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Modder makes the GameCube Joy-Cons you've always wanted for your Switch
If you're a veteran Nintendo gamer, you've likely dreamed of using a GameCube controller with the Switch -- if just to recreate that 2001 vibe of playing Super Smash Bros. Melee in the family den. For mod creator Shank, that's now a practical reality. The hardware enthusiast has torn apart a Wavebird wireless controller to turn into a pair of Joy-Cons that share nearly all the functionality of the official controllers, including the tiny shoulder buttons used for shared-screen multiplayer (it's as awkward as you'd expect, Shank said). About the only thing missing is infrared.
The hardware of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U (hands-on)
When Nintendo announced the re-release of years old game controllers from the Nintendo GameCube home console, it was more than a little surprising. What's Nintendo doing re-releasing gamepads from 2001 for its still new-ish game console? And more importantly, why? It's because of crazy people like me. In case it weren't already clear, I'm a longtime fan of Nintendo's Smash Bros. franchise -- a 2D fighting game featuring a massive cross-section of Nintendo's biggest gaming franchises. Mario fights Zelda, for instance; I wrote a piece breaking down how it works and why it's such a wonderful franchise right here. So, what do GameCube controllers have to do with any of this? Simple: The GameCube version of Smash Bros. (Melee) is considered by many fans, including myself, to be the series' best work to date. Beyond the game itself, the GameCube controller was heralded as a perfect fit for the series. And that's why Nintendo's re-releasing a gamepad from over 10 years ago, as well as an adapter: so the controllers will work with the upcoming Wii U version, dubbed "Super Smash Bros. for Wii U". Still weird, but a bit more logical now, eh? I spent a few hours this morning both using the re-issued controllers and seeing how the NFC-based Amiibo figurines work on the Wii U version of Smash Bros. Let's get crazy.
Gadget Rewind 2006: Nintendo Wii
Nintendo planned a "Revolution" for your TV. When it arrived in 2006, it was a lot more fun than the confrontational term might imply. Revolution turned out to be the code name for the company's new console, and just before E3 that year Nintendo ditched the subterfuge and unveiled its official title: Nintendo Wii. It was revolutionary, using motion-tracking remotes to get players off the couch and involved in the action. The Wii rapidly became the centerpiece at parties, stepping into the arena with classics like Pictionary and charades. The console's popularity was also a welcome turnabout for Nintendo, which had been languishing over its latest console's missteps.
Nintendo resurrects its best controller for Super Smash Bros. on the Wii U
Not only is one of Nintendo's most loved games soon to arrive on the Wii U, but you'll also be able to play it using one of the game company's best controllers. An officially licensed adapter will let you plug in up to four GameCube controllers when playing the next-gen iteration of Super Smash Bros. As Joystiq points out, we don't know if there'll also be support for Nintendo's wireless Wavebird via the same piece of kit, or whether GameCube controllers will work with other Wii U titles. Neither do we have any pricing. What we do know is that the adapter will be shown off during a tournament at E3 on June 10th (check out the video below at 2:20). It''ll then presumably go on sale in time for the launch of Super Smash Bros. on the Wii U this winter -- and, from Nintendo's perspective, it surely can't come soon enough.
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.
Wii Warm Up: Essential equipment
There are certain things that we, as gamers, just need to have. Wavebird controllers, Classic controllers and a rechargeable battery solution for our Wiimotes are just a few of these things. What would you say is essential equipment for your Wii? What peripherals and other equipment can you not live without? Your Zapper? Your Wavebirds, like us? Your Wiimote jackets? What is it?
Some Nintendo controllers could get yanked from store shelves
Remember that recent lawsuit that didn't work out in Nintendo's favor? Then they tried to appeal and failed? Yeah, things aren't looking so hot for Nintendo right now. And the latest on this debacle, courtesy of Bloomberg, doesn't look good for the house that Mario built.U.S. District Judge Ron Clark denied Nintendo's appeal for a new trial. In Lufkin, Texas, Clark said that he planned to ban further sales of Nintendo's Wii Classic Controller, WaveBird controller and Nintendo GameCube, but must wait for another appeal from Nintendo (this one is headed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit) to go through. Judge Clark is set to issue this ban tomorrow, unless Nintendo posts a bond or puts royalties into an escrow account, which will then stop the ban.Thankfully for Nintendo, the Wiimote and Nunchuk controllers both have been recognized as not violating Anascape's patent. So, sales of each of these peripherals should not be affected by all of this.
