Smash Bros. Brawl controllers confirmed

by Justin McElroy { Jun 8th 2007 at 7:50AM }

Don't be surprised if heated debates over Smash Bros. Brawl character supremacy take on a terrifying new dimension now that it's been confirmed on the official blog that all Wii-compatible remotes will work with the game. "Sure, Kirby can beat Meta Knight if everybody's using GameCube controllers," the clerk at your local EB Games might say, "but you don't even understand Kirby until you've turned the Wiimote on its side, that's his spinach."

If you're puzzling over what does what exactly, keep wondering -- director Masahiro Sakurai is staying mum. He does admit though that he prefers the GameCube controller because he "like[s] the feel of that powerful rumble." ... Wow, we didn't mean to end the post all creepy, sorry, we'll change the subject. So, how are you planning on playing?

[Thanks to everybody who sent this in.]

Tags: ebgames, gamecube, kirby, nintendo, smashbros, wii

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

kip @ Jun 8th 2007 8:02AM

Depends on how much waggle is required to use Wiimote+Nunchuck...

Hugh Mann @ Jun 8th 2007 8:08AM

Im pretty sure they already said it would not have proper MOTION CONTROL (please don't use the term "waggle!), but instead utilises all the buttons and the nunchuck thumbstick.
I think this is great because now more people will have the opportunity to try multiplayer without having to fork out for 4 gamecube controllers, now they can just mix and match.

jay @ Jun 8th 2007 8:09AM

Since I've been playing Melee on the Cube controller since UK launch - I'll be using that. It's synonymous with Smash Bros for me.

CC- oooh I'd love to. But lack of rumble would make me cry.

Didn't see the first pic! So it uses the Wii Remote on the side? Very interesting! Doubt it'll be as functional as the CC or Cube.

JodyAnthony @ Jun 8th 2007 8:13AM

sweet, since i have one wiimote+nunchuk, one wiimote+classic controller, and 1 wavebird. Now I only need to buy one more wavebird (or wired GC controller) and I'm golden.

MosquitoControl @ Jun 8th 2007 8:14AM

Hmm. The classic controller on its side has just enough buttons to work. Two attack buttons, an all-purpose d-pad, and the trigger to block.

Sounds like it would suck, though. Workable, but a huge disadvantage.

vidGuy @ Jun 8th 2007 8:20AM

Awesome, this is great news. I'll start with Remote+Nunchuk control, but I'll probably try them all at some point. The Gamecube controller may feel more familiar for the game, but after playing the Wii for six months the GC controller feels archaic to me. I much prefer Wii control.

Purple Haze @ Jun 8th 2007 8:28AM

I'm not sure how I'll play yet, I need to know how the Wii-motes gonna work before i make that decision but for now i'll stick with the gc controller.

ShortFuse @ Jun 8th 2007 8:37AM

wavedashing, dashdancing, SHFFL'ing, l-canceling, teching and chain grabbing: all on the gamecube controller.

but you should think of it the other way around. the gamecube controllers for the newbs and the wii remote (alone) for us pros. so we can't pWN them so easily. i think it'll balance the bridge.

Joshua @ Jun 8th 2007 8:50AM

Definitely the GameCube controller. I have owned a Wii since Christmas, but I am still not sold on motion control, especially not for SSB.

Trying to play DBZ: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 with the Remote + Nunchuk is a terribly difficult chore...Trying to play Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz is a terribly difficult chore (especially when comparing it to the precise control of the GameCube controller in the original Super Monkey Ball)...It goes on and on.

I don't know why he thinks the rumble is so important to SSB, though, especially since the Wii Remote rumbles, too. I can't remember the last time I played a GameCube game without a WaveBird.

Konny @ Jun 8th 2007 9:04AM

Soooo... the difference between Brawl and Melee are the new characters and updated graphics. Soo revolutionary .. still no online play? Lame.

accidental @ Jun 8th 2007 9:15AM

Konny.
GG on the assumptions there buddy. Notice the Smash Bros Brawl website isn't anywhere near full? As in: WE DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT THIS GAME YET?

Start complaining when it's released alright?

Karen @ Jun 8th 2007 9:18AM

I'll try them all and see what I like best. Choice is good. I have 4 GC controllers so I'm set for in house multiplayer.

