Evolution of the Console Controller – Wii Classic (2006), Wii Classic Pro (2009)

The primary control method for Wii games is motion control via the Wii Remote, but the Wii Remote doesn’t work well with many legacy games and ports from other systems. Like previous transition periods such as D-Pad to analog, there is a difficult period in which the industry has not fully moved from one technology to another. Previously this was handled by inclusion of every type of control on a single controller – both analog and D-Pad on the N64 controller for example – but this is difficult or impossible in the age of motion and touch controls. Instead, Nintendo opted to make entirely different styles of controller available for the same console. Both Microsoft and Sony followed suit with their Kinect and PlayStation Move controllers.

The Wii Classic controller is an optional controller available for Nintendo Wii that allows the motion controls of the Wii Remote to be bypassed in favor of standard analog stick and button controls. The Wii Classic plugs into the Wii Remote, as it does not house its own wireless communications antenna. The Classic Controller Pro serves basically the same functionality as the Wii Classic, but with slightly altered ergonomics and functionality, such as the addition of handles and more trigger-like shoulder buttons. The two controllers are primarily used to play legacy games and games ported from other consoles.

Up to Analog Era – Back to Sega Dreamcast – Forward to Modern Era

Wii Classic gift of Ben Wilhelm, 2012.025.011. Wii Classic Pro on loan from Ben Wilhelm