Left: Original Gamecube Controller, Right: Yoshi Wired Fight Pad
While availability may differ dependent on where you reside, Nintendo Australia and New Zealand where I live have announced that they are no longer accepting purchase requests for Gamecube Controller adapters via their customer service channels. This means that unless you were able to pick up a Limited Edition copy of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U or decided to purchase yourself an adapter before the cut-off date, it may be a bit of a challenge to net yourself one. While this may not be of any benefit if you already have four original controllers ready for some action, the team at Performance Designed Products (PDP) have released a genuinely appealing alternative – officially licensed “Wired Fight Pads”.
As you can see from the image above (Left: Gamecube Launch Controller Right: Wired Fight Pad), the Wired Fight Pad is very reminiscent of the original Gamecube controllers. In fact, with the exception of a few additional buttons which grant you quick access to the Home Screen and +/- commands from your controller, the layout is almost identical. The unit is designed slightly different however, with the Gamecube’s tiny C-stick replaced by a second analog stick (Identical to the primary analog stick). This change has little impact when being used, and brings the controller in line with the buttons and sticks present on the Wii U GamePad (or other gaming controllers for that matter).
Irrespective of what buttons have been added or altered, the Wired Fight Pads are just as easy to use as Gamecube controllers, and were very comfortable to hold during my extended play session. Even though these are a third-party product, there is very little difference in the quality from the original Gamecube Controller. PDP’s controllers do have a slightly more plasticy feel to them and are slightly bigger units in comparison to the original, however asides from these minor differences the build quality is of a good standard (based on my initial playtesting).
Left: Original Gamecube Controller, Right: Yoshi Wired Fight Pad
PDP’s Wired Fight Pads do not require an adapter because they, like the Classic Controllers, are attached at the bottom of ordinary WiiMotes rather than into the console directly or wirelessly. While this means that while you don’t need to possess an adapter to plug in these controllers, you are required to own the same number of powered-on WiiMote’s as Fight Pads you own.
Because of this design decision, you are able to use the Fight Pads on more games than just Super Smash Bros for Wii U. As this has been released to coincide with the launch of Nintendo latest fighting game, I can confirm that it worked flawlessly with no noticeable lag or complications in my experience. It also worked well with Mario Kart 8, serving as a good alternative for those who don’t enjoy its motion control mechanics. My test on Bayonetta 2 however was a bit trickier, considering the odd button placement that doesn’t conform to the traditional cross-shape ABXY buttons. It is playable, but comes with a much greater learning curve if you are used to the standard button layout.
Unfortunately Hyrule Warriors failed to recognize the controller in my tests at all, which was a shame considering it was the one game that I found quickly caused strain on my wrists when using the Wii U GamePad. Other than random lockouts, the Fight Pad is obviously locked out from any video games that require the WiiMote’s motion control capabilities. The range of games currently playable with the Fight Pad is fairly good, and delivered a near complication free experience. In general, most games a Classic Controller can be used on will be supported by the Wired Fight Pad.
At this point in time, Nintendo only seem to be distributing “Jet Black” Gamecube controllers in store, instead of the different colours they distributed back when the GameCube was active in the market. PDP however have decided to customize their Wired Fight Pads by theming them after different characters from Super Smash Bros for Wii U. As of launch they have released four models: Mario, Yoshi (Both Pictured Above), Peach and Luigi. Four more are currently in the works and cover Donkey Kong, Link, Samus and Wario. Each of these themes maintain a distinct colour theme alongside that characters particular logo emblazoned above the Home/+/- buttons.
In between the Nintendo 64’s controller that I am still not entirely sure how to properly hold and the WiiMote which put too much emphasis on motion control gaming the GameCube controller was a gem. Whether you were brawling it out on Super Smash Bros Melee, saving the planet in Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles or racing in Mario Kart: Double Dash, it was a sturdy and comfortable companion during a long gameplay session. PDP’s Wired Fight Pads are a great way of replicating that experience in current-day games. There are a few limitations such as the Australian price being similar to a Nintendo Gamecube Controller (w/out the adapter), the need to hook it up to a WiiMote and a couple of unsupported games, however these did little to hinder what was a great day of gaming for me and my Yoshi / Mario Wired Fight Pads.
Wherever possible, I see myself using these controllers over either GamePad or Wiimote in the future. I will update this review a couple of months from now to see how they have fared after many long gaming sessions.
PDP provided two Wired Fight Pads for the purpose of this review. The Gamecube controller I used for comparison was my own, purchased on or near the Nintendo Gamecube’s launch day.
