News Article

Don't Toss Those Old Controllers Yet

Posted Fri, 15 May 2009 by Jonathan Wahlgren

Coming soon to a Wii near you!

Coming soon to a Wii near you!

Adapter announced that will allow you to use your old Nintendo pads on Wii

Sometimes, you come across a Virtual Console game that you just don't think fits snugly onto a Classic controller or a GameCube pad. I've had this problem with Sin and Punishment myself; I hate the Cube controller for it, and the Classic feels weird to me with it's too-close nubs.

Peripheral company Innex thinks it may have a solution for you. See, instead of shoving a game onto a controller it wasn't designed for, or if you just want that authentic feel, you might want to check out the 3-in-1 Virtual Retro Adaptor announced today.

Said to use the GameCube ports, the adapter allows Virtual Console-compatibility with NES, SNES and N64 pads, but no word on whether you could use your N64 pad in, say, Mario Kart Wii.

Similar solutions already exist for computers, but it's nice to see someone take the initiative for VC.

Innex plans on unleashing the device in mid-June for $20 bones U.S. More details are (again) promised for E3. The full press release is below.

3-IN-1 VIRTUAL RETRO ADAPTER CONNECTS OLD SCHOOL CONTROLLERS TO NINTENDO® WII™

Innex Secures Exclusive Komodo Adapter in Time for E3 Launch.

Old School is Now the New Cool.

City of Industry, Calif., (May, 2009) --Backwards compatibility has reached a new level of cool with the launch of the 3-in-1 Virtual Retro Adaptor that allows gamers to connect NES®, SNES®, and N64® controllers directly to the Nintendo Wii™ video game console.

By accessing the GameCube® port that is built in to the Wii™ system, the 3-in-1 Virtual Retro Adaptor allows gamers to enjoy older, “retro” games using the original controllers for NES®, SNES®, and N64®.

The Retro Adaptor, developed by Komodo and exclusively distributed by Innex, will be available for demonstration at E3, Innex Booth # 2547, South Hall.

Product Highlights:
· Compatible with Nintendo® Wii™ Virtual Console
· Connects Through GameCube® Port
· Compatible with 1st and 3rd Party Controllers
· Compatible with NES®, SNES®, and N64® Controllers
· Analog Function Available for N64® Controllers
· Suggested Retail Price: $19.99
· Launch Date: Mid June

“Whether you’re a young kid or middle aged gaming fanatic, the Retro Adapter is perfect for controlling all the great Nintendo® titles from the last 25 years,” stated Titi Ngoy, President of Innex. “The Retro Adapter allows you to step back in time and play all the classics the way they were meant to be played using the original controllers. The old school is now the new cool.”

_About Innex
Innex was launched in 2004 as a distributor of video game related products with a particular emphasis on video game peripherals. The company has experienced exceptional growth in just five years and is poised to become one of the leading providers of gaming accessories worldwide. In addition to its extensive global distribution capabilities, Innex also provides its business partners with the opportunity to develop their own private label brands by offering an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) program. Simultaneously, Innex has positioned itself as a product sourcing agent, providing expert consultation to companies looking for specific video game related products that are either unavailable through other vendors, or difficult to find or manufacture. http://www.innexinc.com_

Tags: Virtual Console, Peripherals, E3 2009, Press Releases.

User Comments

Corbie

1. Corbie United States 15 May 2009, 21:28 BST

I want to get one that will let me use my TurboGrafx-16 Pad and Sega Genesis 6-button pad.

theblackdragon

2. theblackdragon United States 15 May 2009, 21:31 BST

ooo, 3-in-1? sounds pretty awesome.

Objection_Blaster

3. Objection_Blaster United States 15 May 2009, 21:32 BST

Interesting idea. I really hope I can use my N64 controller for all my VC games (well, 3/4 of them are N64.)

greyelephant

4. greyelephant United States 15 May 2009, 21:35 BST

Great idea! You never get used to the feel of the classic controller vs what you played with as a kid.

Sean Aaron

5. Sean Aaron United Kingdom 15 May 2009, 21:36 BST

Sounds like a good companion for the Classic Linker which allows use of Classic Controllers or PS/PS2 controllers via the GC controller port (great for playing Gamecube games that are better with the d-pad like Mr. Driller Drill Land).

Neomega

6. Neomega United States 15 May 2009, 21:38 BST

Sega wouldn't dare do this.
Cuz people will hype a non-existant Sega "next-gen"

VGP

7. VGP United States 15 May 2009, 21:42 BST

Time to pull out the old SNES controller because I can't stand playing Super Mario World with the Gamcube controller & and my Wii classic controller is on the frits.

