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Classic Controller Pro Review


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On 07/09/2010 at 09:27 AM by Lukasz Balicki

One of the most comfortable traditional style controllers ever created.
RECOMMENDATION:

For those buying a Classic Controller, go Pro. Those looking to replace old Classic Controllers might have a harder time justifying a purchase unless they are avid users of their current Classic Controllers.

With the launch of Monster Hunter Tri, Nintendo and Capcom have partnered up to release a bundle of the game with the Classic Controller Pro. For those who aren't familiar, the Classic Controller Pro is a revision of the regular Classic Controller. While not much has changed in the revision, Nintendo has addressed practically all of the Classic Controller's faults and created one of the most comfortable controllers that they have ever produced.

While the Wii is famous for its motion controls and the rather unique Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers, one of the key selling points of the Wii is the ability to download retro games from various legacy consoles on the Virtual Console service. In order to accommodate games from the Virtual Console, Nintendo released the Classic Controller, which is an SNES shaped controller with two more shoulder buttons and two analog sticks positioned similar to the ones found on PlayStation controllers. Since the release of the Classic Controller, a sizeable portion of the Wii library supports it, giving gamers the flexibility to play without motion controls.

While the Classic Controller was a great solution for games with "traditional controls" and Virtual Console titles, it was uncomfortable to use over a period of time thanks to the analog sticks and the zL and zR buttons. After extensively using the Classic Controller Pro, even during long gameplay sessions, I have never felt any discomfort.

Functionally there is no difference between both Classic Controller models with the exception of the seldom-used Analog L and R triggers, which are now Digital on the Classic Controller Pro. The inclusion of handles and the shifting of the zL and zR buttons to a second row behind the L and R buttons makes the controller much more comfortable than it ever was. Essentially, the Classic Controller Pro is more ergonomic, making it more comfortable and natural to use.

The construction of the controller is excellent and just as durable as any other Nintendo controller. All of the buttons feel solid and click nicely; the only two buttons that have a hard click are the plus and minus buttons, identical to the ones already found on the original Classic Controller. The analog sticks are the same ones that are found on the Nunchuk and the regular Classic Controller, which is great as they function well and provide a great grip preventing your thumbs from easily sliding off the analog sticks.

The Classic Controller Pro is a fantastic revision of the Classic Controller and is the best traditional controller available for Wii; it works flawlessly and feels fantastic. My only complaint is that this version of the controller wasn’t available from the get-go.

Review Policy

In our reviews, we'll try not to bore you with minutiae of a game. Instead, we'll outline what makes the game good or bad, and focus on telling you whether or not it is worth your time as opposed to what button makes you jump.

We use a five-star rating system with intervals of .5. Below is an outline of what each score generally means:


All games that receive this score are standout games in their genre. All players should seek a way to play this game. While the score doesn't equate to perfection, it's the best any game could conceivably do.


These are above-average games that most players should consider purchasing. Nearly everyone will enjoy the game and given the proper audience, some may even love these games.


This is our middle-of-the-road ranking. Titles that receive three stars may not make a strong impression on the reviewer in either direction. These games may have some faults and some strong points but they average out to be a modest title that is at least worthy of rental for most.


Games that are awarded two stars are below average titles. Good ideas may be present, but execution is poor and many issues hinder the experience.


Though functional, a game that receives this score has major issues. There are little to no redeeming qualities and should be avoided by nearly all players.


A game that gets this score is fundamentally broken and should be avoided by everyone.


 

Comments

Our Take

Nick DiMola Director

07/09/2010 at 10:25 AM

I'm eventually going to have to get one of these. For right now, I can't say I need it because my Classic Controller already gets it done, but this one does seem nice.

Our Take

Lukasz Balicki Staff Alumnus

07/11/2010 at 11:50 AM

The regular Classic Controller is by no means a bad controller, in fact it's a very good controller that has served me well for a couple of years and are still holding up well. However, after using a Pro, it's a little hard to go back to a regular Classic Controller.

Kathrine Theidy Staff Alumnus

07/12/2010 at 09:11 PM

It definitely is a good controller, I would put it just behind the GameCube controller in terms of comfort, which I was really happy with.

There are a couple of things which could have made it top that controller, though. One is swapping the position of the left analogue stick and D-pad. More games use the stick than the pad so it should be in the optimal position. Symmetry does not equal comfort; I thought Nintendo learned this when they made the GameCube controller. Secondly, the face buttons should be recessed, like the ones on the NES and SNES controllers. I have no idea why this design has been abandoned, it was much better than the slightly mounded buttons of today. Lastly, giving the handles a bit more depth would have been ideal as well.

Jason Ross Senior Editor

07/16/2010 at 06:08 PM

I don't like the triggers, personally, and I do agree that recessed buttons feel nice. Other than that, it's a quality controller that anyone should pick up, should they be looking for a new Wii Classic Controller.

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