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GameCube controller

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GameCube controller
Indigo GameCube controller
Indigo GameCube controller
ManufacturerNintendo
TypeGamepad
GenerationSixth generation
Input
  • 2× Analog sticks
  • 2× Hybrid analog triggers/digital buttons
  • 6× Digital buttons
  • Digital D-Pad
ConnectivityGameCube controller port
Dimensions2.5" × 5.5" × 4"; 6.5' cable
65mm × 140mm × 100mm; 2m cable
PredecessorNintendo 64 controller
SuccessorWii Remote

The Nintendo GameCube controller (DOL-003) is the standard controller for the Nintendo GameCube video game console.

Overview

Purple GameCube controller breakdown
Purple GameCube controller breakdown

Released alongside the Nintendo GameCube console, the standard GameCube controller has a wing grip design. This controller was bundled with all new GameCube systems throughout the console's life cycle and was also available separately. It connects to the console's controller ports via a 2 m/6.5 ft cable.

The standard GameCube controller provides haptic feedback by way of a built-in rumble motor rather than using an external Rumble Pak add-on like the Nintendo 64 controller. Also unlike its predecessor, as well as its successor the Wii Remote, this controller does not feature any expansion capabilities.

The controller features a total of six digital buttons, two analog sticks, a D-pad and two hybrid analog triggers/digital buttons.

The primary analog stick is on the left, with the D-pad below it. The four face buttons are on the right of the controller (a large green "A" button in the center, a smaller red "B" button to its bottom left and two kidney-shaped buttons; "X" to the right and a "Y" to the top) with a yellow "C" stick below those. A Start/Pause button is located in the middle of the controller. On the "shoulders" of the controller there are two analog triggers marked "L" and "R," as well as one digital button marked "Z" which sits above the "R" trigger. The "L" and "R" triggers feature both analog and digital capabilities. Each of these behaves as a typical analog trigger until fully depressed, at which point the button "clicks" to register an additional digital signal. This method effectively serves to provide two functions per button without actually adding two separate physical buttons.

Standard GameCube controller layout on a Standard controller, with WaveBird controller shape overlaid
Standard GameCube controller layout on a Standard controller, with WaveBird controller shape overlaid

Versions

Colors/Designs

Standard Editions

"Platinum" GameCube controller

The GameCube controller was sold in several several different colors over the consoles lifespan. Standard colors included "Indigo"(Purple), "Jet Black", "Platinum"(Silver) and "Spice"(Orange)[2] these were bundled their respective colored GameCube consoles and sold separately in many countries.[1] Other standard colors sold separately included "Indigo/Clear" (Indigo top with a clear translucent bottom), and "Emerald Blue" (Turquoise) which was only available in Japan.[1]

Limited Editions

Nintendo released a number of limited edition controllers in Japan through Club Nintendo, which featured a unique color scheme and/or logo in the center. Club Nintendo controllers could be purchased for 500 points each and designs included "Mario" (red top and blue bottom),[3] "Luigi" (green top and blue bottom),[4] "Wario" (yellow top and purple bottom)[5] and a "Club Nintendo" controller (white top and light blue bottom).[6] The "Mario" design was also made available in limited quantities through the European Stars Catalogue for 5000 points.[7]

Additionally, a number of limited edition GameCube consoles have been released which included matching controllers. Colors released in Japan include "Starlight Gold",[8][2] "Crystal White",[9] "Symphonic Green" (mint green),[10] "Hanshin Tigers" (black with Hanshin Tigers logo),[11][12] "Gundam Copper" (two-tone red with Gundam logo)[10][2] and "Transparent" which was included with the "Enjoy Plus Pack +" bundle.[13] The "Symphonic Green" and "Crystal White" colors were also released in Europe, although the latter was renamed "Pearl White" and bundled with Mario Smash Football.[14] A Resident Evil 4 controller (Silver top and black bottom with logo) was available in Europe as part of a limited edition Resident Evil 4 console bundle.[10][15] The Panasonic Q, a GameCube/DVD player hybrid system exclusive to Japan, came bundled with a grey Panasonic branded version of the controller.[16][2]

WaveBird Wireless Controller

Main article: WaveBird Wireless Controller
Grey WaveBird controller + Receiver
Grey WaveBird controller + Receiver

The WaveBird wireless controller is an RF-based wireless controller based on the same design as the standard controller. It communicates with the GameCube system wirelessly through a receiver dongle connected to one of the system's controller ports. It is powered by two AA batteries. As a power-conservation measure, the WaveBird lacks the rumble function of the standard controller.

