The general design is similar to the WaveBird and the corded GameCube controller, but the buttons are smaller and less responsive. Smaller hands won't have too much of a problem with it, but big-mitted gamers might find the controller cramped and uncomfortable. Finally, the Start button is tucked down between the controller's directional pad and the secondary analog stick, making it much more difficult to readily access than the WaveBird's Start button. Unlike the WaveBird, the MicroCon doesn't have a wireless channel selector. This isn't a major problem, but gamers who want to use several wireless GameCube controllers at one time might notice some interference.
Modeled after the original GameCube controller, the MicroCon is obviously suited well for playing GameCube games. Regrettably, Virtual Console games are much more hit or miss. Because of the button layout, some older games can feel pretty awkward. The large A button, along with the smaller B, Y, and X buttons, feel much different from the old NES and Super Nintendo controllers, and the pressure-sensitive shoulder buttons must be pushed down all the way to register a button press.
Unfortunately, Nintendo doesn't offer much of a choice for playing older games on the Wii. The conventional design of the Wii Classic Controller is much more suited for Virtual Console games, but it won't play GameCube games at all. As indicated, the MadCatz MicroCon, the Nintendo WaveBird, and other (wired) GameCube controllers can play both GameCube and Virtual Console games, but they're not nearly as comfortable for older games. The Classic Controller might feel better, but you'd be missing out on the greatest games of the last generation like Metroid Prime, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and Star Wars Rogue Leader. In the end, we prefer a GameCube controller because of its support for nearly every old game in Nintendo's library. We're also willing to pay a bit extra for the better ergonomics and rumble support offered by the Nintendo WaveBird. But if you prefer a smaller controller and want to save a few bucks, the Mad Catz GameCube MicroCon Wireless Controller is a decent alternative.
- See more CNET content tagged:
- Nintendo GameCube,
- Nintendo Co. Ltd.,
- Nintendo Wii,
- controller,
- gamer
Where to buy
Mad Catz GameCube MicroCon Wireless Controller:
$14.82 - $29.29
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
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PhotoAlley.com
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$14.82 | No |
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WolfCamera.com
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$14.82 | Yes |
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eBay
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$29.29 | Yes |
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CameraWorld.com
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$14.82 | Yes |
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eCOST.com
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$23.99 | Yes |
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