Forget about using the GC controller on Zelda Wii
by Joystiq Staff 
{ Aug 16th 2006 at 6:55PM }
George Harrison, Nintendo of America's VP of Marketing and Corporate Communications, told the people in Camp Hyrule that the Wii version of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess will only have support for the Wii's controller -- not the GameCube's. While this isn't necessarily anything drastically bad, it is a letdown for those who maybe didn't want to give the full Wiimote scheme a go.
In more positive news, Harrison did note that new Nintendo games could come to the Virtual Console, besides just the classic ones:
"Remember, there are other secrets of the virtual console that we won't reveal until we get closer to launch. Virtual console offers the possibility for us to create new games, but our focus right now is in getting the Wii hardware launched and new games from Nintendo on the virtual console will be coming sometime after the launch."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Sam @ Aug 16th 2006 7:02PM
This is a huge negative masked as a positive... cause it's the first bad news I've heard about the Wii.
But make no mistake about it, I was counting on the ability to use the Gamecube controller on Wii-Zelda if using the Wii-mote became a hindrance in a difficult boss fight or something that forces you to aim quickly and accurately.
LegendarySyko @ Aug 16th 2006 7:06PM
I hate the fact that they have two versions of TP. They should have just had a GC version with the special control scheme added for play in a Wii. Too bad Nintendo wants to milk me. :(
Furio @ Aug 16th 2006 7:08PM
First Post :)
Mike @ Aug 16th 2006 7:08PM
O
jopojelly @ Aug 16th 2006 7:08PM
we already knew that, like, back at E3
Cage @ Aug 16th 2006 7:08PM
Imagine doing that for an hour! HA!
bill pullman @ Aug 16th 2006 7:09PM
wait -- can't you just buy the GC version and use the GC controller on the Wii? or did they cancel the GC release?
n42 @ Aug 16th 2006 7:10PM
Wow, didnt see that coming! [/sarcasm]
Shogan @ Aug 16th 2006 7:11PM
I just wish the damn thing would launch already. At this point in the hype, I'm expecting the box to contain it's own universe that YOU control with the Wii-mote!
Eric Von Shpeel @ Aug 16th 2006 7:13PM
so buy our add on to play the game everyone wants to play! Maybe Microsoft bought out Nintendo because they are using their tactics. George Harisson needs to stick to singing/songwriting/being dead.
AK @ Aug 16th 2006 7:14PM
I wonder if new games on the virtual console are going to cost less. Seeing as how there's no manufacturing, shipping, or packaging cost.
LegendarySyko @ Aug 16th 2006 7:15PM
You lose Furio ;)
Shogan @ Aug 16th 2006 7:23PM
Eric Von Shpeel -
There is no add-on. There's a Gamecube version and a Wii version. Each one supports the controller for the respective system.
jerksauce @ Aug 16th 2006 7:24PM
Wiiterbation causes blindness. Its a scientific fact.
kite @ Aug 16th 2006 7:27PM
I must admit, I was worried about this issue once too. But then on gamespot, I found this one press demo of TP, and what I saw there might have been a nifty marketing trick, but it worked for me.
Just look for yourself
youtube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCl7IOT4BSA
dave @ Aug 16th 2006 7:41PM
Annoying, but liveable. Worst case scenario i buy two copies.
Now what i want to knwo is will the classic controller work for gamecube games?
Monkey3 @ Aug 16th 2006 7:45PM
all i am gonna say is that TP better allow real-time weapon change, and the ability to attack weak points for massive damage! you hear me Nintendo!
Monkey3 @ Aug 16th 2006 7:47PM
and how about ridge racer on the virtual console. riiiiiiiiidge raaaaaaacer!
Miharu @ Aug 16th 2006 7:47PM
It better work, otherwise you could play every other game but gamecube games with it.
Raynre @ Aug 16th 2006 7:54PM
"I just wish the damn thing would launch already. At this point in the hype, I'm expecting the box to contain it's own universe that YOU control with the Wii-mote!" ~Shogan
Well... supposedly a port of Spore is being brought to the Wii... =D
Jayne @ Aug 16th 2006 7:59PM
Supposedly a port of Spore is being brought to everything.
mark @ Aug 16th 2006 8:02PM
Everytime i see the pictures of people playing the Wii controller it worries me. Sometimes i go for a week without playing anything then i sit down one night and play it for 3 or 4 hours straight (veg day i call it). If i'd have to stick my arm out like that the whole time just to play a game it would get relentlessly LAME! (the controller is still appealing to me, just have a feeling it will get old quick)
RiemannMeetLebesgue @ Aug 16th 2006 8:10PM
Makes sense to me. The Wii version contains neat features that are crucial to the game and that only apply to the Wii remote, so why should the game allow for GC controllers? If you want to use a GC controller, buy the GC version. You can still play that on your Wii.
