GameCube controller

GameCube controller

Indigo GameCube controller
Manufacturer Nintendo
Type Gamepad
Generation Sixth generation
Release date
  • JP: September 14, 2001[1]
  • NA: November 18, 2001
  • EU: May 3, 2002
  • AUS: May 17, 2002
Input
  • 2× Analog sticks
  • 2× Hybrid analog triggers/digital buttons
  • 6× Digital buttons
  • Digital d-pad
Connectivity GameCube controller port
Dimensions 2.5 × 5.5 × 4 in; 6.5 ft cable
65 × 140 × 100 mm; 2 m cable
Predecessor Nintendo 64 controller
Successor Wii Remote
Classic Controller

The GameCube controller (DOL-003) is the standard controller for the GameCube video game console.

Overview

Released alongside the GameCube console, the standard GameCube controller has a wing grip design. This controller was bundled with all new GameCube systems throughout the console's life cycle and was also available separately. It connects to the console's controller ports via a 2 m/6.5 ft cable.

The standard GameCube controller provides haptic feedback by way of a built-in rumble motor rather than using an external Rumble Pak add-on like the Nintendo 64 controller. Also unlike its predecessor, this controller does not feature any expansion capabilities.

The controller features a total of six digital buttons, two analog sticks, a d-pad and two hybrid analog triggers/digital buttons.

The primary analog stick is on the left, with the D-pad below it. The four face buttons are on the right of the controller (a large green "A" button in the center, a smaller red "B" button to its bottom left and two kidney-shaped buttons; "X" to the right and a "Y" to the top) with a yellow "C" stick below those. A Start/Pause button is located in the middle of the controller. On the "shoulders" of the controller there are two analog triggers marked "L" and "R," as well as one digital button marked "Z" which sits above the "R" trigger. The "L" and "R" triggers feature both analog and digital capabilities. Each of these behaves as a typical analog trigger until fully depressed, at which point the button "clicks" to register an additional digital signal. This method effectively serves to provide two functions per button without actually adding two separate physical buttons.

Versions

Colors/designs

Standard editions

"Platinum" GameCube controller

The GameCube controller was sold in several different colors over the console's lifespan. Standard colors included "Indigo" (Purple), "Jet Black", "Platinum" (Silver) and "Spice" (Orange);[2] these were bundled their respective colored GameCube consoles and sold separately in many countries.[1] Other standard colors sold separately included "Indigo/Clear" (Indigo top with a clear translucent bottom), "Emerald Blue" (Turquoise), and White; the latter two were only available in Japan.[1]

Limited editions

Nintendo released a number of limited edition controllers in Japan through Club Nintendo, which featured a unique color scheme and/or logo in the center. Club Nintendo controllers could be purchased for 500 points each and designs included "Mario" (red top and blue bottom),[3] "Luigi" (green top and blue bottom),[4] "Wario" (yellow top and purple bottom)[5] and a "Club Nintendo" controller (white top and light blue bottom).[6] The "Mario" design was also made available in limited quantities through the European Stars Catalogue for 5000 points.[7]

Panasonic branded GameCube controller as bundled with the Panasonic Q

Additionally, a number of limited edition GameCube consoles have been released which included matching controllers. Colors released in Japan include "Starlight Gold",[2][8] "Crystal White",[9] "Symphonic Green" (mint green),[10] "Hanshin Tigers" (black with Hanshin Tigers logo),[11][12] "Gundam Copper" (two-tone red with Gundam logo)[2][10] and "Transparent" which was included with the "Enjoy Plus Pack +" bundle.[13] The "Symphonic Green" and "Crystal White" colors were also released in Europe, although the latter was renamed "Pearl White" and bundled with Mario Smash Football.[14] A Resident Evil 4 controller (Silver top and black bottom with logo) was available in Europe as part of a limited edition Resident Evil 4 console bundle.[10][15] The Panasonic Q, a GameCube/DVD player hybrid system exclusive to Japan, came bundled with a grey Panasonic branded version of the controller.[2][16]

WaveBird wireless controller

Platinum WaveBird controller and receiver module.

The WaveBird wireless controller is an RF-based wireless controller based on the same design as the standard controller. It communicates with the GameCube system wirelessly through a receiver dongle connected to one of the system's controller ports. It is powered by two AA batteries. As a power-conservation measure, the WaveBird lacks the rumble function of the standard controller.

