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ThinkGeek selling SNES-style Wii Classic Controller
The Super Famicom Classic Controller for Wii remains out of reach for everyone but Japanese Club Nintendo members (and eBay users, of course), but ThinkGeek is stocking a very close facsimile for $20.In fact, the Classic Super Famicom Controller for Wii is functionally identical to the Club Nintendo version. It plugs into your Wii Remote and lets you play Virtual Console games (or anything else that supports Classic Controller use and doesn't require analog sticks) with a controller designed to replicate the SNES pad. It even has the colorful face buttons of the Japanese controller.Right now seems like a questionable time to buy a Wii accessory, but you'd already be using it to play old games. The impending obsolescence of the Wii isn't necessarily a deal breaker. Besides, the Wii U uses Wii Remotes; a Classic Controller might come in handy with that as well.
EVOtainment System brings emulation greatness to the HTC EVO on a Wiimote and a prayer (video)
In a world full of cheap, plastic Wiimote accessories, aisles that overflow with flimsy little steering wheels for Mario Kart, one man found purpose. One man found something good to do with them. One man created the ridiculous contraption you see above. That man is Jack Malone, crafter of this the so-called EVOtainment System. It's a Wii racing wheel from Nerf that's been drilled out and augmented to enable a Classic Controller to join the party, backed with a strip of 3M Dual Lock. Up top a universal GPS mount clings desperately on to his HTC EVO, which connects over Bluetooth to the Wiimote. It's emulatory bliss in a design that's only a little bit less chunkier than the Game Gripper. Update: Video after the break! %Gallery-118579% [Thanks, Jack]
Overheard @ Gamescom: A development house divided
Like many Wii games before it, the upcoming revival of Goldeneye 007 supports a number of different controllers. You'll be able to play with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, the Classic Controller, a GameCube controller or even the Wii Zapper. But surely one of these myriad methods must be the preferred control scheme among the development team, right? Well, no, not really. "There's a house divided, at least amongst ourselves," said Activision production coordinator Graham Hagmaier while presenting a demo of the game at Gamescom this week. "A lot of us play with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. I prefer this particular scheme [the Classic Controller], just because I used to play a lot of FPS games on [the Xbox] 360 and PS3, and for a lot of people those are very popular formats. But it just depends on your proficiency with the controller." The team's proficiency with the Wii Zapper was left unaddressed.
Dragon Quest Monsters Battle Road Victory has a monstrous controller
Let us lay it out for you: in 2008, Square Enix released Dragon Quest Swords for Wii, a game based entirely around using the Wii Remote to simulate a sword. It used the normal Wii Remote/Nunchuk setup. Now, Square Enix is preparing a Wii port of Dragon Quest Monsters Battle Road Victory, an arcade game based on collectible cards. For that, peripheral company Hori is producing a controller shaped like a sword. The optional controller, first shown off on VJump magazine's staff blog, features an exact replica of the arcade machine's layout, including two giant buttons and a replica sword hilt, which players push down to activate special attacks. The controller will retail for ¥12,800 ($137) and will be out in Japan this summer. Keep an eye on your favorite import retailer if you've been waiting for a controller with part of a sword sticking out of it. [Via Andriasang]
This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Monster Hunter Tri launch
This week on the Nintendo Channel, the usual Nintendo Week program does something a bit different and covers the Monster Hunter Tri launch at New York City's Nintendo World Store. Director Kaname Fujioka and producer Ryozo Tsujimoto were on hand to chat and sign posters and attendees could even throw down in a tournament. If the video on the Nintendo Channel is any indication, the event was a great success. Head past the break for the full list of this week's content.
Nintendo wins appeal in Anascape suit
There's a reasonable chance that you don't remember Anascape. Perhaps you remember the company that took Microsoft and Nintendo to court over its video game controller patents a few years back -- ring a bell? Specifically, in 2008, Nintendo was ordered to pay Anascape $21 million and faced the possibility of WaveBird, GameCube and Wii Classic Controllers being banned from sale. At the time, the fine and possible retail bans were put on hold while Nintendo appealed the case to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Now, nearly two years later, the court has officially overturned the original verdict, nullifying the fine and potential bans. In a brief statement, Nintendo of America general council Rick Flamm said, "Today the Federal Circuit's ruling confirmed that none of Nintendo's controllers infringe. We appreciate that our position has been vindicated." For the record, this isn't Nintendo's first patent infringement lawsuit and, given the history of such cases in the game industry, we doubt it will be its last.
