Classic controller vs. SNES controller

by David Hinkle { Nov 30th 2006 at 12:15PM }

Engadget got their hands on a Classic Controller for the Wii and, noticing it has a remarkable resemblance to the SNES controller, they decided to do some side-by-side comparison shots, as well as some of the remote itself next to the Wiimote from all angles, for the vast series of tubes we call the internet. We've ~~stolen~~ included their photos into our post, which are embedded past the jump.

[Thanks Barb!]

Tags: classic, classiccontroller, nintendo, nintendowii, vc, virtualconsole, wii

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

West End Stench @ Nov 30th 2006 1:33PM

Has it been determined what those slots on the back of the Classic controller are for?

UpIrons @ Nov 30th 2006 12:47PM

Man that thing looks like a brick - but it would look pretty sweety in black!

JIB @ Nov 30th 2006 8:01PM

I noticed the resemblance the first time I saw a pic of the classic controller from your E3 coverage.
Too bad the Super Nintendo controller is more comfortable. Oh well, can't replicate perfection.

Disco D @ Nov 30th 2006 1:45PM

I wasn't planning on getting one (thinking that it would be a waste), but seeing pictures like that compared to the SNES controller... it looks pretty hot and retro-y

TimD @ Nov 30th 2006 1:52PM

Has it been determined what those slots on the back of the Classic controller are for?

It looks as if they would be used to allow another object to snap into place.

SuicideNinja @ Nov 30th 2006 2:07PM

I still can't believe they make you plug it into the Wii remote....

typo @ Nov 30th 2006 6:06PM

Ninja, it may seem clunky, but it's a pretty solid system. I mean, when's the last time you saw a well-performing RF controller for $20?

I've been playing a pretty decent amount of Sim City with a classic controller, and it's a pretty nice controller to use. Comfy, good button response. Not quite as perfect as the SNES controller -- but what COULD be?

The thing I find odd is that the classic controller is CLEARLY meant to be usable for GC games. It's got all the buttons, the two analog sticks, and the shoulder buttons feel analog to me -- so why doesn't it work?

Dan @ Nov 30th 2006 6:54PM

Plugging it into the Wii-mote is what makes it so (relatively) cheap. If it had its own Bluetooth, we'd be looking at $50, a la PS3/360.

dancefreak @ Nov 30th 2006 3:52PM

The slots are probably for a future attachment that will hold the remote there so you don't have to have it sitting in your lap.

El Hajjish @ Nov 30th 2006 6:54PM

By plugging it into the Wiimote, the Classic Controller is wireless via Bluetooth. If it didn't plug into the Wiimote, the bluetooth features would need to be built into the classic controller, likely making it $40 instead of $20. It keeps the controller as an affordable accessory. With all the griping about the costs of the controllers, we should be happy that the Classic Controller is cheap.

Personally, I have no problem plugging it into the Wiimote. The Wiimote just sits next to me on the couch. It's a non-issue. Also, the controller itself is extremely comfortable.

Justin B @ Dec 1st 2006 5:45PM

#6 - Think bigger.

I think the slots are there to allow you to clip the remote onto the back for a new control style that will be utilized in current-gen games. *click* Your classic controller is now a sixaxis.

Gabriel @ Dec 1st 2006 7:53AM

#7 Typo:
"The thing I find odd is that the classic controller is CLEARLY meant to be usable for GC games. It's got all the buttons, the two analog sticks, and the shoulder buttons feel analog to me -- so why doesn't it work?"

I don't know, but does the classic controller have the Z button?

Rob, @ Dec 1st 2006 9:35AM

11. #7 Typo:
"The thing I find odd is that the classic controller is CLEARLY meant to be usable for GC games. It's got all the buttons, the two analog sticks, and the shoulder buttons feel analog to me -- so why doesn't it work?"

I don't know, but does the classic controller have the Z button?"

Yes, it's on the top.

Artr @ Dec 2nd 2006 1:40AM

maybe you'll be able to add a rumble pack to it in the future!

Rhino @ Dec 4th 2006 4:47AM

does it have rumble?

jae oh en @ Dec 3rd 2006 5:20AM

i remember reading the slots on the back will be for the wiimote to attach to the back for a "rumble" feature...i forgot where i read that, it was either ign or gamespot....

Biff Slamkovich @ Dec 4th 2006 11:03PM

"The thing I find odd is that the classic controller is CLEARLY meant to be usable for GC games. It's got all the buttons, the two analog sticks, and the shoulder buttons feel analog to me -- so why doesn't it work?"

I believe those controls are included so that you can play N64 games. you'll need the two analog sticks for the N64's stick and C-buttons, as well as a Z button.