Availability

Official controllers are becoming scarce at retailers, as a result of increased demand of the controller due to the Wii's backward compatibility with GameCube games and the fact that several Wii games support the controller as a primary method of control. In response to the regained popularity, Nintendo decided to re-launch the Gamecube controller.

Release of new White Controller

In April 2008, Nintendo released a white GameCube controller, exclusive to Japan.[17] The controller has not been released outside of Japan, but online retailers such as Amazon.com and Play-Asia do import and sell the controller internationally.[18][19] It differs from previous editions in that it features a white cable which is 3 m (9.8') long, rather than the 2 m (6.5') black cable used on standard controllers.

Continued Production of Platinum Controller

Nintendo of America continues to sell the standard Platinum controller on their online store, which is available in US and Canada only.[20]

Use on the Wii

GameCube controller connected to a Wii
Main article: List of Wii games that use the Nintendo GameCube controller

Due to the Wii's ability to use GameCube controller input, all official GameCube controllers may be used on the Wii. GameCube software played on the Wii requires the use of a GameCube controller, and cannot be played with standard Wii controllers. Wii software can be programmed to make full use of GameCube controllers. Nearly all Virtual Console games and certain Wii and WiiWare games have been designed to support GameCube controllers as input.

Anascape Ltd, a Texas-based firm, filed a lawsuit against Nintendo for patent infringements regarding Nintendo's controllers.[21] A July 2008 verdict found that a ban would be issued preventing Nintendo from selling the regular GameCube and WaveBird controllers in the United States. Nintendo is free to continue selling the controllers pending an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.[22] On April 13, 2010 Nintendo won the appeal and the previous court decision was reversed.[23]

References

  1. ^ a b c "ニンテンドー ゲームキューブ／カラーバリエーション" (in Japanese). Nintendo. Retrieved September 9, 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ a b c d "Samurai Nintendo : GameCube models & special editions". samurainintendo.com. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  3. ^ "Nintendo's Mario Controller". IGN. July 7, 2004. Retrieved September 9, 2010. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  4. ^ Niizumi, Hirohiko (August 9, 2004). "Luigi GameCube controller coming to Japan". GameSpot. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  5. ^ "Hardware Gallery - Club Nintendo Wario Controller". October 6, 2007. Retrieved September 9, 2010. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  6. ^ "Hardware Gallery - Club Nintendo GameCube Controller". October 6, 2007. Retrieved September 9, 2010. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  7. ^ "Mario Controller Limited Edition". Retrieved September 9, 2010. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  8. ^ "New GameCube Color: Starlight Gold". IGN. July 20, 2004. Retrieved September 9, 2010. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  9. ^ Jones, Ashley (June 23, 2003). "News: Japanese White GameCube". N-Europe. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  10. ^ a b c "Samurai Nintendo : GameCube bundles & packs". samurainintendo.com. Retrieved September 8, 2010.
  11. ^ "Hanshin Tigers GameCube". japan-games.com. May 31, 2006. Retrieved September 8, 2010.
  12. ^ "ニンテンドー ゲームキューブ／阪神タイガース２００３年優勝記念モデル" (in Japanese). Nintendo. Retrieved September 9, 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ Niizumi, Hirohiko (June 28, 2004). "Limited-edition GameCube bundle hitting Japan". GameSpot. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  14. ^ "News: Mario Smash Football Bundle". N-Europe. August 17, 2005. Retrieved September 9, 2010. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  15. ^ Bramwell, Tom (February 3, 2005). "Resident Evil 4 Cube bundle on 18th March". Eurogamer. Retrieved September 8, 2010.
  16. ^ "ＤＶＤ／ゲームプレーヤー SL-GC10 商品概要 | ＢＤ/ＤＶＤ | Panasonic" (in Japanese). Panasonic. Retrieved September 9, 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ "Nintendo to Re-launch GameCube Controller". IGN. 2008-04-09. Retrieved 2008-06-21.
  18. ^ "Amazon.com: Official Nintendo Classic Gamecube / Wii Controller: Video Games". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2010-08-29.
  19. ^ "Buy Game Cube Controller (White) (Gamecube™ & Nintendo™ Wii) at Play-Asia.com". Play-Asia.
  20. ^ "Nintendo: Online Store - Product Detail - Gamecube Controller - Platinum (GCN)". Nintendo.
  21. ^ INQUIRER staff (2006-08-03). "Microsoft, Nintendo sued over games controller". The Inquirer. Retrieved 2006-12-08.
  22. ^ Bloomberg.com: News
  23. ^ "Federal Circuit Court Vindicates Nintendo in Patent Lawsuit". April 13, 2010. Retrieved 2010-04-16.
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