So why is the GameCube controller so popular?

[Rango the Mercenary]

I've been playing SSB since the N64. Melee played extremely well, and the GC controller was my choice in Brawl. However, not only because I transferred my data to the Wii U, but also because of the new Smash coming out, I've been practicing with the Classic and Classic Pro controllers. Plus I have a Wii U Pro Controller on the ready as well. The announcement of the prototype GameCube controller by PDP makes me want to ask.

What is it about the GameCube controller that everyone likes and why can't you get that with a Classic or Classic Pro controller?

 

[Xigger]

Why do some people still use Internet Explorer? Windows XP? Flip phones?

But seriously, gamecube controllers have what the new controllers lack: the grip, giant triggers, and vibration.

 

[Aninymouse]

People have different tastes, Durango.

Why is the GC controller so popular? Probably because people have been playing Smash on it since the dawn of time.

I mean, is this a troll bait topic? Seems like a pretty obvious answer, chieftan.

 

[Khao]

In my case, ABXY.

For any game with a focus on three main buttons, they Gamecube set up is ****ing perfect when compared the classic + shape, simply because of the way you have to move (or even not move depending on your configuration) your thumb across the buttons.

I don't think I'll waste money on getting a gamecube controller working on my console, but I do think it's the better choice.

 

[StarshipGroove]

Sakurai himself recommended the gamecube controller. I quote:

"I like the feel of that powerful rumble."

 

[Clint Jaguar]

For me, it's just the fact that it's an extremely comfortable controller with a button layout that compliments the games perfectly. Using the large A button for standard attacks feels so natural as does having a smaller B button just below it and two jump buttons (X and Y) above it. The only problem I have with the Gamecube controller is the bulky triggers that aren't the best for shields (but this may just be personal preference).

Still the pro controller looks very comfortable and I plan on picking up one soon.

 

[mimgrim]

Well, firstly, most people have been playing the controller for 13 years. Which is actually a huge deal, despite what a few vocal people might tell you.

Another way to look at is like a Arcade pad for the more traditional fighting games, the GCC can be considered like this for Smash.

But it really just comes down to where, for most people, it has the absolute best feel for Smash.

The ABYX button layout is amazing, imo, and far better then the norm and more intuitive.

In the eyes of many, it is just the perfect controller for Smash.

 

[Sarki Soliloquy]

Since I've played from Melee onward, the Gamecube Controller is my go-to. The Wii having reverse compatibility with the Gamecube also made adjusting to Brawl all the more smoother.

The handlebars and groove of the controller are extremely ergonomic. Its like the edges along the Control stick and button layouts hug your palms, along with the handles being good rests. The L and R buttons curve to the groove of your finger too. The button layout is pretty snug and allows for quick finger navigation. You have your two jump buttons over your standard and special attacks. That A button will be your basic means of attack, which is why its suitably large. The B button is much smaller, but it makes your specials feel more "spot-on" when pressed. Not to mention, everything from the buttons to the Control and C Stick are extremely responsive and slightly springy. This is the case for at least official Nintendo controllers, not the stiff, jaggy 3rd party versions of them.

If you prefer playing with a WiiMote (+ Nunchuck), Classic Controller, Pro Controller, etc., learning the layout, feel, and maneuvering of a different controller + years worth of musclememory certainly is a transition. I just can't kick the same degree of ass holding the planky WiiMote, for instance. Same happens when I offer a Gamecube controller to other people I play with at events. Handling one would feel just as foreign.

 

[Spinosaurus]

It's kinda like arcade sticks.

You can play with other controllers (hell there are pro pad players playing street fighter), it's just that arcade sticks/gamecube allow for more precision.

 

[RascalTheCharizard]

As of my understanding there are 3 reasons why people like the GC controllers the most:

1. More buttons + 2 sticks = more control and available advanced techs to the player (in comparison to Wiichuk)
2. It is a wired controller, so it can't suffer from interference issues like the Classic and Classic Pro can
3. I think since a lot of people are used to using the Gamecube controller, it's more comfortable to them

 

[Hong]

It is my favourite controller of all time, at least for games that need all those buttons (otherwise, Super Famicom FTW). The only flaw, and a big one at that going forward, are the pressure-sensitive triggers. Could they replicate the same shape and replace the triggers, I would be SET. That said, I have not yet tried the Wii U Pro. As someone who owns an extensive amount of game hardware, I am never afraid to try new things.

