Classic Controller

Classic Controller

The original Classic Controller
Manufacturer	Nintendo
Type	Video game controller
Generation	Seventh generation era
Retail availability	November 19, 2006 August 1, 2009 (Pro)
Power	Provided via Wii Remote
Storage capacity	Provided via Wii Remote
Sound	Provided via Wii Remote
Input	2 × analog sticks Digital d-pad 7 × digital face buttons 2 × digital shoulder buttons 2 × analog shoulder buttons (digital on Pro)
Connectivity	Accessory connector plug

The Classic Controller (クラシックコントローラ, Kurashikku Kontorōra) is a video game controller produced by Nintendo. It is primarily used to play some games on the Wii video game console, but it can also be used some games on the Wii U console. Despite this, the controller is concurrently succeeded by the Wii U Pro Controller.

Classic Controller

The Classic Controller is plugged into the Wii Remote in order to be used. It features two analog sticks, a D-pad, face buttons labeled "a", "b", "x" and "y", similar to that of a standard SNES controller. Analog shoulder buttons labeled "L" and "R", and two digital "Z" buttons (labeled "ZL" and "ZR") are located more closely to the center axis on their respective sides. It also has a set of "–", "Home" and "+" buttons like those on the Wii Remote, with the "–" and "+" buttons additionally labeled "Select" and "Start", respectively. The body of the Classic Controller measures 6.57 cm (2.59 in) tall, 13.57 cm (5.34 in) wide, and 2.6 cm (1.0 in) thick.

The body of the controller contains slots on the underside, opened via a button at the top of the controller; the function of the slots was never officially clarified, but Nintendo of America employees have unofficially explained that it was intended for use with an unreleased clip that could hold the Wii Remote on the back of the Classic Controller. Third-party gaming accessory manufacturer Nyko released a clip which serves this function via the locking slots. In addition to a grip shell, the clip contains storage for the controller's three foot cable. While the only color available for the Classic Controller in most markets was white, a limited edition teal and gray version was released in tandem with Monster Hunter G in Japan in 2009, and in 2010, Sonic Colors was bundled with a blue version in Australia.^{[citation needed]}

Classic Controller Pro

A black Classic Controller Pro

Copies of Goldeneye 007 Classic Edition are bundled with a limited edition gold-colored Classic Controller Pro

In early 2009, Nintendo announced the Classic Controller Pro which functions the same as the original Classic Controller with the exception of the shoulder buttons, which are now digital trigger-shaped buttons arranged vertically rather than horizontally. Instead of a SNES controller, this one is shaped more like a GameCube controller. It also features a shiny coating on the frontside, which makes fingerprints more visible. Physical changes include the ZL and ZR buttons, which are now full shoulder buttons, the addition of grips underneath the controller for additional stability, and analog sticks which are spaced farther apart than the original. The cord is positioned on top of the controller rather than the bottom, and the spring-loaded attachment slot underneath the original model was removed. The Pro version was first released to Japan in August 2009 in white and black versions. It was subsequently released to Europe and North America in November 2009 and April 2010, respectively (though only in black in Europe). The black version is available bundled with Monster Hunter Tri, Pro Evolution Soccer 2010, and SD Gundam Gashapon Wars. In addition to the standard colors, a black version with gold-colored artwork on the face was available bundled with Samurai Warriors 3 in Japan, and a completely gold-colored version is available bundled in the GoldenEye 007 Classic Edition. A red version was packed with limited copies of Xenoblade Chronicles in Europe. The Classic Controller Pro now retails in Europe in red as well.

Uses

Along with the Nintendo GameCube controller, the Classic Controller is one of the controllers required in order to play certain Virtual Console games (such as SNES or Nintendo 64 titles, which require more buttons than the Wii Remote has). However, the Classic Controller cannot be used to play GameCube games. The Classic Controller can be used with the Virtual Console as well as with certain Wii and WiiWare games. The Nintendo GameCube controller can be used instead of the Classic Controller for playing most Virtual Console games. When in the Wii Menu, the left analog stick takes control of the cursor when the Wii Remote is not pointed at the screen. The Classic Controller can navigate through the Message Board, settings menus, and Wii Shop Channel (the Nintendo Gamecube controller, however, cannot). It becomes inactive on all other channels, excluding Virtual Console games. The Classic Controller and Classic Controller Pro, like the Wii Remote, will be compatible with the Wii U, and some Wii U-specific games may support it as well, such as Trine 2: Director's Cut. The Classic Controller and Classic Controller Pro can also be used to navigate the Wii U home screen and menus as well.

History

When the Wii Remote (then known as the "Revolution controller") was first revealed in September 2005, Nintendo had announced a controller "shell" which resembled a traditional game controller, often referred to as a "classic-style expansion controller." As described at the time, the Wii Remote would fit inside the shell, allowing gamers to play games using a traditional-style gamepad, while allowing use of the remote's motion sensing capability. According to Satoru Iwata, it would be meant for playing "the existing games, Virtual Console games, and multi-platform games."

In early demo's of the Wii's capabilities, then referred to as "The Revolution", the system was shown with two players competing in what appears to be Wii Sports with one player using a Classic Controller and another using two Wii Remotes at the same time. It is presumed that this cross functionality was dropped.

During E3 2006 Nintendo introduced the Classic Controller (model number RVL-006, previously RVL-005), which plugs into the Wii Remote via a cord in a similar fashion as the Nunchuk. It contains two analog sticks and two extra shoulder buttons: the ZL and ZR buttons, used to replicate the Z button found on the Nintendo GameCube controller. In contrast to previous description, the Classic Controller does not have the ability to house a Wii Remote. The overall configuration is similar to that of other major seventh generation console gamepads.

Super Famicom Classic Controller

In November 2007, Nintendo listed a special Super Famicom Classic Controller as one of the choices for the free gift for 2007 Japanese Club Nintendo platinum members. In 2010, a similar SNES Classic Controller was made available on Europe's Club Nintendo service. It was made available again on Australia's Club Nintendo services for 3000 stars but was taken off.

A Pro Controller is developed for the Wii U console, the Wii console's successor. However, some games specifically for the Wii U are compatible with the Classic Controller, especially games with flexible control schemes such as Call of Duty: Black Ops II and Trine 2: Director's Cut. Due to this fact, the Classic Controller has an extended life span even after the end of the Wii's productive life span, similarly to other Wii accessories that are compatible on Wii U, notably the Wii Remote/Nunchuk and the Wii Balance Board.

Legal issues

Anascape Ltd filed a lawsuit against Nintendo claiming that the Classic Controller and other Nintendo devices violated Anascape's "six degrees of freedom" interface device patent. In July 2008, the court ruled in favor of Anascape; Nintendo was ordered to stop selling the Classic Controller in the United States until further notice. Nintendo exercised the right to continue selling the Classic Controller pending a verdict at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. On April 13, 2010, Nintendo won the appeal, and the previous court decision was reversed.

See also

• Nintendo GameCube controller
• List of Wii games that use the Classic Controller