So why is the GameCube controller so popular?

[roymustang1990-]

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.

And i fail to see how that makes me any less wrong than you are,Then again I could argue that my hands are more accustomed to the pro where as the gc controller always felt too big and clunky for my hands and the buttons always felt awkwardly placed,but that would be my preference talking.

 

[Aninymouse]

And i fail to see how that makes me any less wrong than you are,Then again I could argue that my hands are more accustomed to the pro where as the gc controller always felt too big and clunky for my hands and the buttons always felt awkwardly placed,but that would be my preference talking.

Because it's a bit too easy to move a second analog in a diagonal direction by accident. That's bad, if you end up using a Down Smash when you wanted to do a Forward Smash.

 

[Rango the Mercenary]

I've been practicing with Classic and Classic Pro just in case I needed them for Smash 4. But since the new GC controller for WIi U is coming out, it won't be a problem.

As one guy said, "unwillingness to move on." I was all but certain everyone was either going to suck it up and move to Classic/Wii U Pro Controller, but when that announcement came, I had to check and wonder what makes everyone's attachment to the controller so dedicated.

 

[Deleted member 245254]

There's really no use in trying to criticize the actual layout of the Wii U Pro. It's different, yes.

Is it bad? Heck no. It's an awesome controller.

There's nothing wrong with options, if you want to find every way you can to keep using GCC or anything remotely close to GCC third party or not, go get 'em but please, don't act like you're using some kind of superior controller and get some kind of superiority complex over those who don't use it.

Believe it or not, it *is* possible to become acquainted with Smash using a different controller, it really doesn't even take that long, it just takes some practice.

I loved using the GCC too, but let's not act like that controller wasn't goaded as the worst-looking controller of all time when it came out.

It ended up being very functional and we've been using it for a long time, but there's no reason to try and make up reasoning as to why it is, logically, the best controller for smash, that's purely up to preference.

 

[Mr.Seven]

The Gamecube controller was one of the best controllers ever. It's up there with the Dualshock controller for the Playstation, the S-Type controller for the Xbox, the Arcade Stick, and the NES Max controller. It was responsive, comfortable, and just fits like a damn glove in your hand.

That being said, I'm probably going to use the default WiiU gamepad over the GC controller for the WiiU. It's time for me to move on and try with different peripherals. I love the feel of the WiiU gamepad in my hands. I find it very comfortable and would have no problem using it for extended periods of time.

 

[AncientArk]

It has buttons in all the right places.

I've had my Black NGC controller for more than 10 years now, still works near flawlessly.
Its essentially The Smash Bros Controller.

 

[Deleted member 245254]

People would honestly be saying the same stuff about the Wii U Pro if by some time modulating device it was the control that came out with the Gamecube instead of what did. I'm pretty convinced of that.

The moral of this thread is that people generally hate change.

This is why we see Call of Duty 17 Alpha Turbo stuff all the time. People buy it up, despite the fact it's the same stuff.

The next "new" super mario bros will still sell better than any innovative 3D Mario idea they could come up with.

People just don't like change.

 

[JediLink]

The button layout on the Gamecube controller has the giant A button, the smaller B button, and the two jump buttons. It's perfect for Smash. That's really the most important thing for me.

 

[Kaye Cruiser]

The Classic Control Pro would be just as good if it's control stick and d-pad swapped places.

I completely disagree. It's because of it's current positioning that I honestly love it over absolutely every other controller ever made. Then again, I don't like 360 controllers at all as they feel needlessly big, clunky, thick and awkward to hold to me; I like the Gamecube Controller but moved on to the Classic Controller Pro about 3 or 4 years ago and am much more comfortable with it due to how light it easy and how easy it is to press it's buttons, even if I mainly use a custom button layout for it; Additionally, I've always found the DualShock controller for the Playstation systems to be hands down the absolute best controller to use for absolutely any and every kind of game out there, especially on PC, and the Classic Controller Pro is basically just that, but lighter, a little wider and...it's Nintendo.

The Gamecube Controller was good and all, but while everyone else is always arguing between it and the Wii U Pro controller, I'm just sitting here enjoying my Classic Controller Pro over them both.

 

[RODO]

It is a great controller, no doubt.

