Thrustmaster's new classic controller lacks wires, point

by Kyle Orland { Sep 14th 2007 at 1:57PM }

Readers with good memories probably remember our annoyance at having a dangling remote and wire sitting on our lap when using the Wii's classic controller. So you'd probably think we're psyched about Thrustmaster's recently-announced wireless classic controller. But we're not.

For one, Nyko's classic controller grip pretty already solves the problem elegantly for less than half the price of Thrustmaster's $18 controller.

Secondly, this thing is a monstrosity, with ugly aqua blue rubber on the grips and analog sticks and a bloated design that reminds us of the PS3's scrapped boomerang controller.

Finally, the thing is really just a wireless GameCube controller with a modified button layout. Besides meaning less-than-perfect compatibility, this also means the unit requires an ugly dongle that hangs down from one of the GameCube slots on your Wii. At that point you might as well just go with the better-designed WaveBird, or just make your own solution. In either case, you can probably just skip this cash-in accessory.

[Via WiiFanboy]

Tags: classic controller, ClassicController, controller, wii, wireless

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

hvnlysoldr (NDF - Wind Ring) @ Sep 14th 2007 2:02PM

The Thrustmaster Wii Classic Waver

Fernando Rocker (NDF - Water Ring) @ Sep 14th 2007 2:03PM

Fuck... its like with the PS2... zillions of ugly useless controllers.

Fernando Rocker (NDF - Water Ring) @ Sep 14th 2007 2:08PM

Well, its the price that the Wii has to pay, because its the best selling current gen console right now.

vinny @ Sep 14th 2007 2:21PM

to bad no one is buying any games for the damn system, that will be the ultimate downfall of the wii, same thing happened with gamecube

JanJan @ Sep 14th 2007 2:47PM

hey, I like the Nerf PS2 controller

Spartacus @ Sep 14th 2007 2:03PM

Ugly as it is, it does look like a typical Wii add-on. It looks kiddish or "user-friendly" like all the other Wii controllers (even N branded ones).

dvnt @ Sep 14th 2007 2:03PM

Damn Kyle, you make it sound like Thrustmaster killed your first born while they sodomized you.

McWeen @ Sep 14th 2007 2:09PM

Wow way to rant. I wouldn't personally buy one but I don't think the design is that bad. Some people like different designs. I wouldn't pay for an Airflow controller, but I know a lot of people who did.

Matt B (SDF - White Gold Ring) @ Sep 14th 2007 2:15PM

I always chuckle when I hear the word Thrustmaster.

BPM @ Sep 14th 2007 3:40PM

+1 for Matty B.

d-pad @ Sep 14th 2007 2:18PM

Any flight sim fans here remember when ThrustMaster used to have those kick ass F-16 replicate sticks?

Those were the days.

Shagittarius @ Sep 14th 2007 2:23PM

I still have the F-16 stick and the throttle attachment. CH made the best flight sticks.

Hirsbrunner @ Sep 14th 2007 2:19PM

Hey, I've got a dvd with that title!

fyreblazer @ Sep 14th 2007 3:11PM

hahahahaha

Cabcru @ Sep 14th 2007 2:22PM

The first thing I look for when shopping for a controller is one with superfluous edges that'll leave patterned impressions and blisters on my hands from extended use. Gaming /should/ be painful!

(Man, who are these sweaty-handed buggers who've managed to convince peripheral manufacturers we need the equivalent of a bath-mat on our controllers?!).

Zootittles @ Sep 14th 2007 2:26PM

Patterned palms make for funner fapping.

phattie @ Sep 14th 2007 2:26PM

Why get this POS when the classic controller is $2 more.

Oreo @ Sep 14th 2007 2:28PM

I don't know why people don't just buy a Wavebird? Doesn't make any sense to me besides the Z-Button being shit.

Flyy (NDF - Earth Ring) @ Sep 14th 2007 3:04PM

They don't make wavebirds anymore :'(

Believe me, i search everywhere for that wireless freedom but alas i'm still bound in the wires of last gen when i want to play GC/VC games

GoldenS1104 @ Sep 14th 2007 2:30PM

If you have wavebirds, the only reason to get a classic controller is for SNES games cause it makes them exponentially easier to play. I have no problem with the wired classic controller though, so I'll stick with that for SNES games.

AstroZombie @ Sep 14th 2007 2:42PM

Yeah, I've got no problem with the Classic. I don't see how plugging it into the Wiimote is a problem, unless you for some reason play standing up...

If having a "dangling remote and wire sitting on your lap" is a problem, you could try "placing it on the couch next to you".

Rubang B (NDF - Heart) @ Sep 14th 2007 4:42PM

Whenever I need to kick back and play some VC with my classic controller, I put my remote in my holster.

waves @ Sep 14th 2007 2:43PM

That this is damn ugly. However, if you make it a deeper blue, add some red, and some stars you could have an equally tacky American flag controller.

HaleysComet @ Sep 14th 2007 2:51PM

Wait a min...how is it ugly?

I think it looks great. Way better than Nintendo's classic controller.