Crono @ Jun 8th 2007 9:19AM

Everybody and their brother knows this game has online. I think they announced it would have online when they announced the freakin game was in development.

Zeromaru @ Jun 8th 2007 9:20AM

"the difference between Brawl and Melee are the new characters and updated graphics. Soo revolutionary .."

But I'm guessing you're a Halo fan?

I think the Remote+Nunchuk would work really well with a bit of motion-sensing thrown in to handle Smashes. But I'll probably play with just the Remote, as Smash is at it's most fun multiplayer and it's far more likely I'll have more Remotes than Nunchuks or Classics (though I still have 3 cube controllers, but only 1 is Wavebird).

JCFG @ Jun 8th 2007 9:23AM

I guess it will be the same as with Mortal Kombat Armageddon as in: it's kinda fun to play with motion conrtols, but if you want to get serious about it, your best option is ether the classic/GC controller. Ether way, Smash is gonna be awesome!

jay @ Jun 8th 2007 9:25AM

So the difference between any PS3 or 360 (or even new PC game) is more content and better graphics?
And price tags to match.

LOL.

Hirsbrunner @ Jun 8th 2007 9:54AM

Having such a variety of control options for a game should make the competition that much more fierce. Pretty cool indeed.

MosquitoControl @ Jun 8th 2007 9:55AM

I'd rather an exact Melee remake than a dillution of the formula. There's been talk of the game being "dumbed down" and losing depth. I'll believe it when I see it, but if that happens I'll happily stick with Melee.

Almack64 @ Jun 8th 2007 9:58AM

If the Nunckuck/Wiimote combo does not involve to many motion controls I'll use that. After using the Wii for months I've really come to like how my right and left hands are not "glued" togther. I think that is one the major advances of the control scheme that people don't really talk much about.

Regarding the game there is no reason why they would need to implement motion controls for this scheme to work. 'A' for normal attack, 'B' for smash attack, 'Z' to dodge/block, and 'C' for jump (eventhough I've always prefered using the control stick to jump) I guess you could use some motion to activate your super smash finisher move but even that's really not necessary.

SoulBlade @ Jun 8th 2007 9:59AM

As long as they get rid of the cheap noob c-stick smash control for the gamecube. If you use it, you can't call yourself good.

t_m @ Jun 8th 2007 10:10AM

Several of my non-game-playing mates tried dragonball z budokan and couldn't stop raving about the motion controls..

..just goes to show that what hardcore gamers like, and what is "most reliable" isn't always what casual gamers like, and whats most fun.

billychaos @ Jun 8th 2007 10:13AM

Classic controller for me! In my opinion that's one of nintendos best controllers ever made. I really wish they make developers use it more. Rumble for it would be nice though.

Mika Tan @ Jun 8th 2007 10:17AM

Well hopefully the next blog announcement will be about online play.

The game is going to sell like crazy because of it.

But i have a bad feeling that Nintendo is not going to include online play for some reason. But then i could be wrong.

Geist @ Jun 8th 2007 10:20AM

MosquitoControl:

Dumbing down? I don't really know how that's possible. It's not exactly a terribly complicated system. There're a lot of techniques and tricks (wavedashing, L-Cancelling, etc) but those are really more functional glitches more than anything else. Can you elaborate?

Shogan @ Jun 8th 2007 10:26AM

I hope this doesn't mean that the other controllers will have functionality limited to the available buttons on the Wii-mote.

Aberu @ Jun 8th 2007 10:26AM

The damn bastard caved... Before he was very staunch about it being Virtual Console controller or Gamecube controller only. He stated very clearly on the last site that the Wiimote would not be used. And he caved... Let's hope the gameplay doesn't suffer. All I know is, I will bring the old gamecube controllers out when my friends wanna play it on their Wii. Not going to play so innaccurately against them.

NvM @ Jun 8th 2007 10:28AM

Ya I'll stick with my GameCube controller.

JodyAnthony @ Jun 8th 2007 10:31AM

i loved the motion controls in budokai 3. good game.

I'll probably go wiimote/nunchuk as I've probably only played melee for a total of 4 hours, and never played the n64 game, so I'm not really married to the gc controller

Aberu @ Jun 8th 2007 10:32AM

@20 Watch a tournament, the top players use the c-stick often. They switch back and forth. Using the c-stick is the same as if you didn't charge the smash using the A button.

