii remote and the classic controller is just plain dumb. I've stopped playing VC games these days because I hate having the Wii remote sitting next to me on the couch while I play. I've been considering getting a wireless classic controller from Nyko, but their version looks hideous. When I heard Nintendo was releasing a new "pro" classic controller, I had hoped they would catch on and make it wireless. Apparently, they don't care that much.

So, yes. Massive fail. They had an opportunity, and they squandered it. Wired classic controller FTL.

Rechargeable batteries FTW.

[Ravenlock]

Seriously DrS, just grab the Nyko Classic Controller Grip and put the CC you already have in it. The CC cord coils up on a little plastic clip it has on the bottom, which the Wii Remote then fastens to (and unfastens easily, it just slides in and out of the clip). It doesn't end up being the most attractive thing in the world:

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/4218/nykoces0870.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nykoces0870.jpg)

but it is comfortable to use and fixes the Wiimote-on-the-couch problem. Having the Wiimote attached actually adds some needed weight to the CC anyhow, and the grips really help your hands when playing VC games for awhile. And you can probably get it for <$10 now if you look around.

[Doctor Setebos]

Seriously DrS, just grab the Nyko Classic Controller Grip and put the CC you already have in it. The CC cord coils up on a little plastic clip it has on the bottom, which the Wii Remote then fastens to (and unfastens easily, it just slides in and out of the clip). It doesn't end up being the most attractive thing in the world:

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/4218/nykoces0870.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nykoces0870.jpg)

but it is comfortable to use and fixes the Wiimote-on-the-couch problem. Having the Wiimote attached actually adds some needed weight to the CC anyhow, and the grips really help your hands when playing VC games for awhile. And you can probably get it for <$10 now if you look around.I've seen that before, but I wasn't sure how well it worked. Yours is the first comment I've heard about it, good or bad. Nice to hear it works pretty well - I might have to see if I can find one. Thanks! :)

[Ravenlock]

Happy to be of service. I just hope more games start coming out with support for it. The CC really is a good controller, being able to only use it (primarily) on Virtual Console games is kind of a bummer. I'm sure plenty of kickass WiiWare games could be made to use it.

[Joshkdmw]

It's another Wii controller. We're all going to buy it, and we're all going to love the act of buying it, and giving them our money. That's their model.

[Doctor Setebos]

It's another Wii controller. We're all going to buy it, and we're all going to love the act of buying it, and giving them our money. That's their model.No, not all of us.

I stopped being a sheep for Nintendo long ago.

[Joshkdmw]

No, not all of us.

I stopped being a sheep for Nintendo long ago.

For every person who refuses to buy a Nintendo product, two children are born who one day will. They're not even a damn corporation anymore - they're practically global infrastructure.

[Mike Kelehan]

But the Dual Shock wasn't first analog Playstation controller. When the N64 controller hit, Sony copied it by putting analog on their controllers too. The Dual Analog controller was born. Then when the N64 introduced rumble into the controller, Sony went back again and created the Dual Shock.

Not many people know of the original Dual Analog controller but I still have one mint in the box:

http://www.axess.com/twilight/console/detail/psx_a.jpg

I've got one too, and your timeline is a BIT off. Sony made that to compete with the N64's controller, including its rumble feature. The Japanese Dual Analog controller had rumble, but somebody already had a patent on that particular tech in the US, so they took it out. They were able to sidestep that patent on the Dual Shock, which had two motors, hence the name.

[Variable Gear]

Yeah, I'm not sure why Nintendo didn't release this in the first place.

[Suave Peanut]

Yeah, I'm not sure why Nintendo didn't release this in the first place.

Really? You must be new to Nintendo.

It's not exactly the first time they've revised and repackaged something.

[Xerxes]

Classic controller is great for older games, anything past that I have always used my old Wavebirds. Speaking of, this will be great for games that support GC controls, now you won't have to buy a third party controller or pay out the wazzoo for a used old Wavebird on eBay. (Way too late for me, but good for some you out there)

I was about to say the same. I have a Wavebird but I still might get one.

What the fuck is with all these controllers.

[JayVe]

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/4218/nykoces0870.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nykoces0870.jpg)
I got one of these for $5 and love it!