bit-tech Shopping: Nintendo WaveBird Wireless Controller - Platinum (GC)

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3

Strengths: 16-channel wireless selection, great battery life

Weaknesses: No vibration features, a bit heavier than the wired controller

Summary: Nintendo's Wavebird controller is their wireless controller for the Gamecube. It's a very good controller, with the same controller feel as the wired controller, though it's a bit heavier than the wired counterpart. It can operate on sixteen different channels, and it's easily selectable through a dial on the receiver as well as the controller. To add in the wireless features, they removed the vibration feature, though it's hardly missed. Batteries seems to last a very long time in the controller, easily 40 hours or more.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Weeks

Strengths: It matches my system, great wireless controller

Weaknesses: Bulky like all GC controllers (but certainly not heavy)

Summary: I already own a couple Wavebirds, but I couldn't pass this one up on a clearance. Now I have a platinum Wavebird to match my platinum Gamecube. The Wavebird is one of the better wireless devices I've used. Its battery life is incredible, there's never any interruption in the signal, and you can't even tell you're on wireless, once I stopped trying to flip the non-existant cord around obstructions on my table.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Year

Strengths: The best wireless controller on the market, responsive, long range, long battery life, slick platinum color.

Weaknesses: No rumble, no auto shut-off, silver paint can chip off.

Summary: I had my doubts when I first purchased my first Wavebird (Gray) a couple years ago but it has more then lived up to the hype. That's why I bought another one but this time in the high tech looking platinum color. Let me run down why the Wavebird is such a good controller. First off, the controller is identical to the regular corded Gamecube controller (except for the battery compartment and slightly heavier) so there's no uneasy transition to a different layout. Second, the battery life is outstanding on this controller. I've only had to replace the batteries once a year. Third, you can play from nearly anywhere and angle since it runs on radio frequency. Fourth and perhaps most importantly, the controls are responsive and there never has been any lag. The only negatives are minor. There is no rumble (which probably explains the long battery life) and some games benefit from the use of vibration (like in Zelda, you can find hidden treasures). The other negative is that the controllers do not shut off automatically after inactivity. There is a on and off switch located on the controller; however, if you forget to switch it to the off position you could accidentally drain your batteries. Most other wireless controllers have this feature (auto shut off) but it's not on the Wavebird; but I guess the flip side is that other controllers don't have an on/off switch. The bottom line is this is the best controller (wireless or non-wireless) you can find on the Gamecube.

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: Comfortable, similar weight to wired controllers, very responsive, and incredible battery life

Weaknesses: No auto-off feature

Summary: If you choose to buy a wireless controller for the Gamecube, go with the Wavebird. It's the best wireless conroller I've ever used, and works as well as a wired contoller without the tangles. The rumble feature was left out to extend battery life, but I don't miss it. From my experience, rumble features only shorten the lifespan of the controllers they're used in. The only feature I wish it had was an automatic off feature that would turn off the controller if it hadn't been used for 5 minutes or so. I keep leaving mine on accidentally.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: Strong signal; wireless; matching colors

Weaknesses: No rumble

Summary: This wireless controller works very well from anywhere in the room. It gives true flexibility so you can get comfortable and play your best. It's unfortunate that the rumble feature isn't on the controller, but my son still prefers to use the wireless controller over the wired version. I felt it was a good value, being not a lot more than a wired controller.