Almack64 @ Jun 8th 2007 10:36AM

As stated before playing Smash has always needed just 3 buttons to play (#5): normal attack, smash attack, and block/dodge/grab. The wiimote on its side has just enough buttons to accomplish this ('1', '2', and 'B') so I don't see how functionality will be limited by the wiimotes capabilites.

I don't understand why anybody would be upset for including wiimote schemes. Especially since for this game the Nunchuck/remote combo is just as functionable as the GC or Classic controlers and in my opinion more comfortable to use.

Vidikron @ Jun 8th 2007 10:38AM

OK, guys... I have some GC controllers, but I don't yet a Classic controller. I'm not really interested in using motion controls for Brawl and the Wiimote on its side is one of the worst controllers in history.

So given that, for me, it's a choice between GC controllers and the Classic Controller, is it worth investing in a Classic or is the GC controller just as functional?

Just wanting some opinions.

Shogan @ Jun 8th 2007 10:54AM

I would get a Classic Controller ONLY for the 16-bit VC games... so far. The Gamecube controller is a much better controller.

samfish @ Jun 8th 2007 11:00AM

"The damn bastard caved... Before he was very staunch about it being Virtual Console controller or Gamecube controller only. He stated very clearly on the last site that the Wiimote would not be used. And he caved... Let's hope the gameplay doesn't suffer. All I know is, I will bring the old gamecube controllers out when my friends wanna play it on their Wii. Not going to play so innaccurately against them."

You can't NOT include Wiimote controls. The Wii didn't COME with a Classic Controller (although it should have).
You can't tack on an added $20 collar cost just to PLAY the damn game.
Especially if, when this game comes out there's another drought of controllers. Then you're pretty much fucking people over.

Jonathan Tran @ Jun 8th 2007 11:07AM

@33

See:

Guitar Hero
DDR
and worse: Rock Band

W00T $300 to play the game fully!!!

I agree though it is GOOD to have options, if the wiimote-only control scheme is gimped, who cares, don't use it. As noted it easily has enough function sideways to work fine, plus they can add optional waggle controls as a bonus.

Look I don't want to hand my mom a GCN controller and exlain how this thing plays. I can just say "1 is attack, 2 is jump, trigger is block and swinging the remote like a lunatic makes you do super moves"

Also I applaud support for the Wiimote+nunchuck control (hereafter called WNC). It lets you put space between your hands with optional waggle and IT IS FRIENDLY FOR LEFTIES ALSO. GJ nintendo.

Also when you are playing and your gf wants you to sit next to her, you can go for the reach around AND be kickin ass at the same time. not bad, eh?

Norm @ Jun 8th 2007 11:12AM

yeah, I agree, you pretty much have to have wii controls.

but lol at wavelanding/dashing with a nuchuk/wiimote.

samfish @ Jun 8th 2007 11:16AM

"Guitar Hero
DDR
and worse: Rock Band"

Yeah but, correct me if I'm wrong, those games COME with their required controllers.
So unless SSBB comes with a CC, it's kind of a moot point, I think.

Plus, can't you use a regular control pad in GH? I thought you could...
I'm not a fan of the game, so I wouldn't really know..

Crono @ Jun 8th 2007 11:21AM

I really don't know where people are getting the idea of motion controls from, the story doesn't say anything about waggle.

All it says is the remote solo can be used, or the remote/nunchuck, or the classic controller, or the GC controller. As has been already said, wiimote solo has enough buttons without adding waggle (and isn't nearly as uncomfortable as you people make it out to be), the wiimote/nunchuck has the analog for movement, "a" and "b" for attacks, "z" to dodge/block, and "c" to jump if you really wanna. Classic Controller is obviously adequate, as is the GC controller.

No waggle required. Likely, no waggle implemented, unless there is an 5th option of wiimote/nunchuck with waggle instead of buttons.

No reason for anybody to be having a heart attack. Everybody is happy here, including people who never bought more than 1 nunchuck and never owned a GC. They have set up the best set of options here.

So what is there to complain about, other than complaining just for the sake of doing so?

Jshock @ Jun 8th 2007 11:22AM

Any word on NES Advantage- or Power Pad- compatibility? I'll need any advantage I can get, controller-wise...