The only thing wrong is the COLOR of the Blue. Either make it deeper or make it completely white.

I'm definitely going to look into this.

Almack64 @ Sep 14th 2007 2:59PM

I wonder if it can be used as an alternative to the standard GC controller. It might be interesting to play some of the GC games with a controller like this.

Blazur @ Sep 14th 2007 3:09PM

Unrelated to this thread, but what's with all the NDF/SDF add-ons to people's name?

jadenguy @ Sep 14th 2007 6:26PM

NDF and SDF stand for Nintendo/Sony Defense Force. fictional fanboy factions facilitation fallacions fud.

BPM @ Sep 14th 2007 3:49PM

NDF - Nintendo Defense Force
SDF - Sony Defense Force

A level beyond Fanboy (you seriously need A LOT of EXP in either class to reach them).

hvnlysoldr (NDF - Wind Ring) @ Sep 14th 2007 3:56PM

Yes. You must have at least 599 US wait scratch that any country, 599 comments pro-system. And also don't mess with the rings.

WiNG @ Sep 14th 2007 3:28PM

OK so which is worse..

"Thrustmaster" or "Gamecock"?

YOU DECIDE!!!

AstroZombie @ Sep 14th 2007 3:50PM

"Thrustcock?"

Koopaknight29 @ Sep 14th 2007 5:02PM

"Thrust Cockmaster: the Game?"

J @ Sep 14th 2007 3:34PM

I don't see what's so wrong with this controller. Sure it's not the prettiest, but the fact that it is just a GC controller with rearranged buttons is actually a good thing I think. This has one up on nintendo's classic controller because it can also be used to play GCN games. Nintendo could fix that problem, of course, with a firmware update that allows the classic controller to play GCN games. Seriously nintendo, it has all the buttons, just do it already so I don't feel so cheated for paying 20 bucks for a controller I only use to play Super Mario World.

DJManoloco @ Sep 15th 2007 11:28PM

I agree with J and some other people in here. I wouldn't mind playing Capcom vs SNK on a decent controller and not the shitty Wavebird. The Classic Controller's D-Pad sucks and I can't play any GC on it. I might consider selling my Wavebird and buying this if someone puts out a review on the D-Pad.

jodyanthony.com @ Sep 14th 2007 3:54PM

its just a lameo wireless gamecube controller basically

THRILLHO @ Sep 14th 2007 4:18PM

This is the best solution. buy the classic controller, and the nyko controller grip. it makes use of the actual holes on the back of the cc controller, and has the option to add bottom bumpers to the remote, or not. its currently only 6.99 here;

http://www.gamestop.com/search.asp?N=138+88

Poisoned Al @ Sep 14th 2007 4:22PM

All 3rd party controllers have to be fuck-ugly and make a creaking noise when you grip them. IT'S THE LAW!

Poisoned Al @ Sep 14th 2007 4:26PM

All 3rd party controllers have to be fuck-ugly and make a creaking noise when you grip them. IT'S THE LAW!

Poisoned Al @ Sep 14th 2007 4:26PM

Aw, poopy!

Rubang B (NDF - Heart) @ Sep 14th 2007 4:47PM

The NDF is better though because our rings are inspired by Captain Planet, and our zords are a limited edition custom Sentai/Voltron hybrid. And Nintendo has all the good ring games now too, like Sonic and the Secret Rings for Wii and Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates for the DS. I won't be surprised if Sonic eats the Olympic Rings this Christmas. He's got a problem.

Rubang B (NDF - Heart) @ Sep 14th 2007 4:52PM

Stupid reply system. This was for Blazur.

samfish @ Sep 15th 2007 1:19AM

Technically, the SDF should have the rings since the whole thing started by making fun of Sony Fanboys. I remember someone wrote an EPIC post about the SDF standing in a dessert or something and calling forth their powers.
NDF should, therefore, have the Zords.

Wonder Twin powers (activate!) are also available for the taking.

Bein' a member of the SDF ('Ah was proCLAIMED as such a few days ago for defending Ratchet an' Clank), 'Ah demand a DUEL with the leader of the NDF for control 'ova th' Rings!

hvnlysoldr (NDF - Wind Ring) @ Sep 15th 2007 2:13AM

Jody Anthony was our leader and a founder of the NDF in response to the SDF. He's err retired from active duty from the NDF stepping away toward a more neutral anti-troll defender. Kye is second-in-command and keeper of our rings.

Kye (NDF - Earth Ring) @ Sep 15th 2007 6:43AM

Samfish,

I recognise you as a worthy opponent.
I would accept your challenge for the rings, but...
that would be dumb.
Why battle for something I already have?
Besides, the force is telling me (yes, the NDF does Star Wars as well) that your heart does not belong to the SDF. It is true. Search your feelings.

Sean @ Sep 14th 2007 5:18PM

probably sucks.

psyborg @ Sep 15th 2007 12:47AM

I have no problem with the Classic Controller, and still consider it pretty much wireless(as theres no wire going across my living room, which is the whole point of wireless controllers right?)

But I do see this as a nice alternative to the gamecube controller which I absolutely hate, even the wavebird sucks IMO.