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A lot of the interest surrounding the nintendo Wii comes down to its new remote controlled technology, but if you were more at home with the old school controller, they also offer the "Classic controller"

As it been named the "classic" controller, it's ideally suited for the good old nintendo games of yesterday. It is intended to be used for the games where you aren't able to use the innovative Wii remote, the nun-chuck, or any other fancy control, although it can be used with any game. This is the controller of choice if you really want to keep it simple.

The design has similarities to the Super nintendo game pad. Its oval in shape and the buttons are shaped like a diamond. It has the usual D-Pad and a start and select button. The buttons included on the front are the good old A, B, X and Y buttons, and finally it does include the four buttons across the top edge of the controller.

The classic controller is a much smoother ride over the Super nintendo control. The D-Pad has a much more comfortable feel than the SNEC, and the controller fits right into your hand better. The analogue sticks will move like a dream compared to the old ones. For some, the A, B, X and Y buttons may pose a problem, as they are spaced further apart. It will take a little thumb stretching to use, but you will quick get over this. Although, it still may be tough to do some of those combinations moves on games like Street Fighter.

The classic controller has obviously been designed with maximum gaming comfort in mind. The controller buttons are rounded to be that much easier on the fingers. The previous controllers had indented buttons, while easier to grip, can get tiresome after extended play.

On drawback to the classic controller is that it can't be used to play games on the gamecube system. If that's what you were expecting, you be advised to get something else.

The left analogue stick on the classic controller is used to control the cursor when you are in the Wii's channel menu. If you intend to play the classic nintendo games from the virtual console, than this controller is a necessity.

That's the true purpose of the nintendo Wii classic controller: to play all of those classic games that are being made available for the Wii. As cool as the Wii remote is, you simple can't play mortal kombat or any of the thousands of other games that nintendo are intending to release. It is expected, that shortly the virtual console will allow you to access all the excellent games of yesteryear, and the classic controller is that perfect, retro controller to enjoy them with.

The Wii classic controller will need to be purchased separately for $19.99, and there are places all over the internet where you can grab one.