KoKoO_Psy

8. KoKoO_Psy Sweden 15 May 2009, 21:51 BST

Yay! Not that i have any old game pads myself, but rejoicing for all!

Now, i have to rant. Nothing is wrong with Sin and punishment on VC and how it controls, I hear it everywhere, and i am about to snap, it works awesome on a CC, going D-pad for movement, and right analog for aim. Jumping with z of choice, and using saber on trigger of choice.

Now, party time for the coming of awesome adapter.

Betagam7

9. Betagam7 United Kingdom 15 May 2009, 21:52 BST

About time something like this came along. I don't have any problem playing NES or SNES games with the Wiimote or Classic controller but there is no real substitute for the real N64 pad. I wonder if Rumble paks will work.

thewiirocks

10. thewiirocks United States 15 May 2009, 21:54 BST

You can already get these adapters from sites like this one, but the 3-in-1 aspect is a nice twist. I might have to snag one! :)

jangonov

11. jangonov United States 15 May 2009, 21:58 BST

must get!

North99

12. North99 Canada 15 May 2009, 22:00 BST

This makes me very happy!!!! Will absolutely purchase one of these. :D :D :D

Twilight Crow

13. Twilight Crow Mexico 15 May 2009, 22:03 BST

:O, so someone heard my prayer, I'm so sick of playing SNES and N64 games with those analog shoulder triggers on the classic controller, (did anyone notice that there is no game in the entire Wii library that uses those as triggers?); also, there is nothing like playing a game with the controller it was made for, I can't wait to use all my old systems controllers on my Wii :), I hope the adapter gets easy to find over here.

Hyper Luigi

14. Hyper Luigi United States 15 May 2009, 22:06 BST

Yes! Gimme,gimme! :D

Terranigma

15. Terranigma United Kingdom 15 May 2009, 22:11 BST

This wil certainly go down well for me, although i think I'd only really use it for N64 games, Particularly with (As Said above) Sin & Punishment. I'd use it for SNES games but i need to buy a controller first.

Wrenski

16. Wrenski United States 15 May 2009, 22:17 BST

I'd love it for N64 games no doubt, but why SNES and NES games? Those work flawlessly with a CC/Vanilla remote. They should''ve covered other systems that are hard to replicate the feel of, namely the Genesis controller. Even if only three buttons, the layout just doesn't feel the same on the CC.

Starwolf_UK

17. Starwolf_UK United Kingdom 15 May 2009, 22:17 BST

Nice to find a mass produced one which will appear in retail (maybe not here in Europe initially but I'm sure an importer will have them).

I want to get one that will let me use my TurboGrafx-16 Pad and Sega Genesis 6-button pad.
I agree about the Sega bit but the problem I can see is a lack of VC games that actually use the 6 buttons :( And the layout doesn't work with any other system really :(

ECM

18. ECM United States 15 May 2009, 22:19 BST

Um, Sega 6-button support, please!

Koto

19. Koto United States 15 May 2009, 22:40 BST

now if only i still have my old controllers,too bad they were stolen :(

Hyper Luigi

20. Hyper Luigi United States 15 May 2009, 22:46 BST

@Koto
Somebody stole your controllers!? When? Why? Who?

StarDust

21. StarDust United States 15 May 2009, 22:48 BST

Retrozone have already had a solution out for quite a while now:
http://www.retrousb.com/index.php?cPath=22&osCsid=2d57ad7f64e05db6434bfb0ec8fec8cd

But me thinks the idea of having multiple controller ports all on one plug sounds really, really cool. Um, does anybody know if the Virtual console can properly emulate the effects of pressing left and right on a digital pad simultaneously? In Super Mario Bros, it creates a moonwalking effect.

beastman93

22. beastman93 United States 15 May 2009, 22:52 BST

Sounds great to me! I personally like the N64 controller to the GC's. :)

bbb7002004

23. bbb7002004 United States 15 May 2009, 22:53 BST

This should work on GC games as well, since the classic controller's signals are probably just being converted to their GC counterparts. Not particularly useful, but still cool, especially for GC games that need a good Dpad.

RadioShadow

24. RadioShadow United Kingdom 15 May 2009, 22:58 BST

@Corbie: http://www.raphnet-tech.com/products/genesis_to_wii/index.php?category=Adapters

While the price is a bit high for what it is, it works really well. I just need to buy a 6 Button Sega Genesis pad, can't play Comix Zone with the 3 Button one due to the way the Wii Emualtor works.