 

[WheelerFGC]

I don't exactly know what to think. If it doesn't work for others, I'll just get the Nyko Pro Commander
http://www.nyko.com/products/product-detail/?name=Pro+Commander

 

[RelaxAlax]

inb4 wavedashing and l-cancels are only possible on the Pro Controller

*sidenote: I think the Pro Controller would make hypothetical DACUSing way easier.

 

[Jellyfish4102]

Semi off topic, I would not recommend pcracticing with the gamepad. I imagine it will not be used in tournaments since only one person can play with it in a match. There's no point in practicing with something that you only might be able to use.

 

[Reoyoshi8]

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?

Sup Wolverine, for me personally my hands have just assimilated to that play style and it just feels blasphemous to the play the series any other way now.

 

[sunshinesan]

Because the controller is associated with Melee and Melee is the best game in the universe.

 

[Aninymouse]

The Gamecube controller was one of the best controllers ever. It's up there with the Dualshock controller for the Playstation, the S-Type controller for the Xbox, the Arcade Stick, and the NES Max controller. It was responsive, comfortable, and just fits like a damn glove in your hand.

That being said, I'm probably going to use the default WiiU gamepad over the GC controller for the WiiU. It's time for me to move on and try with different peripherals. I love the feel of the WiiU gamepad in my hands. I find it very comfortable and would have no problem using it for extended periods of time.

I can confirm that the gamepad is very comfortable. When I played MH3U, I could play for like... Hours on end without any problems.

The button layout is really nice. Not as form-fitting as the GCC, but reasonably close. The biggest pain is reaching the L and R buttons. The ZL and ZR buttons fit your fingers, like the GCC, so I like using those better.

Customizable controls are the best. Maybe I'll make X the "Z" button, and keep Y for jumps. I wish you could short hop properly with tap jump, but oh well.

 

[yahooda]

I've come to the conclusion that having someone switch controllers is equal to having them switch their left and right hands.

 

[Aninymouse]

Semi off topic, I would not recommend pcracticing with the gamepad. I imagine it will not be used in tournaments since only one person can play with it in a match. There's no point in practicing with something that you only might be able to use.

This is a good point. As comfortable as the gamepad is, the limit of one per console pretty much means it'll be banned for tournaments. Too many Johns and sour grapes going on, right there.

 

[Deleted member 245254]

I've come to the conclusion that having someone switch controllers is equal to having them switch their left and right hands.

This is false.

 

[Ulevo]

Studies have shown that the GC controller is comfortable. There appears to be a correlation between how comfy the controller is and how many players prefer the controller. Further studies need to be conducted.

 

[Deleted member 245254]

Studies have shown that the GC controller is comfortable. There appears to be a correlation between how comfy the controller is and how many players prefer the controller. Further studies need to be conducted.

That correlation still wouldn't objectively make any control better than the other though for any one person.

The GCC controller is great, but so is the Wii U Pro and Classic controller variations. They're all valid choices (assuming we have a GCC like configuration available for Smash 4, according to the PDP news).

I personally kind of feel like I'm going to benefit more in the long term by moving on from a control that is aged over the better part of a decade now.

 

[Ulevo]

I wasn't implying it is better.

The thread specifically asks, "why is the Gamecube controller so popular?" I gave an obvious answer. That's really all there is to it.

 

[Deleted member 245254]

I wasn't implying it is better.

The thread specifically asks, "why is the Gamecube controller so popular?" I gave an obvious answer. That's really all there is to it.

Sorry.

I think maybe I've developed an inferiority complex when it comes to discussion over the GCC VS Other controls.

It just makes me crazy that some act like it's literally impossible to move on from that controller. Like, what kind of gamer are you really that you've never bought enough new consoles or switched your method of control often enough that this process isn't relatively familiar by now.

I'm curious to see the prototype image of the upcoming PDP hardware but even still I'm looking at the WUP as a future-proof choice.

 

[Nitric Acid]

I think it's because everyone played Melee with the GC controller. That's why everyone kept it when moving to Brawl, and still wants to keep it now that SSB4 is on the way.

Folks just got used to it over the years. I can't imagine myself playing a Nintendo game seriously without it, although I prefer a DualShock when playing other games.

