Hidden deep within Matt Casamassina's eyes-on preview of Sonic Unleashed on the PS3 and 360 is the news that the Sonic TeamDimps-developed Wii version would not only support a Wiimote/nunchuk combination, but also the GameCube controller, and possibly the Classic controller.
Being the outrageous cynics that we are, we initially suspected this meant we'd be getting a downgraded port of the PlayStation 3/Xbox 360 game, but Casamassina also points out that the stages in the Wii iteration are "very different." So now we don't know what to think -- heck, maybe Dimps just believes the game feels nicer with the Cube controller.
Have you put in your preorder for the Super Famicom Classic Controller yet? No? Well, you better do it quick, as the limited edition controller is a Japan-only Club Nintendo exclusive, and you likely won't be able to buy one months from now without spending some serious money on eBay. And by serious money, we mean wacky dollars.
Inside Games has received its SFC controller, and so far, it looks faithful to the original, with the added bonus of a wireless experience via hookup to the Wii remote. Alright, so it's not completely wireless, technically, but you should be used to the setup with the Wii Classic Controller. Hit the link below for unpackaging photos of the retro pad.
When we hear the word "extreme" in the title of anything, we usually assume we'll hate it. (Note: This rule of thumb is especially important when the "ex" syllable is replaced by the letter "x".) We were therefore surprised to see how utterly freaking awesome SiebenDX's "Wiimote extreme LED mod" was.
It's not even just the Wiimotes, Nunchucks, and Classic Controllers modded with LED bling that make them worth checking out, but the video itself is entertaining. While "Through the Fire and the Flames" wouldn't be our first choice at accompanying music (well, maybe it would be someone's first choice), we enjoy how the LEDs coordinate with the music. It's like watching some sort of LED-mod-meets-Guitar Hero hybrid.
Then again, maybe we're just easily amused. Ooh, look at the pretty colors!
So, you've had more than 24 hours to play Brawl. You've unlocked several characters, took the fight online and probably spent some time gawking at your trophies. But, the real question lurking in the back of many a fanboy's (and fangirl's) mind is: which control scheme is the best to go with?
A GoNintendo reader snapped this amazingly tantalizing picture of $10 Wii accessory bundles at his local Wal-Mart. For half the price of just the accessory, shoppers at this particular store can get a bundle containing a Nunchuk, 2000 Wii Points card, or a Classic Controller, along with a controller cover. So that's more than you usually get, for much less than it normally costs.
No doubt these are holiday bundles being clearanced out simply because it's not the holidays anymore, but Wal-Mart's poor judgment can definitely be to your benefit. Be warned that Wal-Mart deals vary from store to store, and there's a fairly high probability that your store will either have a different price on these or won't carry them at all. But if you happen to be going to Wal-Mart anyway, which we hear happens occasionally with a lot of people, it may be worth your time to check out the electronics section!
Every (other) Tuesday, Mike Sylvester brings you REVOLUTIONARY, a look at the wide world of Wii possibilities.
So you've tuned in to Revolutionary expecting to see the dramatic conclusion of the Controller Showdown. Well, as I was evaluating games to use in the matchup, I found myself revisiting old scripts I'd put aside, and building new scripts for games which wouldn't be fit to judge the motion sensing capabilities of the Wii Remote and SIXAXIS. I realized that because of the recently updated build of GlovePIE, my passion for scripting has been re-ignited!
You see, the latest version of GlovePIE supports the SIXAXIS, Xbox 360 control pad, and standard PC control pads, on top the already robust support for Wii Remotes and attachments. There's also a new function which allows you to easily write scripts for any and all of these controllers universally. So, before we commence with Round 2, let's take a look at the GlovePIE update that will figure heavily in the big battle.
Despite Hori's reputation for producing quality arcade joysticks for consoles, its $50 Fighting Stick Wii is just too expensive for many gamers. If you're one of those people seeking an arcade alternative to the Classic Controller, but not looking to pay any more than two Jacksons, thank your lucky stars that you loaded Nintendo Wii Fanboy today -- Overstock.com has Hori's "Wii Digital Arcade Stick" temporarily listed for $38.95.
We can't guarantee that this deal will stay up for long, so swoop in fast and snatch your prize, like a hawk, while the sale lasts. Make sure to throw a free shipping coupon onto your order, too.
Update: Apparently, the free shipping coupon doesn't work on video game-related items. That is some straight-up malarkey. Thanks, Garu.
Whenever accessory manufacturer Thrustmaster comes up in conversation -- and it often does -- we can't help but imagine the Simpsons' Duff Man character stabbing the air with his pelvis. So, if you hear us suddenly yell out, "Oh yeah!" now you understand what provoked our involuntary impulse.
Despite the distracting nature of its company name, Thrustmaster successfully put together an acceptable alternative to Nintendo's Classic Controller and WaveBird with several advantages over its first-party competition:
Togglable rumble via switch
Doesn't depend on a Wii remote hookup for wireless functionality, using a GameCube port dongle instead
Xbox-like shoulder button layout
Turbo and slow modes
Mappable buttons
Best of all, Dell's online shop is currently selling Thrustmaster's T-Wireless NW Gamepad for only $13.59 ($19.99 MSRP) until December 13th! Check out more photos from IGN's favorable review past the break. Oh yeah!
Importers NCSX and Play-Asia are freeing us from the unavailability of awesome Japanese Club Nintendo exclusives -- presumably, by paying some Japanese people for theirs. Whatever methods they use to get these things, we cannot argue with the results. Because the result is the opportunity to preorder the Super Famicom Classic Controller.
Bothcompanies will ship the item in April (and the Super Mario Galaxysoundtrack in January) in April, but NCSX is taking preorders right now for $30. We don't know when Play-Asia will open preorders or how much they will charge. All we know is this: YES. Who cares if it's a freebie for Club Nintendo members? We're just happy to have a shot at it.
One of our problems with Nintendo's official Classic Controller is how it has to be plugged into the Wiimote to be used. It's not that big of a deal, but sometimes the cord can become a nuisance. Thankfully, third-party manufacturer (and ridiculously-named company) Thrustmaster have devised the wireless solution you see above. Sure, it may not be much to look at, but at least there aren't any wires.
To connect the controller to the Wii, you'll have to plug an adapter into one of the GameCube ports on top of the console. We suspect that won't be an issue with most of you, as we're certain you (like us) already have a few WaveBird adapters plugged in up there. And, to add even more appeal to the thing, it'll only retail for $19.99, the same cost as Nintendo's official solution.
We'll have to wait until the thing releases to see, but we're pretty sure that Nintendo's controller will end up winning in the end based on feel alone. That thing looks bulky.
Importers NCSX and Play-Asia are freeing us from the unavailability of awesome Japanese Club Nintendo exclusives -- presumably, by paying some Japanese people for theirs. Whatever methods they use to get these things, we cannot argue with the results. Because the result is the opportunity to preorder the Super Famicom Classic Controller.
