Thrustmaster offers up wireless Classic Controller

by David Hinkle { Sep 13th 2007 at 10:40PM }

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.

Tags: classic-controller, classiccontroller, gamecube, thrustmaster, wavebird, wiimote, wireless

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

vidGuy @ Sep 13th 2007 10:51PM

Officially the ugliest controller I've ever seen.

Dark Morford @ Sep 13th 2007 11:01PM

"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."

That said, "Classic Controller" is just to make it sound like a Wii part. What we're looking at is a $20, third-party WaveBird.

Personally, I'm sticking with the official ones.

Metayoshi @ Sep 13th 2007 11:05PM

I agree with vidGuy, that is one ugly looking controller. Also, wouldn't plugging it into the Gamecube port make it more of a Gamecube controller than a Classic Controller?

I dunno, I'm fine with how the Classic Controllers are right now. It gives off the SNES feel, which is the only virtual console system I use it for anyway (Wiimote works fine for NES and Genesis, and Gamecube Controller is perfect for N64 games, and I haven't touched a TurboGrafx 16 game).

hvnlysoldr (NDF - Wind Ring) @ Sep 13th 2007 11:17PM

That D-Pad looks like it'll give you Atari Thumb.

Adv2k1 @ Sep 14th 2007 12:32AM

wait a minute using cube port means this could potentially be used on gamecube games. Making allot of gamecube games feel drastically different since it has different face button layout. Does it have rumble? I don't mind the look

LeChuck @ Sep 14th 2007 12:35AM

What kind of battery does it use, rechargable pack or more AAs? And I also agree it's ugly.

Fullmetal Salchemist @ Sep 14th 2007 12:43AM

That d-pad looks awful. I'll stick with my Wavebird.

Covarr @ Sep 14th 2007 12:46AM

I've used thrustmaster products before; they are actually quite comfortable to hold and use, but they have crap reliability. Not MadCatz unreliable, but still not worth the $20 they're asking.

OwnYou @ Sep 14th 2007 9:23AM

Or you can just go buy a wireless gamecube controller for $15 dollars.

Peter Tangney @ Sep 14th 2007 12:01PM

It's an interesting controller. The buttons are even programmable, which could be useful. http://www.thrustmaster.com/product.aspx?ProductID=95&PlatformID=10

I personally like the design of the controller. I don't get how it works on VC or Wii games since it plugs into the GCN port, though. The site doesn't say anything about it either, despite an * symbol.