Amazon selling Japanese Classic Controller Pros
If you desperately need a somewhat nicer Classic Controller, but can't wait for the Classic Controller Pro's April release -- and you demand free Super Saver shipping -- head to Amazon right away. The retailer is offering the Japanese version of the Pro for $34.99 in black and white. Quantities are currently severely limited, but the item listing promises that more are on the way. Sure, you pay a hefty premium over the $19.99 a Pro will cost when it's officially released in North America, but that's the price you pay for being the envy of all of your friends during Bomberman '93 sessions. And if you're not having weekly multiplayer Bomberman '93 sessions, don't you want to now? That sounds great. [Via GoNintendo]
Classic Controller Pro releasing with Monster Hunter Tri in North America
Here's some awesome news: according to a press release sent out by Nintendo, Monster Hunter Tri will be available in North America this April -- which means that Capcom essentially delayed it as little as possible. Here's some more awesome news: it'll be available in a bundle with the Classic Controller Pro, the upgraded version of the Classic Controller that was previously only available in Japan. The set will cost $59.99. Even if you're not interested in Monster Hunter, you'll be able to get one separately, in black or white, for the same $19.99 price Nintendo charges for the regular Classic Controller. The Pro might not do anything different than the original, but it's laid out a bit more comfortably, with the analog sticks spread out further and the shoulder buttons moved out of the Classic's ridiculous single-file configuration. It's no coincidence, given Monster Hunter's PS2 origins, that this new controller is essentially identical in layout to a Dual Shock. %Gallery-83838%
Wii Classic Controller Pro coming to confused, oversized US living rooms in April
After doing the whole "Nintendo" thing in Japan, Nintendo has brought its Wii Classic Controller Pro Stateside to ensure us Americans were being properly Nintend'd to. That's right, yet another control mechanism, with its own set of slightly different buttons (this time dual shoulder buttons) and ergonomics (some DualShock-style grips) to thoroughly confuse and delight hapless Wii owners. Interestingly, the controller is making its debut in April as a bundle with Monster Hunter Tri; the game is compatible with the tried and true Wii Remote + Nunchuck combo and the hardly relevant Classic Controller, but we have a feeling those extra, Professional shoulder buttons will come in handy when plying the game mechanics of monster hunting. Separately the controller comes in black or white for $20, while bundled the game and controller will retail for $60. Our dignity as a once-proud Wii owner? Hardly worth a Craigslist listing.
No More Heroes 2 supports Classic Controller, thanks to Monster Hunter
We happened to think that the motion control finishers in No More Heroes made the fighting a lot more interesting, but if you disagree, Grasshopper Manufacture has a solution. No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle will allow players to use the Classic Controller, according to 1UP. Suda 51 told 1UP that the Classic Controller functionality is intended to attract Monster Hunter fans, many of whom play the game with the Classic Controller or Classic Controller Pro (which is bundled with Monster Hunter 3). It's a purely optional move that may help get the game in the hands of more people. Warning: Some of the information in the 1UP article may be considered spoilers by more sensitive readers, including news about playable characters.
Classic Controller Pro appears at E3, unbeknownst to Nintendo
Well, here's a curious one. Those eagle-eyed folks at Joystiq caught sight of a pair of Classic Controller Pros for the Wii at Nintendo's E3 booth, which wouldn't be so unusual if not for the fact that it still hasn't been announced for release outside of Japan. Adding to the intrigue, the Nintendo reps at the booth apparently know nothing (or weren't talking) about a planned release, and there's no official word to speak of on the E3 press site either. Yet the controllers were there for all too see, which leads Joystiq to rightly speculate that a release 'round here is now decidedly more likely than not.
Classic Controller Pro mysteriously on display at Nintendo E3 booth
At the reception desk at Nintendo's E3 booth, among stacks of Nintendo brand licensing catalogs (full of your favorite things with pictures of Nintendo stuff on it), two Classic Controller Pros were displayed in cylindrical plastic cases. Nintendo didn't actually make any announcements about a North American release for the upgraded controller, but then it didn't make any announcements about a bunch of games that are coming out either.We asked several reps at the Nintendo booth, and none knew if there was an actual release planned. There's nothing on the E3 press site either. The controllers were just ... there. Those controllers are totally coming out, though. Why else would they be there?