 

[Morbi]

Memories. Nostalgia. An unwillingness to move on! The Gamecube controller is what everyone loves, what they are accustomed to. I mean, why don't people love the Gamepad? The superior controller?

 

[8-peacock-8]

People just liked it. Admittedly it was probably the best Nintendo controller. At least in my opinion. I will use the Game Pad/Pro Controller to play. Even if i buy the new GCN controller.

There's also the part where people wont move on or learn to try something new.

 

[Thirdkoopa]

The grip + The feel of the C-Stick

/thread

 

[slicesabre]

It was just a great controller. At first glance I thought it was the ugliest controller I'd ever seen back in the day. That is until I used one for myself and I feel in love with the way it fits in my hands.

The C Stick is GODLY for Smash games as well.

 

[Riposte__]

Because it's the best designed controller. the springs where well built and responsive, The Z button where better placed at the top then they are at the back of the controller, the joystick is the best in responsiveness, and the right side gives priority to the buttons over the second stick making it feel more comfortable to go from bottom pressing to moving the second stick (playing WindWaker HD was a terrible experience) and the buttons themselves give priority to the right buttons, making A the biggest and b smallest with x and y being medium sized and all the buttons well spaced apart that accidental button press are less common.

 

[Johnknight1]

What is it about the GameCube controller that everyone likes and why can't you get that with a Classic or Classic Pro controller?

Lag, input mixup issues, no dealing with batteries because it is wired, ease of access with buttons, and comfort.

The controller has better button placement, THE FREAKING C-STICK, the ease of access of every button, it's more precise and the fact the controller is better built, has better button quality, and has a superior layout for a game like Smash.

Most everyone from the series directors on down all prefer the GameCube controller. I's just a fact. Smash Bros. was built for that controller from Melee on, and even 64 feels best for that controller. It was easily the best controller Nintendo ever made.

 

[Cap'nChreest]

The D-pad sucks on the GC controller. If they put the Dsi's d-pad on it. Then it would be glorious. I like the clicky d-pads.

 

[Thirdkoopa]

I mean, why don't people love the Gamepad? The superior controller?

Because it's gigantic? sfa;

If you said the Wii U Pro Controller, sure, but...

 

[Johnknight1]

The D-pad sucks on the GC controller. If they put the Dsi's d-pad on it. Then it would be glorious. I like the clicky d-pads.

This man knows what he's talking about. Also, a bigger Z button, and make 2 of them, add a select button, and add a home button.

I understand people's attachment to the gamecube controller, especially after using it for over 1000+ hours playing smash, but I feel like if I got used to the pro controller I could use it better than the gc controller because the pressure sensitive shoulder buttons on the gc controller don't work well for smash bros.

Because it doesn't work like the GameCube, it doesn't have a good C-stick layout, and it's awkward to use for platformers and fighting games.

It's more of a action game controller, and it doesn't feel as comfortable for what smash is for most people. It's a good controller, just not for smash.

I mean if people like that controller more, then more power to them, but most devout smashers won't.

 

[Spinosaurus]

The gamepad and pro controller definitely aren't awkward for platformers. NSMBU and Tropical Freeze play great on them.

 

[Johnknight1]

The gamepad and pro controller definitely aren't awkward for platformers. NSMBU and Tropical Freeze play great on them.

Let me rephrase that: a fighting game that plays like a platformer.

I found myself having troubles with that controller with Rayman.

Also, without a proper C-stick it gets all weird.

 

[Renji64]

Button layout and analog stick layout can't deal with a pro controller.

 

[Jellyfish4102]

It works good and people are used to to it.

I will however say that it's scientifically ugly. It lacks symmetry. The sticks are in different places on each side (my biggest beef with Xbox controllers as well). They're different colors and shapes as well. Where the Z buttons mirror button should be is an empty place. The lack of symmetry and the color scheme are very aesthetically displeasing.

 

[Vann Accessible]

It's purple, so only men confident in their sexuality can use it.

 

[Eight Melodies]

It's still the most comfortable controller I've ever held.

 

[Banjodorf]

I've always found the positions of the buttons to be the greatest boon to it. And the fact that you didn't have to fully press the L/R buttons down to get them to work.

It's just a well put-together controller, and it's fairly comfortable at that.