I still remember my first and only SSBM tournament - KO'd in the first round by a dude that looked like Gimli, only less fit, and carrying a huge takeout plate of Korean BBQ. We spotted this neckbeard as soon as we walked in to EB and were like, "well, there's your winner right there." By the looks of this guy, there was no way he was anything less than godly at Smash Bros...

Of course he went on to win, and I'm sure he's enjoying his first-prize XXL Mario Baseball t-shirt now... as a BBQ napkin or something, since it was about 12 sizes too small for him to wear.

Also, good news on the controllers! Can't wait to get my Smash on.

Bruce @ Jun 8th 2007 11:24AM

"The damn bastard caved... Before he was very staunch about it being Virtual Console controller or Gamecube controller only. He stated very clearly on the last site that the Wiimote would not be used. And he caved... Let's hope the gameplay doesn't suffer. All I know is, I will bring the old gamecube controllers out when my friends wanna play it on their Wii. Not going to play so innaccurately against them."

Maybe he found a way it works well the game. I am sure during development he or a team member came up with ways of making it intuitive. I am unsure how this is caving and Kojima said the game is awesome. Now I want to see what online is like.

I am already sold on the game. Melee is my favorite GCN game, I am sure this will be a favorite of mine too.

Marlos Hill @ Jun 8th 2007 11:25AM

Yeah its definitely time for me to buy a couple freaking wavebirds. DAMMIT nintendo you're raping my pockets.

4 wiimotes now 4 wavebirds. *sigh*
all in the love of awesome fun gaming.

Jonathan Tran @ Jun 8th 2007 11:35AM

@marlos

Why waste all that money? Are you that rich? Just use some damn WNCs. Donate yours savings to charity.

Almack64 @ Jun 8th 2007 11:47AM

@ #34 Jonathan Tran

"Also when you are playing and your gf wants you to sit next to her, you can go for the reach around AND be kickin ass at the same time..."

It's funny that you say this because the other day my wife was watching me play Godfather and that's exactly how we were sitting. Two of my favorite things together at last :) This could not be as easily done with a normal controller.

See yet another reason the wii is so "GF friendly"
WNC FTW.

Vidikron @ Jun 8th 2007 12:01PM

@37

[As has been already said, wiimote solo has enough buttons without adding waggle (and isn't nearly as uncomfortable as you people make it out to be),]

Yeah, it really is. I mean, it's not uncomfotable like having your hands smashed by a hammer, but by controller standards it is bad. It's like going back to the NES days with a basic block shaped controller. It doesn't have the sharp corners like the NES pad, but it does have non-symmetric thickness which is pretty much just as bad.

smartguy1600 @ Jun 8th 2007 12:14PM

I could see the Wiimote+nunchuck control scheme working pretty well. i think my thumb would get too sore from the wiimote side control, plus there was some hints that smash attacks would be motion controlled when it was on the side.

With the Wiimote + Nunchuck, youve got the Analog to move, Z to grab, C to jump. Possibly some sort of tilt function, but I doubt it. With the Wiimote A is basic attacks, 1/2 could possibly do something, but A+B could do your normal special move, B+ Swipe up/down/left/right could do your other special moves. Just an idea. I'll probably just stick with the GC controller, and slowly work my way into getting used to the various other control forms.

Emceay @ Jun 8th 2007 12:20PM

I wish all Wii games would allow all controllers to be used. It just seems lazy on the developers part.
I've got 4 classic controllers that haven't seen any use besides virtual console waiting for the day brawl is released.

Don Connery @ Jun 8th 2007 12:21PM

Yeah, because that B trigger is really accessible when you hold the remote sideways. BTW, anyone who actually plays Smash Bros. knows you need a separate button for jumping.

n3rrd @ Jun 8th 2007 12:22PM

The NES pad is still my favourite controller... good ol' corners.

SecretCow @ Jun 8th 2007 12:37PM

Gg I was right ^____________^

Mr Khan @ Jun 8th 2007 12:40PM

The only one i definitely won't be using is Wii Remote on its side, not very convenient

Otherwise, i think i'll be using the other 3 interchangeably

If i want wireless and Rumble, remote + nunchuck
If i want wireless and dual analogue, CC
If i want dual analogue and Rumble, GC