 

[Jigglymaster]

Whoops computer glitched and made me double post. Ignore this.

 

[Jigglymaster]

I completely disagree. It's because of it's current positioning that I honestly love it over absolutely every other controller ever made. Then again, I don't like 360 controllers at all as they feel needlessly big, clunky, thick and awkward to hold to me; I like the Gamecube Controller but moved on to the Classic Controller Pro about 3 or 4 years ago and am much more comfortable with it due to how light it easy and how easy it is to press it's buttons, even if I mainly use a custom button layout for it; Additionally, I've always found the DualShock controller for the Playstation systems to be hands down the absolute best controller to use for absolutely any and every kind of game out there, especially on PC, and the Classic Controller Pro is basically just that, but lighter, a little wider and...it's Nintendo.

The Gamecube Controller was good and all, but while everyone else is always arguing between it and the Wii U Pro controller, I'm just sitting here enjoying my Classic Controller Pro over them both.

Funny, I've been the exact opposite. I find it extremely difficult to do things like dash dancing on the classic controller pro and any other specific controller inputs. For example, I play on Pad for Marvel, I went out of my way to buy a 360 styled controller for the PS3 so I could avoid having to play with the Stick and D-Pad swapped, cause to me the 360 controller feels very similar to the gamecube controller.

But, in the end all I can say is lucky you, you're in the minority but you already enjoy the classic controller pro so you are able to avoid this mess entirely.

 

[Celestis]

For me its the button placement and just the way it holds. Your thumb sits so perfectly on the large A button like its a home, and the other buttons surround it for easy access.
I wish I could use this controller for everything it's so perfect, aside from the D pad. If they could just update this controller with a better D pad and counterpart to Z, I would be thriller and forever happy. I really hate how Nintendo imitated the 360 controller so much. They have their own right there.

 

[Nitric Acid]

The face button arrangement is what sells it to me as well. I'd have trouble adjusting to the Pro Controller's face button arrangement for Smash, even though I spend a lot of time on my PlayStation consoles. Normal, special and jump buttons are just perfectly aligned on the GC controller.

 

[Kaye Cruiser]

Funny, I've been the exact opposite. I find it extremely difficult to do things like dash dancing on the classic controller pro and any other specific controller inputs. For example, I play on Pad for Marvel, I went out of my way to buy a 360 styled controller for the PS3 so I could avoid having to play with the Stick and D-Pad swapped, cause to me the 360 controller feels very similar to the gamecube controller.

But, in the end all I can say is lucky you, you're in the minority but you already enjoy the classic controller pro so you are able to avoid this mess entirely.

Completely understandable. I found dash-dancing a little difficult on it too at first, but I kept practicing, stuck with it, and eventually got it down perfectly.

Then I remembered that I don't really use it much anyway, so it actually wasn't that pressing of a matter for me, but hey! At least I have no problems playing Project M with it. ¦D

 

[BridgesWithTurtles]

The Gamecube controller was one of the best controllers ever. It's up there with the Dualshock controller for the Playstation, the S-Type controller for the Xbox, the Arcade Stick, and the NES Max controller. It was responsive, comfortable, and just fits like a damn glove in your hand.

This.

I think resistance to change has something to do with it, but that influence is far more exaggerated than it probably is. I'm totally willing to use a Pro (and probably will, for a variety of reasons), but I'd rather use a GameCube controller at a base level. To me, it doesn't look like people are resistant to change, but rather, resistant to downgrading. The GameCube controller is my all-time favorite controller, and aside from the D-pad (which you never really have to use anyway), I'd almost say it's objectively the best. Like the GameCube console itself, it's made for gaming, and it's very high-quality. It's the perfect size, shape, and weight for me. It's durable and the buttons are springy and responsive. The joystick is incredibly comfortable, maneuverable, and precise. The shoulder buttons are sensitive and curve well to the shape of the finger, which is a huge deal for me. I have a problem with shoulder buttons and triggers these last few generations; they're much too stiff and awkwardly shaped or placed in the wrong areas. The GameCube controller just feels high-quality. It has all of the little features that have been stripped from controllers over the years.