LodgeNet controller

The LodgeNet GameCube controller

A specially-designed variation of the GameCube controller was created for the LodgeNet in some North American hotels. The controller can be used for pay-per-play access to select GameCube titles. In addition to the standard GameCube controller inputs, the LodgeNet controller features six additional buttons which are used to control the on-screen game selection interface. Can not be used in regular home systems.

Availability

Official controllers are becoming scarce at retailers, as a result of increased demand of the controller due to the Wii's backward compatibility with GameCube games and the fact that several Wii games support the controller as a primary method of control. In response to the regained popularity, Nintendo decided to re-launch the Gamecube controller.

White controller

In April 2008, Nintendo released a white GameCube controller, exclusive to Japan.[17] The controller has not been released outside Japan, but online retailers such as Amazon.com and Play-Asia do import and sell the controller internationally.[18][19] It differs from previous editions in that it features a white cable which is 3 m (9.8 ft) long, rather than the 2 m (6.5 ft) black cable used on standard controllers. In 2014, the manufacturing production of the white controller was resumed under the Super Smash Bros. branding, again exclusively for Japan (see more info on the Super Smash Bros. edition below).

Continued production of platinum controller

Nintendo of America continued to sell wired platinum controllers up until early 2012 in North America, but have since sold out. It is unknown if they will ever go through another production run.[20]

Super Smash Bros. Edition controller

The Super Smash Bros. edition controller was released in 2014, in conjunction with the release of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. The controller features a metallic silver Super Smash Bros. logo surrounded by flames instead of the Nintendo GameCube logo. It comes in standard black worldwide, although a white version was released in Japan only.[21] These controllers have much longer cables than the original controllers.[22] Along with the release of the controller, Nintendo released a GameCube controller adapter for the Wii U. The adapter supports has connections for four GameCube controllers, and all original pads are supported. A second adapter can be hooked up to a console, allowing up to eight players to use a GameCube controller. But so far, the adapter is only compatible with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U as it does not work with any other game. However, it does serve a bit of functionality when used in the console's Wii Mode through homebrew means, though it is incapable of being used for Wii titles that are compatible with the controller, such as Super Smash Bros. Brawl for reasons unknown.

Use on subsequent consoles

GameCube controller connected to a Wii

Due to the Wii's ability to use GameCube controller input, all official GameCube controllers may be used on the Wii. GameCube software played on the Wii requires the use of a GameCube controller (and, for games with save data, a memory card), and cannot be played with standard Wii controllers. Wii software can be programmed to make full use of GameCube controllers. Nearly all Virtual Console games and certain Wii and WiiWare games have been designed to support GameCube controllers as input. However, some later Wii models, such as the Wii Family Edition and Wii Mini, lack support for GameCube software, controllers, and memory cards.

Although the follow-up console, the Wii U, also omits compatibility with GameCube software and hardware, Nintendo announced that an official adapter would be released that allows players to connect up to four GameCube controllers to the Wii U via its USB ports.[23] Though its initial product listing stated it would be compatible with any Wii U title that supports the Wii U Pro Controller,[24] Nintendo since corrected the listing, stating the adapter can only be used with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and would not be compatible with other Wii U or Wii software.[25] The adapter launched alongside the game in November 2014, both separately and as part of a bundle with the game.[26][27]

Accessory maker PDP began releasing a line of officially licensed "Wired Fight Pad" controllers for the Wii and Wii U in 2014. They are based on the design and layout of the GameCube controller, but behave as a Classic Controller Pro, meaning it is used via a Wii Remote's expansion port and are compatible with all Wii and Wii U games that support the Classic Controller, but not GameCube games. To provide parity with the Classic Controller, these controllers feature dual shoulder buttons, as well as the "+", "−", and "Home" buttons that the GameCube controller lacks.[28][29]

Anascape Ltd, a Texas-based firm, filed a lawsuit against Nintendo for patent infringements regarding Nintendo's controllers.[30] A July 2008 verdict found that a ban would be issued preventing Nintendo from selling the regular GameCube and WaveBird controllers in the United States. Nintendo was free to continue selling the controllers pending an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.[31] On April 13, 2010 Nintendo won the appeal and the previous court decision was reversed.[32]