Court denies Nintendo's appeal in patent infringement lawsuit
Nintendo is officially down $21 million. After a recent court ruling that declared Nintendo the loser in a patent infringement case, Nintendo appealed the $21 million penalty sum, hoping to have the charge reduced. Anascape Ltd. was the plaintiff in the case (and potential receiver of large amounts of cash), claiming that Nintendo violated their patents when making the GameCube, Classic, Wavebird, and Wiimote controllers.A judge denied Nintendo's appeal, finding that the sum was fair based on the evidence. Anascape, obviously, was happy about the outcome, with the lead council saying, "We appreciate the Court's thoughtful consideration in upholding the jury's decision. Although not a giant corporation like Nintendo, Anascape has every right to protect its technology." Since the patent affects all of Nintendo's most recent controllers, we wonder if this will have any impact on Nintendo's future designs or technologies.
Nintendo ordered to pay $21 million to patent troll
Remember Anascape Ltd, the little "gaming company" that sued Microsoft and Nintendo back in 2006 for controller patent infringement? Well, it's payday to the tune of $21 million after a jury found Nintendo's Wii Classic, WaveBird, and Gamecube controller designs all guilty of violating Anascape's patents. Nintendo will appeal naturally while Microsoft settled the case before the matter ever went to trial. Now go ahead and Google Anascape with the challenge of finding a single service or product offering. Oh, did we mention that they are based in the patent-lawsuit friendly state of Tejas? Patent Trolls? Oh, you betcha.Anascape... there is none.
Wii Warm Up: Moving backwards
Of course, you're all aware of the reissued GameCube controller (now in white!), but did you know that the controller is now available for purchase? It's fetching a price of $24.90. But, do you really need it?We were wondering about those of you who lack a GameCube controller for backwards compatibility fun and, of course, Smash Bros. Brawl. Any of you interested in picking this up? Or, like us, are you already covered with a WaveBird?[Thanks, celestialxplsion!]
Wii-white Gamecube controller releasing in Japan
Nintendo has announced via its Japanese website that a Wii-white Gamecube controller is due for release this month ... in Japan. Looks like the old controller still has some manufacturing life left in it yet, too bad we can't get any more wireless Wavebird controllers.We've contacted Nintendo of America to find out if the controllers are expected in North America. Call us what you will (which will probably be "lazy") but we simply wish that Nintendo would make a second generation Wavebird controller that's fully compatible with the Wii.[Via GoNintendo]
Nintendo: Wavebird no longer shipping to stores
If it were any other time the death of the sublime wireless Wavebird controller designed for Nintendo's Gamecube would have gone by with a tear and some good memories, but with Smash Bros. Brawl just around the corner it feels more like bad timing. A Nintendo customer service representative told GoNintendo that there aren't plans to restock Wavebird controllers in stores again; however, regular wired Gamecube controllers will continue to be available.We've been advocating the use of the Wavebird for anyone that plans to use a Gamecube controller when Smash Bros. Brawl releases next month. Might be time to visit the local pawn shop and see if Wavebirds are available there, or just accept the use of the Wiimote, Classic Controller or the wired Gamecube controller – ewwww, wires!
Wii Warm Up: When was the last time you played a GameCube game?
And what game was it?What you see above is actually the last GameCube game this blogger spent any time with. Since the Wii has caused the GameCube to be all but something to toss into a cardboard box and placed in the attic, garage or basement, I was rocking this bad boy on my Wii. So, it inevitably lead me to this post you read before you.Oblige us, won't you?
Thrustmaster offers up wireless Classic Controller
One of our problems with Nintendo's official Classic Controller is how it has to be plugged into the Wiimote to be used. It's not that big of a deal, but sometimes the cord can become a nuisance. Thankfully, third-party manufacturer (and ridiculously-named company) Thrustmaster have devised the wireless solution you see above. Sure, it may not be much to look at, but at least there aren't any wires.To connect the controller to the Wii, you'll have to plug an adapter into one of the GameCube ports on top of the console. We suspect that won't be an issue with most of you, as we're certain you (like us) already have a few WaveBird adapters plugged in up there. And, to add even more appeal to the thing, it'll only retail for $19.99, the same cost as Nintendo's official solution. We'll have to wait until the thing releases to see, but we're pretty sure that Nintendo's controller will end up winning in the end based on feel alone. That thing looks bulky.
Wii Warm Up: Weapon of choice
At the moment we have three options for playing most Virtual Console games: the Wiimote, the Classic Controller, and the Gamecube controller. None of them are 100% accurate recreations of any original console's controller, but each has their advantages-- you're guaranteed to have a Wiimote, you're almost guaranteed to have a Gamecube controller, and the Classic Controller has the best compatibility.We speculated about some kind of Wavebird relaunch, but so far that has yet to happen, indicating that Nintendo is throwing their support behind the quasi-tethered Classic Controller. But what about you? How do you roll on the VC-- tipped Wiimote, recycled Wavebird, or specialized equipment?