Each button is emphasized as to highlight its primary uses. Unpopular opinion here, but I've never liked the "cross pattern" layout for face buttons that the SNES pioneered. It was great for the time, but I always felt that the GameCube's layout was a natural evolution, and I was disappointed to see Nintendo revert to the classic style. It really should have become the standard, in my opinion. Nintendo put a lot of time and effort into making the design as good as possible. While Miyamoto and others would come to have more lukewarm opinions of the controller down the road, they were very enthusiastic about its quality at first.

Spoiler

Miyamoto devoted more time and energy into the GameCube’s controller than any of Nintendo’s previous controllers. The NES controller was the first controller to add a D-Pad, the SNES controller would be the first to add shoulder buttons, and Nintendo 64′s controller introduced the analogue stick. How would Miyamoto be able to top his previous three achievements? For starters, Shigeru Miyamoto’s new mission was to completely reinvent the shape and feel of the controller so anyone — young or old, with big or small hands — could comfortably hold it.

“This Gamecube controller is the one on which I spent the longest time on designing. As far as controller designs are concerned, I think that this is the fourth or fifth version since the original design,” said Miyamoto. ”Our target user for this controller is not very specific, it’s very general, as even a beginner who has never touched the controller can use it, your grandmother can use, or even children with small hands can use it."

Miyamoto’s first idea was to reinvent the traditional placement of the A,B,X, Y buttons that had become standard in the industry.

“I don’t want to appear self-important, but I was the first to put four buttons on the right hand of the pad, when I designed the Super NES controller and Sega, Sony and now even Microsoft have followed that idea. I don’t want to state they copied from us, but it is obvious that the four buttons became a standard. Now I have decided to renounce this shape. I invented it and I can afford to renounce it. (smiles),” said Miyamoto.

The GameCube’s controller would place a far greater emphasis on having a “main” button, a large green button surrounded by smaller buttons. The sizes, shapes, and positions of each button would help players identify each button’s level of importance on the controller’s layout.

Miyamoto explained, “I wanted to focus on the immediate recognition of the main button on the joypad. In SNES it was the “A” button, in the GameCube, it is the green one. It is pleasant to the touch and the player is immediately aware what button is the most important one, the main control between him and what permits him to interact, for example, with Mario. ”

It would be designed as a culmination of his past ideas from previous controllers, but instead of every single button being round, many of the buttons were kidney-shaped for more intuitive controls.

“Well, the whole idea was to be able to feel them [kidney shaped buttons] with your eyes closed and have them more intuitive versus everything always being round,” said Perrin Kaplan, when asked about the controller’s unusual button layout.

Ashida Kenichiro, one of Nintendo’s hardware designers on the GameCube, said the controller was designed to make you forget that you are holding a controller. But it was challenging to incorporate so many features into the controller while keeping it comfortable.

“In my opinion, the ideal controller is one which the player forgets he is even holding. It was very difficult to accomplish this task with the Gamecube controller, because we wanted to incorporate so many features into it. From the beginning to end of the project I kept asking myself, “How can I arrange the features comfortably?,” said Kenichiro.

Miyamoto felt that he had succeeded in creating a controller that was superior to the Nintendo 64′s controller, but he also believed the GameCube controller would set a new standard for future game controllers from Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft.

“I had some confidence with the N64 controller, too. However, when I compare the two, I can tell that the GCN Controller is better designed for game play. What I really want to say is, “Get accustomed to the GCN Controller because, 10 years from now, this controller will be the standard“ said Miyamoto.

 

[Canuckduck]

http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/gamecube-wii-u-controller-coming-smash-bros-25961

Hmm, I suppose a lot of hardcore smash players will be buying this?

Another sign that the GameCube controller is still the preference.

 

[ToothiestAura]

http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/gamecube-wii-u-controller-coming-smash-bros-25961

Hmm, I suppose a lot of hardcore smash players will be buying this?

Another sign that the GameCube controller is still the preference.

I like the idea, but I may move on to the Pro controller. I'm going to have to learn how to play Smash differently for the 3ds version anyway.
I want to see what it looks like, though. The phrase "gamecube-inspired controller" has me worried.

