Gamecube Controller, Best Console Controller to Date
Written: Jun 21 '02 (Updated Aug 17 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: comfort, comfort, comfort
Cons: button layout could be improved
The Bottom Line: If you own a gamecube and for some reason don't own a Nintendo brand Gamecube controller than you should pick one up.
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| yarrick's Full Review: Nintendo GameCube Controller for GameCube, Game Bo... |
One may not always think that a controller is all that important to a gamer but anyone who plays games a good amount knows that this is a very important factor. In fact it is one of the major reasons Sony’s Playstation/PS2 is so popular. Without comfortable controls you may not be able to get into a game or play as long as you may have if you were comfortable when playing. One of the major criticisms for the Microsoft Xbox was that its controller was just to big, bulky, and overall it was just uncomfortable. The last thing I want to be while playing a game is uncomfortable. Xbox has come out with a new controller to solve this problem but hey this is supposed to be a review on a gamecube controller so I will be reviewing that. The Nintendo Gamecube controllers come in 3 different colors that I am aware of: Jet Black, Indigo, and Spice (orange). I actually have the jet black controller but since all the Nintendo controllers are pretty much the same other than color I will just review it here.
When I first saw the picture of the new gamecube controller I will admit I was skeptical at first. Sure I may not have the biggest hands actually they are kind probably a little small, but after being accustomed to the Dreamcast controller the Nintendo Gamecube Controller just looked so small. Of course Nintendo isn’t a US based company so when making the smaller controller the company was most likely targeting its home country of Japan. Well when I first tried it out at my local store I had a mix reaction. I liked some of the things but others were annoying. This controller is somewhat of a mix between a PS/PS2 controller and a Nintendo 64 controller. Many of the buttons that were on the 64 controller you will find again but not all in the same areas.
Overall Feel: 10/10
This controller is easy to fit in the hands and is very comfortable. The basic grip is easy and there is only one way you can really hold this controller which eliminates some of the confusion my friend had with the N64 controller. He liked to hold the control stick between the thumb forefinger of his right hand he knew this wasn’t as proficient as the way the box/manual tells you but he liked doing it anyway for some odd reason. There is really only one way you can hold this controller and it is very comfortable.
Button Layout: 7/10
The controller has had some great changes and innovations but other things are just not all that great.
Start/Pause button- Located in the center of your controller obviously the name explains itself. It is in the very center of your controller gone are the start and select buttons many are accustomed to seeing in the center of their controllers now just the start button. This feature is nice there really isn’t a need for both, the start button can pretty much do the work that both could do.
L/R buttons- These buttons are probably the best thing the controller is known for and for good reason it makes it much easier on the hands. Instead of just being buttons they are now grooves that extend out from the back of your controller making a area that your fingers can easily bend around for easy use and yes I must use this word again comfort.
Z Button- No longer located directly underneath the controller like the N64 controller the Z button is about oh I guess 2-3 centimeters above the R button (sorry I didn’t bring out the ruler and measure I’m just approximating) The new Z button feature is one of the things I don’t really like about the controller it’s Nintendo was running out of room and they just stuck it above the R button.
Control Stick- Your basic control stick easy use in all directions and the surface on the top of the stick is not a bunch of little dots that ended up actually putting indentations in my thumbs to the point that it actually hurt like the Dreamcast controller.
C-Stick- those of you that have seen, used or owned a N64 controller may remember the c buttons. Well they have been replaced by a Stick similar to your control stick but not quite as big. Another good improvement made by Nintendo not only is it easier to use but it allows the controller size to be smaller. Located under your B button on the right side of your controller.
A,B,Y,X Buttons- The basic buttons that Nintendo has been using since the days of SNES make a return but in a much different form. The A button is larger than the rest and since is the main button in most games that is the reason. The thumb rests comfortably on the A button. Diagonally up and to the right is the X button and up to the left the y button. The B button is above your c-stick and diagonally down and to your left from the A button. All the buttons are easily hit with the thumb even including the c-stick.
Directional Pad- Old thing is still being included but is one of my major problems with the gamecube controller. It is just so small once again in the effort to make the controller smaller it looks like Nintendo had to make a sacrifice. I often find myself hitting right or left instead of up or down. Very annoying when playing Rouge Squadron and I accidentally sent my squad away. Maybe it takes some more getting used to on my part but then again I have owned it for 6 months now.
Summing it Up
This is a very good controller, definitely one of the best ones out on the market. It is very comfortable but could be a problem for someone with bigger hands or chubby fingers. There are some other controllers out on the market for the Gamecube but these are probably the best choice out there in terms of quality. You could find some for less money but you may be sacrificing some of the quality of the Nintendo brand controller in getting the cheaper controller. This thing totes a built in rumble, which is a nice feature for the price of the controller. I could remember paying $15 for a rumble pack alone back in the days of N64. For those of you who own PS2 controllers already and have at least one of these there are converters out there that will allow you to use your PS2 controllers on your Gamecube. While that may work well with some games you have to remember that the games were designed with the intention of using the Gamecube controller with it and using a PS2 controller may be awkward.
While this controller isn’t big or bulky it is durable. I have dropped mine a few times (not just on carpet) and this thing still works like it was taking out of the box. While there are other alternatives you should have at least one of these controllers and since one comes with the system you should. Overall the Gamecube Controller is probably the best controller out right now for consoles, while the button layout isn’t the greatest overall the controller is very good.
Overall Score: 8.2/10
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Recommended:
Yes
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yarrick
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Member: Matt
Location: Baltimore, MD
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Midterms are over, activity will pick back up some. :)
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