I might get one of those 3 in 1 Controllers, just so I can use my N64 Pads. Although making it Wireless rather than using the Gamecube port would have been a "newer" idea, although leads make the experience happen. :)

jhuhn

25. jhuhn Canada 15 May 2009, 23:10 BST

I'll just stick with my Gamecube controllers right now thank you.

Angelic Lapras King

26. Angelic Lapras King United Kingdom 15 May 2009, 23:30 BST

Interesting, but I ll see how it fairs in the reviews first.

I trust you guys are going to review it right?

Swerd_Murd

27. Swerd_Murd United States 15 May 2009, 23:35 BST

same....good idea, but between GC controller, Classic, and the new ps2-looking classic that'll drop soon, I can't see having any issues. Never owned a 64 controller and that's the only one I really see as necessary...Arcade console adapts to the wii too.

chunky_droid

28. chunky_droid Australia 16 May 2009, 00:01 BST

Great idea, it's a pity my N64 analog sticks are clunky as all hell now. I'm hoping the Japan Club Nintendo just releases a Wii Compatible N64 pad, I already have the SNES one

Pikamander2

29. Pikamander2 United States 16 May 2009, 00:05 BST

I'll buy this just so I can play Super Smash Bros. the way it was meant to be played.

MarkyVigoroth

30. MarkyVigoroth Puerto Rico 16 May 2009, 00:25 BST

I would like to buy a N64 controller with this adapter...

Super Smash Bros. Fan1999

31. Super Smash Bros. Fan1999 United States 16 May 2009, 00:37 BST

Wait a second guys. Are they suppose to reveil this at E3 2009? If so, then I hope they don't reveil a new Mario, Zelda, Kid Icarus, F-zero, or Smash Bros. early and leave us with a sub-par E3 catering only to the casual gamers.

Kawaiipikachu

32. Kawaiipikachu Australia 16 May 2009, 01:23 BST

Well i don't need this as i am the very few who finds sin & punishment fine with the classic controller & finds Ocarina of time c-pad mapping fine with the X Y Z & r-stick-down perfectly fine & yet thats 1 of the most complaine about titles .
I pretty doubtfull that the N64 adapter would work fine infact i think its only setup for 1 particular mapping of the Gamecube controller meaning it would not work with the rest .

Panda

33. Panda United States 16 May 2009, 01:29 BST

@Super Smash Bros. Fan1999: It's third-party, has no bearing on Nintendo's E3 presser.

SonicMaster

34. SonicMaster United States 16 May 2009, 03:12 BST

for a sec I thought the controllers would be part of the pack. Oh, and something else completely random, WHAT THE FRICK IS WITH THE TIME LISTED WITH YOUR COMMENTS? I live in a central time zone, and right now it's 9:12!

Panda

35. Panda United States 16 May 2009, 03:17 BST

@SonicMaster: The comments are on Greenwich Mean Time, which is 6 hours ahead of where you are.

Turbo Genesis 64

36. Turbo Genesis 64 United States 16 May 2009, 03:22 BST

This is good news. I already have the NES and SNES Retroports, but I'm still jealous of the N64 option.

I'm with Corbie! We need TG16 and Genesis/ Atari ports too!!!

SonicMaster

37. SonicMaster United States 16 May 2009, 03:23 BST

that explains it. thanks panda. Hey! That's the first time someone's responded to me! I only joined tonight.

Adamant

38. Adamant Norway 16 May 2009, 04:18 BST

Nice.
Hey, anyone know if Famicom controllers are compatible with the NES? If so, they should work on this.

StarFox

39. StarFox United States 16 May 2009, 05:09 BST

This is so sweet! I get that true nostalgic feel while playing the old games. The remote is nice for NES, but actually using the NES controller will be awesome! The classic controller is nice for SNES, but actually using the SNES controller will bring back countless memories. Also, the N64 controller will have a cooler feel to it. I'm getting it!

PuppetMasterKuruku

40. PuppetMasterKuruku United States 16 May 2009, 05:47 BST

Cool! Now, if only somebody would make a Saturn to PS2 adapter. Genesis games would really benefit from being able to use a proper controller with them. SNES-style and Gamecube controllers just aren't the same, at all.

StarFox

41. StarFox United States 16 May 2009, 06:37 BST

I wonder if this means rumble pak compatibility. I'd love to play Star Fox 64 the way it was meant to be played.

If this controller becomes hard to acquire, I'll just stick with the ones I already have. The remote suffices for an NES/SMS controller. The classic controller works as an SNES/Genesis controller. The Gamecube controller is fine as an N64 controller. However, this may end up just like the Shaft. You can find it, but only from third parties.