Adapter turns Classic Controller into GameCube controller
From the "ridiculous level of customization" department: a new device from EMS that removes one small deficiency in the Wii Classic Controller's capabilities: the ability to use it on GameCube games. EMS's Classic Linker allows users to plug a Classic Controller into the GameCube controller slot, allowing it to be used as a GameCube controller. As an added bonus, it also allows the use of PlayStation or PS2 controllers! The Wii angle is nice, but where we see this being most useful is in an actual GameCube. The Classic Controller's button layout makes it superior even to the Hori Digital Pad for use in the Game Boy Player.It had better have a longer cord than most controller adapters, because the Classic Controller's little cord doesn't exactly span a room. This accessory is available through Play-Asia for $16.90.[Thanks, dreganfyre!]
Nintendo: No plans to bring Classic Controller Pro to U.S.
Well folks, clear some room, because your hopes and dreams are about to come crashing down ... now: Nintendo has no plans to bring the Classic Controller Pro to the United States. In fact, that's exactly what a kind Nintendo spokesperson said: "At this time, we do not have any plans to launch the Classic Controller Pro in the United States." Of course, that doesn't mean you can't have one, if you really want it that badly.
Nintendo's Wii Classic Controller Pro ready to turn tricks in Japan
Now that you've had your fill of mocking amateurs with their Wii Classic Controllers, it's time to prove your skills by going pro. Nintendo Japan just listed the Wii Classic Controller Pro that brings a bit of Dual Shock schlock to the dual-analog controller -- that means grips and a two-row shoulder button configuration. It's expected to hit Japan sometime this Summer which could mean a Christmas-time launch elsewhere should the stars align.[Via Joystiq]
Get a grip: Nintendo reveals Wii 'Classic Controller Pro'
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.[Via Kotaku; thanks, Face]
Japanese Monster Hunter G bundle includes special-edition blue Classic Controller, Monster Hunter 3 demo [update]
[Update: for those of you lusting after the game or (more likely) the controller, Capcom's Christian Svensson has announced that there will be no US release for either. "Sorry. :(" Thanks to Samfish for pointing this out!]For such a lazily-developed game, Capcom is putting significant resources into the Wii port of Monster Hunter G. In order to get around the Classic Controller requirement (and promote sales, of course), they've announced a Monster Hunter G Starter Pack bundle featuring this awesome blue, dragon-adorned (but not Blue Dragon-adorned) Classic Controller. This is, as far as we know, just the second special-edition (Nintendo brand) Wii controller -- the first was also a Classic Controller, specifically the Club Nintendo Super Famicom Classic Controller. This is also the first official Wii controller to be released in a color other than white. In other words: a big deal. And it's so cool-looking!The Starter Pack will retail for 5,240 yen ($59) when it is released in Japan on April 23. Both this release and the game-only release of Monster Hunter G (3,990 yen, or $45) will include a demo of Monster Hunter 3. And just like that, Monster Hunter G has become a guaranteed bestseller.
Monster Hunter G is for Classic Controllers only
Just how lazy is Capcom's port of Monster Hunter G? Pretty dang lazy, according to the official website, which just opened. While the new Monster Hunter 3 tri- offers multiple control schemes that allow use of Wiimote/Nunchuk motion controls or a traditional-style Classic Controller layout (as well as multiple variations on "three" in the title), the newly-announced Wii version of the PS2/PSP Monster Hunter G only works with Classic Controllers. At least it also has four-player online play. Chances are, most people won't miss the waggle. Or they could get Monster Hunter 3 and not really miss out on anything.Speaking of Monster Hunter 3, do check out that game's website for new monster renders. %Gallery-32281%[Via NeoGAF]
Wii Warm Up: GC vs CC
For games that are compatible with both, which do you find to be your more preferred way to play: using a GameCube controller or the Classic Controller? For us, we tend to go with the wireless bliss of the Wavebird, when allowed. How about you all? Which is the superior way to game in your opinion?
Wii Warm Up: Even more classic
Last night, we saw the extremely brief return of the Club Nintendo Super Famicom Classic Controller, which popped up for sale at $70 and promptly disappeared. It's pretty desirable for something with the exact same button layout as the stock Classic, and no analog sticks.Don't take this as a slight, since we adore old systems --this is merely a conversation topic. Is there something about the Super Famicom/SNES controller, or any other pre-N64 controller (we understand that the N64 controller has a unique form factor and button layout), that makes it inherently superior to the Classic in non-nostalgia-related ways? We miss the turbo switches from the TurboPad, but Hori's finally got a solution for that.%Gallery-20586%