References

  1. 1 2 3 ニンテンドー ゲームキューブ／カラーバリエーション [Nintendo GameCube / Colors] (in Japanese). Nintendo. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Samurai Nintendo : GameCube models & special editions". samurainintendo.com. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  3. ↑ IGN Staff (July 7, 2004). "Nintendo's Mario Controller". IGN. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  4. ↑ Niizumi, Hirohiko (August 9, 2004). "Luigi GameCube controller coming to Japan". GameSpot. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  5. ↑ "Hardware Gallery - Club Nintendo Wario Controller". October 6, 2007. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  6. ↑ "Hardware Gallery - Club Nintendo GameCube Controller". October 6, 2007. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  7. ↑ "Mario Controller Limited Edition". Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  8. ↑ IGN Staff (July 20, 2004). "New GameCube Color: Starlight Gold". IGN. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  9. ↑ Jones, Ashley (June 23, 2003). "News: Japanese White GameCube". N-Europe. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  10. 1 2 3 "Samurai Nintendo : GameCube bundles & packs". samurainintendo.com. Retrieved September 8, 2010.
  11. ↑ "Hanshin Tigers GameCube". japan-games.com. May 31, 2006. Retrieved September 8, 2010.
  12. ↑ ニンテンドー ゲームキューブ／阪神タイガース２００３年優勝記念モデル [Nintendo GameCube / model 2003 Tigers's victory] (in Japanese). Nintendo. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  13. ↑ Hirohiko Niizumi (June 28, 2004). "Limited-edition GameCube bundle hitting Japan". GameSpot. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  14. ↑ Tim (August 17, 2005). "News: Mario Smash Football Bundle". N-Europe. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  15. ↑ Bramwell, Tom (February 3, 2005). "Resident Evil 4 Cube bundle on 18th March". Eurogamer. Retrieved September 8, 2010.
  16. ↑ "ＤＶＤ／ゲームプレーヤー SL-GC10 商品概要 | ＢＤ/ＤＶＤ | Panasonic" [DVD / game player SL-GC10 Description | BD / DVD | Panasonic] (in Japanese). Panasonic. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  17. ↑ "Nintendo to Re-launch GameCube Controller". IGN. April 9, 2008. Retrieved June 21, 2008.
  18. ↑ "Amazon.com: Official Nintendo Classic Gamecube / Wii Controller: Video Games". Amazon.com. Retrieved August 29, 2010.
  19. ↑ "Buy Game Cube Controller (White) (Gamecube & Nintendo Wii) at Play-Asia.com". Play-Asia.
  20. ↑ "Nintendo: Online Store - Product Detail - Gamecube Controller - Platinum (GCN)". Nintendo.
  21. ↑ Collette (SilverShadowFly) (October 7, 2014). "Japan Will Get A Gorgeous White Smash Bros Limited Edition GameCube Controller". My Nintendo News. Retrieved February 16, 2015.
  22. ↑ http://www.gonintendo.com/s/241152-gamecube-controller-vs-smash-bros-wii-u-gamecube-controller-cord-length-comparison
  23. ↑ Makuch, Eddie (May 29, 2014). "Super Smash Bros. Wii U Works with GameCube Controllers -- Here's How". GameSpot. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
  24. ↑ Grubb, Jeff. "Wii U's GameCube controller will support more than just Smash Bros. [updated]". VentureBeat.
  25. ↑ "Wii U GameCube controller adapter compatible with more than just Smash Bros.". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. October 8, 2014.
  26. ↑ "Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Release Dates Confirmed". Nintendo Life.
  27. ↑ Veloria, Lorenzo (May 29, 2014). "Will the Wii U's GameCube controller adapter only ever support one game?". Gamesradar. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  28. ↑ "The New Wii U GameCube Controllers Are Super Hot". Kotaku. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  29. ↑ "You can now pre-order these cool Nintendo GameCube-style controllers". VG24/7. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  30. ↑ INQUIRER staff (August 3, 2006). "Microsoft, Nintendo sued over games controller". The Inquirer. Retrieved December 17, 2014.
  31. ↑ "Nintendo Faces Ban on Some Wii, GameCube Controllers (Update2)". Bloomberg. July 22, 2008.
  32. ↑ "Federal Circuit Court Vindicates Nintendo in Patent Lawsuit". April 13, 2010. Archived from the original on October 30, 2011.
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