 

[viewtifulduck82]

I don't think it really has anything to do with how great the GC controller was. It's just that people have been using it for around 13 years, and they are frightened by changing, or aren't able to adapt. If the Wii U pro controller had released instead of the GC controller back then, you would all be calling the GC controller terrible, and praising the then god-like pro controller.

 

[Aninymouse]

I don't think it really has anything to do with how great the GC controller was. It's just that people have been using it for around 13 years, and they are frightened by changing, or aren't able to adapt. If the Wii U pro controller had released instead of the GC controller back then, you would all be calling the GC controller terrible, and praising the then god-like pro controller.

Maybe. Except the GC controller is pretty great. I'd argue the C-Stick should be a bit closer to the B button, and that it needs a second/bigger Z button, but eh.

 

[CloneHat]

They should never have changed the button layout.

 

[viewtifulduck82]

Maybe. Except the GC controller is pretty great. I'd argue the C-Stick should be a bit closer to the B button, and that it needs a second/bigger Z button, but eh.

I agree, it is a great controller, but so is the pro controller. I've used both extensively, and have found the pro controller to be just as good, if not better. The vast majority of the people in here talking about it, have never even held the thing. When people start using it and stop complaining about it not being a GC controller, they'll realize that maybe change isn't such a bad thing after all.

 

[Starbound]

People like what they know and are always hesitant to change.

 

[Aninymouse]

I agree, it is a great controller, but so is the pro controller. I've used both extensively, and have found the pro controller to be just as good, if not better. The vast majority of the people in here talking about it, have never even held the thing. When people start using it and stop complaining about it not being a GC controller, they'll realize that maybe change isn't such a bad thing after all.

You're probably right. I own a WiiU, but I have yet to get a Pro controller. Probably because I played the crap out of MH3U on the gamepad and kinda shelved the system for a while, but also because Pro controllers cost like $50 - as much as a game.

 

[Khao]

So I actually connected my Pro Controller to my PC and played Brawl, Melee, Project M and Smash 64 on emulators for a while.

I'm digging it quite a bit, I doubt it's gonna become my favorite controller, but I'm looking forward to playing Smash 4 with it. It's better than the Classic Controller Pro at the very least.

 

[Arcadenik]

IMO, the Gamecube controller is best suited for Smash and other Gamecube games that I am still waiting to show up on Wii U eShop... and the Classic controller is best suited for SNES and some Genesis/NeoGeo games (I got 140+ Virtual Console games on the Wii). The Wii Remote turned on its side is best suited for NES games. I have not tried the Pro controller yet because I did not buy one.

 

[roymustang1990-]

When,people say the game cube controller is superior,it's their muscle memory talking.There is no better controller suited for smash,it's all preference.

 

[Aninymouse]

When,people say the game cube controller is superior,it's their muscle memory talking.There is no better controller suited for smash,it's all preference.

I'd argue the C-Stick pretty much proves you wrong. It doesn't have fluid movement like a true second analog does. It "wants" to move in the four cardinal directions, even though it can move in any direction. It just feels more concrete when using it to attack, which is good since Smash is so precise with inputs.

 

[Canuckduck]

Look at this photo of the GameCube controller:

As you can see, some of the features of the GameCube controller include:

• Tight grip; useful in fast-paced games (like SSBM).
• Gigantic control stick.
• The "c-stick" (which is used for quick smash attacks) is within reach.
• Huge A-button, with the subsequent buttons within reach.
• Pause/start button in the middle.
• A d-pad that is located underneath the control stick.
• Two big L and R-buttons; easy to reach with a person's pointing fingers.
• An easily accessible Z-button that is above the R-button.

In short, the GameCube controller is probably the best possible controller for Super Smash Bros. Even more-so, it is probably better than the Wiimote for certain games. Almost all of my acquaintances will always pick the GameCube controller over the Wiimote when playing Mario Kart Wii/Super Smash Bros Brawl.

What it ultimately boils down to, however, is personal preference. I would pick the Wiimote (no nunchuck) over the GameCube controller, but I know dozens of people who would pick the opposite.

 

[Angiance]

Simply put; it's like your hands have met their one-and-only
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPKB-PT80Uw

 

[Jigglymaster]

The Classic Control Pro would be just as good if it's control stick and d-pad swapped places. That's the only downside to it really, making it my optimal choice for Smash 4 besides all this 3rd party GC controller stuff.