Which reminds me...if it does have rumble pak compatibility, will it also work on Gamecube games? I have Ocarina of Time for Gamecube, and would love to play it the way it was meant to be played.

super-nintendo

42. super-nintendo United States 16 May 2009, 08:02 BST

I have two brand NEW Nintendo branded SNES controllers and NES controllers in excellent condition. :) :)

MickEiA

43. MickEiA Australia 16 May 2009, 08:28 BST

It's just a different designed controller i'll be sticking to my Classic controller

Gizmo

44. Gizmo Germany 16 May 2009, 08:45 BST

I have my NES adapter from http://www.retrousb.com/, and it still works perfect.

MrLopez

45. MrLopez Netherlands 16 May 2009, 10:39 BST

It's pretty cool for NES and SNES game but I don't miss my N64 Controllers at all! They were so hmm crappy? Yeah that's it, the analog sucked the shape was weird and the buttons were scrambled..

Wiiloveit

46. Wiiloveit United Kingdom 16 May 2009, 14:10 BST

Snazzy.

King Elemento

47. King Elemento United Kingdom 16 May 2009, 14:32 BST

I might be more inclined to download N64 games if I can use an actual controller for it.
That, and I've never used an NES pad before, so if this gets released over here, I'll most likely buy it.

That Guy from Faxanadu

48. That Guy from Faxanadu Sweden 16 May 2009, 15:18 BST

Yup, Retrousb makes fine adapters as well. But 3 in 1 is very good. Only thing missing for me is a Mega Drive socket. Having Mega games mapped to SNES buttons gets confusing at times.

Dwarfer

49. Dwarfer United Kingdom 16 May 2009, 15:42 BST

Anyone who calls the N64 controllers 'crappy' obviously hasn't had enough experience with the console. For a start the controller is suprisingly confortable despite it's shape (most people how bash the N64 pad have never even held one). The N64 pad is virtually 3 controllers in one since there are three different ways of holding it. Lastly the control stick placement and Z button placement is perfect, especially when playing FPS games (the Z is like a trigger). The N64 controller is definately my favourite traditional controller, perhaps with the excpetion of the Wavebird.

Admittedly the control stick is bad by today's standards, but it was the first ever controller with a control stick, so, it can be forgiven for that.

Kevin

50. Kevin United States 16 May 2009, 16:22 BST

Awesome! I won't be using it for N64 controllers. Always hated that controller.I thought I was gonna break that analog stick every time I touched it. It just never felt right to me. I'm definately gonna have to buy nes and snes controllers again. Sold mine when I was saving up for my Wii. With the way the vc releases have been I wish I never sold my nes and super nes stuff.

evilralfwiggum

51. evilralfwiggum United States 16 May 2009, 16:34 BST

Sounds like a better deal then the retroport. If it's 3 in one. N64 controllers is where it's at!

brooks83

52. brooks83 United States 16 May 2009, 19:54 BST

I was about to buy some adapters from Retrousb, I think now I'll hold off for this one. 20 bucks for a 3 in 1 is a better deal than paying 20 bucks for each individually.

Nintendo-Naut

53. Nintendo-Naut United States 16 May 2009, 21:47 BST

Sweet!

Stuffgamer1

54. Stuffgamer1 United States 16 May 2009, 23:43 BST

This might make Sin & Punishment seem playable to me (I'm one of those who couldn't find controls that worked with Classic OR Gamecube controller due to lack of intelligent options), unless it turns out to suffer from the same problem I had when I tried to play the original Perfect Dark on N64 (I wanted to use D-pad and C-buttons, since one analogue, especially that one, coupled with buttons felt AWFUL!).

But I'm also one of those who isn't terribly fond of the C-Stick mapping of Zelda controls, so I'd probably use this for those at least. I really don't know why anybody would WANT to use an NES controller, though, unless you've got the late-released "bone" model. SNES might be nice, but the Classic controller usually seems to work close enough for me.

The fact that this should be releasing retail and is 3-in-1 instead of $20 per controller type is a HUGE deal, though. I look forward to further news on the product. :)

BlueFlameBat

55. BlueFlameBat United States 17 May 2009, 00:49 BST

I have to wonder if there will be any lag issues and how much time it will take for the adapter to properly process the pressed buttons.

Pj

56. Pj United Kingdom 17 May 2009, 01:20 BST

The best idea would be for Nintendo to release a "New" nes controller, SNES etc but I'd really like Sega to launch a mega drive pad for the wii. However I won't buy a N64 controller for Wii, I find the N64 controller a bit awkward, the game cube controller I find is a bit easier but that's what I think. It would be a huge cash cow for Nintendo, Sega, SNK, Turbo-grafx 16 to bring out separate pads- Annoying but it would be so cool.