 

[Canuckduck]

I like the idea, but I may move on to the Pro controller. I'm going to have to learn how to play Smash differently for the 3ds version anyway.
I want to see what it looks like, though. The phrase "gamecube-inspired controller" has me worried.

I know I'm going to buy the Pro controller. It feels much better than the bulky touch-screen gamepad, or the small Wiimote held sideways.

 

[ToothiestAura]

I know I'm going to buy the Pro controller. It feels much better than the bulky touch-screen gamepad, or the small Wiimote held sideways.

I haven't actually had too much of a problem with the Gamepad, but I haven't played very many games with it yet. The pro controller seems fine, but I suppose I would have to okay Smash with it first.

 

[Canuckduck]

I haven't actually had too much of a problem with the gamepad, but I haven't played very many games with it yet. The pro controller seems fine, but I suppose I would have to okay Smash with it first.

Obviously, a game like Super Smash Bros can't be played with motion controls, which is why SSBB could've been played with a GameCube or Classic controller. The pro controller seems ideal for Smash, fits well in my hands (I have fairly big hands), and has average button placement. The gamepad, however, is pretty wide, which makes it hard to hold.

To be honest, Nintendo should've just scraped the motion control idea entirely. They could've retained it partially, for backwards compatibility with the Wii, but in all fairness it's making the Wii U seem like the "Other" console, in comparison with the Xbox One and PS4. The only real pro to that is it's good for exercising, but even that has other options.

If people want to exercise, they can go outside and shoot hoops.

 

[ToothiestAura]

Obviously, a game like Super Smash Bros can't be played with motion controls, which is why SSBB could've been played with a GameCube or Classic controller. The pro controller seems ideal for Smash, fits well in my hands (I have fairly big hands), and has average button placement. The gamepad, however, is pretty wide, which makes it hard to hold.

To be honest, Nintendo should've just scraped the motion control idea entirely. They could've retained it partially, for backwards compatibility with the Wii, but in all fairness it's making the Wii U seem like the "Other" console, in comparison with the Xbox One and PS4. The only real pro to that is it's good for exercising, but even that has other options.

If people want to exercise, they can go outside and shoot hoops.

The Gamepad seems more suited for playing while not looking at the TV. I found when I look at the TV the Gamepad feels somewhat cumbersome, but when looking only at the Gamepad it seems more like an oversized game boy and is perfectly comfortable.

I've been occasionally using the classic controller to play Project M and I'm... adapting. It feels a bit too small still, but some of the original discomfort has faded. Nevertheless, the most comfortable control scheme still seems to be the GameCube controller (however, this may just be my 10+ years of experience with it speaking, not its actual design). I am amazed at a friend of mine who can play at the top of his abilities in Brawl and P:M using the sideways Wiimote control scheme.

I personally love the motion control idea for some games. A lot of times, the motion control felt tacked-on like in Brawl with that whole "shake smash" option (or in shooters). I don't think there were enough games that took full advantage of it. In my opinion, Skyword Sword was the only game that managed to use it properly (Wii motion plus came along too late in the console's lifetime, sadly). A game like Punch-Out!! would be perfect for the advanced controls. It probably won't be the focus of this console (so no need for you to worry) as the gimmick they're trying to push seems to be the gamepad's dual screen functionality.

 

[TimeSmash]

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

I'm gay and I approve this message.

But seriously, the way that controller fit into my hands is amazing. I REALLY liked the Wavebird because I have giant hands

 

[grizby2]

I like the right thumbstick placement. its literally in THE best position. and pretty much what Jigglymaster said.

 

[TerraRizerKing]

The GC controller is just a classical controller with a lot of smash history behind it. The most comfortable controller in Nintendo history so far and people just love it and don't want to let it go. Though I love my GC controller I will be moving on to the Wii U pro controller unless there is a particular reason for me not too. Like DACUS could only be done on GC controller.

 

[Canuckduck]

vs.

It appears as though the Wii U pro controller is like the Xbox 360 controller...except they swapped the 4-buttons and the right joystick.

ON TOPIC:
The GameCube controller, based on my personal experience, is not as good as either the Wii U pro controller or the Xbox controller. However, since it was, indeed, the best option for SSBB, most people chose it