Wii Classic Controller

Although the Remote and nunchuk attachment will be used to play most new Wii games, there will be exceptions to the rule. In fact, the team developing the Wii version of Super Smash Bros. Brawl has indicated that the title will probably not be compatible with the Remote. Instead, the game will be played with a GameCube controller or, more likely still, the Wii's classic controller. This third controller will also be utilized to play the majority of Virtual Console titles, although Nintendo has indicated that the Remote can be turned on its side for NES and SNES titles, too.

The classic controller is one part NES controller and one part GameCube pad, combing the shape of the former and the functionality of the latter. The classic controller features a D-Pad, two analog sticks, X and Y buttons, A and B buttons, two top-located Z buttons, and select (minus), home, and start (plus) buttons. The controller is plugged into the bottom of the Remote and then becomes wirelessly available.

Developers uninterested in exploring the possibilities of the Remote can as an alternative design their games to be compatible with the classic controller and in turn a more traditional gameplay experience. However, it is much more likely that the classic controller will be used for new 3D fighters and a huge library of Virtual Console games.