Pj

57. Pj United Kingdom 17 May 2009, 01:30 BST

@That Guy from Faxanadu

You're So right it feels weird playing the Classic Sega games on a SNES controller!!

I once played Mario 64 with an N64 controller (N64) then used a Classic controller with the Wii a little bit easier...THEN I've used a Game cube controller and it's been Much easier. Am I the only person who finds it easier????????????

Nintendophile

58. Nintendophile United States 17 May 2009, 04:55 BST

I don't know about anyone else, but I think it'd be wicked cool to play Mega Man 9 with the old school NES controller. That way, it'd feel REALLY authentic! _

SteveW

59. SteveW United States 17 May 2009, 05:43 BST

Great another adapter for the Gamecube port... is Nintendo the only company that can make them connect to the Wii remote??? Not having the wire streatched across my living room so my cats can attack it and jerk the controller out of my hand would be a good thing.

StarFox

60. StarFox United States 17 May 2009, 07:06 BST

What is the SNES controller pictured? Mine has the words "Super Nintendo" engraved rather than painted black and the buttons are grey and purple rather than red, yellow, blue, and green.

@PJ: I prefer the remote for NES/SMS games, the Classic Controller for SNES/Genesis games, and the Gamecube controller for N64 games. They work fine, which is why I might skip this.

mjc0961

61. mjc0961 United States 17 May 2009, 20:13 BST

Cool, I'd love to play some Star Fox 64 with the actual N64 controller. And if it works with GameCube games as well, I'd love the SNES controller for the Mega Man Anniversary Collection.

Devastator

62. Devastator United States 17 May 2009, 23:52 BST

I think it is pretty cool that we will get this adaptor and thw Wii-motion in the same month. Two days left till punchout.

thestarbird

63. thestarbird United States 18 May 2009, 15:12 BST

this actually has already been done before. retrousb.com has been offering NES and SNES converters to GC ports for a long time and raphnet-tech.com has been offering Genesis/Master System/Atari converters to GC for a long time (I actually just got the Genesis one and I absolutely love it). I do like the idea of converting 3 at once, so I will hold off on the NES/SNES ones until this one comes out.

Cally

64. Cally United States 19 May 2009, 06:25 BST

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I saw the most amazing thing: a Hastings was selling wireless NES controllers. Yes, old-NES, wireless controllers.

I regretted not getting that when I saw it at first, and now . . .

Like somebody else said, I can't imagine using the other controller options for Goldeneye (but then, I'm not sure I feel like unlocking all the cheats all over again either).

Good deal. I love how Nintendo gives us all the peripherals to hook up to its little console . . . not too far away from the number of games it puts out. XD Just kidding.

Kirk

65. Kirk United Kingdom 20 May 2009, 12:52 BST

The only problem is going to be getting hold of old controllers that are actually in good condition.

Now if Nintendo was to re-release all these classic controllers...well that would just be great.

Sean Aaron

66. Sean Aaron United Kingdom 20 May 2009, 20:56 BST

Well, Datel makes a Famicom-styled Classic Controller that has all the buttons from the Classic Controller, but no analogue sticks...only £14.99 as well!

wAmbAm

67. wAmbAm United Kingdom 21 May 2009, 07:55 BST

Need one of these for Sega Megadrive games since one of my favourite games Eternal Champions plays weirdly with the Classic controller :(

XD375

68. XD375 Canada 22 May 2009, 13:07 BST

You guys do realize VC N64 games use different configurations, right? Not all N64 games will play the with the same button layout with this controller...

Mr 64

69. Mr 64 United Kingdom 26 May 2009, 13:59 BST

It'd be great to be able to use NES and SNES controllers as they were with VC!

Sgt Lampshade

70. Sgt Lampshade United Kingdom 30 May 2009, 20:02 BST

Ha thats great! And what a coincidence I just found my old two Snes controllers :) looks like me and my bro will be playing super probotector alien rebels the way we used to.

ganondwarf16

71. ganondwarf16 United States 18 Jun 2009, 19:38 BST

when will it be released?

colmtheperson

72. colmtheperson Ireland 29 Jul 2009, 02:09 BST

Apparently it's not that good for N64 games, check out this review

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressionsArt.cfm?artid=18754

Shinjix2

73. Shinjix2 United States 21 Sep 2009, 20:23 BST

For future reference for anyone who reads this. According to Joystik the adapter is coming out in September and will not include a N64 port due to conversion issues......sucks....

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