Wii Controller questions

AntiFreze

Golden Member
Oct 23, 2007
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So I have 2 wiimotes with nunchucks. I really want to play some gamecube games (rpgs and zeldas) so I'm going to pick up a controller for xmas.

Do I also need to buy a gamecube memory card? or can it save my games to the wii itself? Also, do I need to get a classic controller or will the gamecube controller handle the VC games just as well?
 

AstroManLuca

Lifer
Jun 24, 2004
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Gamecube games require you to use a Gamecube controller. The classic controller is only useful for certain Wii games and for virtual console games (including SNES and N64 games). The GameCube controller can also be used for those, although it's generally not very good for SNES games due to button placement. But otherwise, I'd say the Gamecube controller is way more useful than the Classic. It's much more comfortable to hold, doesn't require you to plug it into a Wiimote to use it, and virtually all Wii games that can make use of the Classic can also make use of the Gamecube controller.
 

AntiFreze

Golden Member
Oct 23, 2007
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makes sense. thanks for the info. now, do I need to buy a gamecube memory card? or can I just use the wii to save my games?
 

Queasy

Moderator<br>Console Gaming
Aug 24, 2001
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Just get a SD memory card for gamecube game saves. A 2GB SD card is cheap and more than enough.

As for controllers, you can use the Gamecube controller for Gamecube and VC games.
 

erwos

Diamond Member
Apr 7, 2005
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Originally posted by: Queasy
Just get a SD memory card for gamecube game saves. A 2GB SD card is cheap and more than enough.
You can't save to SD on Gamecube games, unless something has dramatically changed when I wasn't looking. You will need memory cards.

As for controllers, you can use the Gamecube controller for Gamecube and VC games.
I highly recommend that you pick up a Wavebird or two. Yeah, they're relatively expensive, but if you're going to be playing VC or GC games, they are worth _every penny_. They even work with Mario Kart and Smash Bros.
 

Queasy

Moderator<br>Console Gaming
Aug 24, 2001
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Originally posted by: erwos
Originally posted by: Queasy
Just get a SD memory card for gamecube game saves. A 2GB SD card is cheap and more than enough.
You can't save to SD on Gamecube games, unless something has dramatically changed when I wasn't looking. You will need memory cards.

Well crap.

 

Thraxen

Diamond Member
Dec 3, 2001
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Originally posted by: AstroManLuca
But otherwise, I'd say the Gamecube controller is way more useful than the Classic. It's much more comfortable to hold, doesn't require you to plug it into a Wiimote to use it, and virtually all Wii games that can make use of the Classic can also make use of the Gamecube controller.

I think the only caveat to that is that the Gamecube controller is wired... and the GC controller wires are absurdly short. I have to use extensions just to reach my chair from where the Wii sits. So while the Classic may have to be attached to a Wiimote, it's not wired to the system and so is more convenient in many cases IMO. Of course, you still need a GC controller anyway for GC games, but the Classic may be worth owning if you intend to play VC games on a regular basis. Does the Wavebird work with the Wii? That may be the best option overall... if you can find one.
 

R Nilla

Diamond Member
Jul 26, 2006
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If you don't already have a GC controller, this might be a good solution. 10ft cord plus it is white so it will match the Wii. Otherwise you can pony up $30+ for a used Wavebird on eBay (cheaper with Live cashback).
 

erwos

Diamond Member
Apr 7, 2005
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Originally posted by: ThraxenDoes the Wavebird work with the Wii? That may be the best option overall... if you can find one.
It definitely works with the Wii. I've got two of them hooked up, and the wife I use them for MK and SSBB all the time.
 

Queasy

Moderator<br>Console Gaming
Aug 24, 2001
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An alternative to the Wii Classic Controller would by the Nyko Wing. It's $10 more but it connects to the Wiimote wirelessly and has a much better form factor. The only major problem is that it can't play Gamecube games just like the Classic Controller.

I think the order of preference would be Wavebird controller -> Gamecube Controller -> Nyko Wing -> Wiimote -> Pretend you are controlling in the air -> Classic Controller.
 

mxyzptlk

Golden Member
Apr 18, 2008
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It's probably just nostalgia, but I really dig the classic controller. It's not the most comfortable shape ever, but it's tops for playing Mario Kart IMO.

On paper, there's no reason it should be better at it than a GC controller, but I just never liked the shape or the bizarre button layout of the GC. v:)v