Mabui @ Aug 16th 2006 8:10PM
Makes sense to me.. I mean, why include one version with both controls, if you prefer one to the other, you just choose.. I myself will probably go Wii version.. hoping that its not super strange.
cringer8 @ Aug 16th 2006 8:10PM
At E3, the Wii controls for TP were surprisingly fun. Here's how *some* of them worked (though they might change by release time):
WHEN LOCKED ON TO ENEMY
• Thrust the nunchuk forward to knock the enemy back with your shield (this opens them up for a sword attack)
• Draw a quick circle on the screen with the Wii-mote to do an instant spin attack
• All sword slashing is done with the buttons and foot movement is performed with the analog stick (nothing new there)
NOT LOCKED ON
• Rotate the nunchuk to do a spin attack. This was nice, because without using the analog, Link was always facing forward.
ADDED MOVES
• A lot of moves from Soul Caliber 2 have been added, like the triple spin attack into the air and the jumping downward stab (when an enemy is on the ground, hit "A")
• Using the boomerang, you can lock onto multiple targets using the Wii-mote (it was so much smoother than using an analog)
• You do not have to pull the Wii-mote back to draw your bow, it's all button-controlled (aiming is performed with the Wii-mote, which could have used some fine-tuning)
All-in-all it was a great experience. There was no "swinging" of the arm needed at all and the learning curve was minimal.
I guess if you wanted to play with the GC controller on the Wii, buy the GC version and...play it on the Wii :)
Drew @ Aug 16th 2006 8:13PM
Yeah, old news. But if you want the GC version of Zelda then buy the GC version.
I hope Nintendo knows what they are doing, there is a such thing as too much hype. And for all their playing = believing marketing, nobody but (mostly) journalist have played the dang thing.
MrD @ Aug 16th 2006 8:25PM
Who wasn't already expecting this? If you want to play the old way on the Wii, buy the GC version, if you want to play the new way, buy the Wii version.
I doubt it would be a launch title if they took the time to implement the coding for both control schemes in the Wii version. Also, doing that would make the GC version obsolete, I mean, the same game at the same price, only better on the Wii?
Sonicandtails @ Aug 16th 2006 8:28PM
It makes total sense! If you could use the GC controller, people would by the Wii version for updated visuals, and the GC version wouldn't get much sales.
cringer8 @ Aug 16th 2006 8:32PM
@ Sonicandtails
They've already stated that there will be no graphical improvements on the Wii version. Just the new controls.
limerick @ Aug 16th 2006 8:34PM
How exactly is this news? The GC version will use the GC controller while the Wii version will use the Wiimote. Otherwise, why make two versions at all? Duh?
shoop008 @ Aug 16th 2006 8:45PM
My question is will the gamecube controller be useable on the virtual console or only for Gamecube games. Maybe the reason you can use it on ZeldaWii is because Gamecube controllers won't work for any Wii games, forcing you to buy the classic controller.
vidGuy @ Aug 16th 2006 8:58PM
The Wii version will be in 480p 16:9 though.
I don't mind. The Wii controls look much more fun. And here's the thing that makes this news unsurprising: all the menus, the inclusion of the fairy, and the side bar for inventory are all tailored to the remote. The game would have to be significantly altered for it to allow either the GC or Wii controls to be used (two versions of the menu, inclusion or exclusion of the fairy, etc).
Sponge @ Aug 16th 2006 9:02PM
NO, BAD shoop008. Nintendo has already said that you use the GC controller for Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Guess Who @ Aug 16th 2006 9:13PM
@23
You do realize the triple spin attack is from Smash Bros and the downthrust from Zelda II?
kilodelta @ Aug 16th 2006 9:25PM
why do all the wii screenshots include a picture of someone looking like a complete dork?
R0DJOh @ Aug 16th 2006 9:28PM
If I buy the Wii version, I dont see why I would use the GC controller on it.
MysticGenie @ Aug 16th 2006 9:56PM
Anyone with an ounce of rationality who plans to pick up the Wii console would certainly go for the Wii version since it offers a superior control scheme and widescreen mode. Hell, even Shigeru Miyamoto stated in his interview with Eurogamer that he prefered the Wii version due to its superior interface, so much so that he has a hard time going back to the GC version with its traditional interface. In other words, once you experienced the Wii version, you won't go back.