Wii Warm Up: 'Cube aesthetic
The Wii is, by far, the most stylish Nintendo-produced console ever made. It's sleek, minimalistic, and shiny shiny white (not pictured!). However, when being used as a Gamecube, there tends to be a loss of aerodynamic flow. Flaps concealing the GC circuitry must be lifted or removed; Wavebird receivers stick out at awkward angles, and those outdated things called wires might even get in the way.Do you guys leave your GC stuff in the Wii, ready for (slightly) retro gaming? Does the loss of form factor make a big difference, and is it worth it to pull out and put in equipment every time you load up one of those tiny discs?(uses Jedi mind trick) Tell us.
Hate that Wavebird receiver sticking out of your Wii? Mod it!
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Hate_that_Wavebird_receiver_sticking_out_of_your_Wii_Mod_it'; That's right, the modding community has come up with a fix that places the Wavebird receiver into the Nintendo Wii, causing the unsightly giant gray brick that currently resides at the top of your system to be nestled inside, snug and warm within the beautiful confines of your Wii. The modder says that he only placed one receiver in his, but if more plastic were removed, he could probably fit 4. The mod takes about 14 different steps, of varying difficulty, but of course the first step is the hardest: taking apart the Wii. We assume if one is able to do this, their moral compass must be broken.The mod begs the question: is such a mod worth the chance of messing up your Wii permanently? Are you willing to try the mod, but will wait for a more steady supply of consoles in case you damage your system? Think people that do this kind of stuff are crazy?It's a nice idea, however we wish he would have provided pictures of the console put back together and a video of it in action.
Wii Warm Up: Old-school flavor
As much as we want to believe that the Wiimote is the end-all-be-all for video games, we have to concede that there are several genres in which a traditional controller is a more appropriate choice. Nintendo has already noted that Super Smash Bros. Brawl will use a standard controller, but ... which is it? Though Gamecube controller support has yet to be officially confirmed, we have to assume a player may choose between the GC standard and their own classic controller, offered for twenty dollars.What's the problem? Well, the classic controller sucks. If you want four-player Smash (and my God you do), you'll need to spend an additional eighty dollars on peripherals that you might never use again. Furthermore, as it plugs into the expansion port, you have to deal with the awkward Wiimote just sitting in your lap. On the flip side, how many retailers have been carrying copious quantities of Wavebirds? They're still out there, of course, but Nintendo may have to conduct a Wavebird relaunch campaign for those of us who don't already have the gear. What are you hoping for, and how do you think Nintendo can pull it off?
No Wavebird Wii navigation (Wii annoyance #010)
Wii buyers who skipped getting a Gamecube might have a hankering to play the games they never could before (Super Smash Bros. Melee!). Having a Wavebird controller is probably one of the best accessories to get for the Wii, due to its extreme compatibility with non-Wii games and ridiculously long battery life. For a controller that is a jack-of-all-trades on the Wii, it's kinda sad that you can't navigate the Wii menu with it. Heck, you can't even get past the "WARNING-HEALTH AND SAFETY" screen with the Wavebird. When you put in a Gamecube game, you have to find your Wii-mote to activate the game from the main menu. It's a little thing that would be a nice simple fix in a future update. There is still much Super Smash Bros. Melee to be had and using the Wavebird to navigate and shop on the Wii menu would be nice.[Thanks, Blink]PS3 delights vs. PS3 annoyances Wii delights vs. Wii annoyances Xbox 360 delights vs. Xbox 360 annoyances
There's a Wiimote in my pocket (Wii annoyance #005)
The Classic Controller hid the awkward lap placement shown on the packaging insertDangling from the end of the Classic Controller is the Wiimote. What are we supposed to do with this thing?Some have speculated that Nintendo will release a device (a separate purchase?) that will allow the Wiimote to be clipped to the back of the Classic Controller; however, this still wouldn't eliminate that pesky cable connecting the two controllers. For now, we're forced to rest the Wiimote awkwardly on our laps or stuff it into our pockets -- we suppose duct tape is an option too. Our advice: stick with GameCube's wireless Wavebird for all your Virtual Console needs (it's only about $10 more than the Classic Controller and it's more compatible to boot!).Wii delights vs. Wii annoyancesPS3 delights vs. PS3 annoyancesXbox 360 delights vs. Xbox 360 annoyances