Paul P. @ Aug 16th 2006 11:13PM
What I would do if I were Nintendo would be to include the GC disc in the Wii version. Just pack both discs in one package. First, that would satisfy everyone. Second, it would be incredibly cheap, maybe cost a dollar or two per unit. Third, you would sell almost just as many, only missing a few extra sales from rare crazies who would buy both seperately. Fourth, people with a GC but not a Wii would suddenly find themselves with a Wii game, and maybe the desire to try it.
Myself, whatever they do, I'm getting the Wii version. If you are wary of the Wii controls, than why the fuck are you getting the system in the first place? What do you think the point is?
Judd @ Aug 16th 2006 11:14PM
The problem is what if I just want to test out how the Wii controller for Twilight Princess, and if I didn't feel comfortable using it I'd switch back to the old control scheme. I'm gonna get a Wii on day one, and obviously I'm gonna get the new Zelda for it. But since that game wasn't originally designed for the Wii what if after a while the controls kind of get annoying and don't work as well as a traditional controller. Anybody who is gonna get the Wii when it comes out is gonna want Zelda for the newest system but what if it just doesn't work that well?
MrD @ Aug 16th 2006 11:28PM
#15 "Now what i want to knwo is will the classic controller work for gamecube games?"
No, the Classic controller doesn't have analog shoulder buttons, like Gamecube controllers. It could still change, but I doubt that they'll let you use it for GC games.
#31 "NO, BAD shoop008. Nintendo has already said that
you use the GC controller for Super Smash Bros. Brawl."
They said it was a possibility, not set-in-stone. This could be a major classic controller seller. Buy a copy of SSBB, and get a free classic controller. With that and a possibility of the Wii coming with the CC in box, we could see a wealth of CC support on the Wii.
bounchfx @ Aug 16th 2006 11:32PM
wow, I can see how this must be extremely confusing for people.
I mean, having to pick between which control method you would rather have? that must be soooo hard. =|
I'm sure if they are releasing it for wii control then those controls will be just fine. if you are afraid to try it just get the GC version. it.is.not.that.complicated.
can't believe people are making such a freaking fuss about it
n8dogg @ Aug 16th 2006 11:56PM
I'm getting Zelda for the GC... the system it was MEANT to be released on, when Nintendo announced it a Millenia ago.
Yeah, I'm a bit bitter.
n8dogg @ Aug 16th 2006 11:59PM
That's "millennia"...
Extinction @ Aug 17th 2006 2:55AM
Looks like Wii get's the short end of the backwards compatability stick
Mitchell @ Aug 17th 2006 3:10AM
Nintendo should just cancel the GameCube version, they are sending mix messages, if they expect us to think Wii is the future stop making GameCube games. Like Sony, Blu-Ray = Future ... ohh wait, i can get the same movie in DVD at a cheaper price.
reppy @ Aug 17th 2006 3:21AM
Once you go Wii, you won't go GC.
panda]307 @ Aug 17th 2006 3:41AM
"Too bad Nintendo wants to milk me. :("
More than Sony or Microsoft? Especially compared to Sony , Nintendo wants to breast feed every gamer it comes across.
(IMHO but we all know it's true)
Jim @ Aug 17th 2006 6:42AM
Easiest decision ever made: I'll buy the Gamecube version.
Todd @ Aug 17th 2006 9:34AM
I think Nintendo is just offering up the GC version for those who have decided not to buy the Wii. Keep in mind, the Zelda fans have been waiting over a year past the projected original release date. Now granted, I wonder why they couldn't have made one whole compilation game with a control setup for both systems, but maybe that design was way behond the scope of possibility. I don't know, I'm not a designer. The worst that happens is I buy both. Big deal. I'm willing to give the system a chance, especially for the price.
vidGuy @ Aug 17th 2006 10:01AM
"Now granted, I wonder why they couldn't have made one whole compilation game with a control setup for both systems, but maybe that design was way behond the scope of possibility."
No kidding. Look at the things that have been modified for the Wii version: 16:9 480p display option, on-screen cursor (fairy), completely redone menus (aim and click), new side bar detailing Wii buttons, new text throughout the entire game detailing which buttons to press for which moves and which to press to continue through text boxes.
These things wouldn't fit on the GC disc, especially since they've probably already maxed it out with the game. But the Wii discs have 6 times the storage that the GC discs have... so why can't they just duplicate the game on the Wii disc so that you could choose when you put the game in if you want to play the GC version (with GC controls) or the Wii version (with widescreen option and Wii controls)?
To me it's no big deal, though. I've already played two Zelda games with the GC controls (OoT and WW), so I'm ready for something different. And everybody that's reviewed it says the Wii controls are great.