Wii’s Classic Controller Pro launches with Monster Hunter Tri
The Wii has long been the odd man out in the next-gen video game trifecta. The more traditional Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 are both straightforward upgrades of their previous systems (as is clear from the names), while the Wii has become more of a cultural phenomenon. With its motion-sensor control, the system attracts people unfamiliar with traditional control styles. Even parents have been attracted to programs like Wii Fit. On April 20, though, true-believers were rewarded with the Wii Classic Controller Pro, available both individually and as part of a pack with the excellent Monster Hunter Tri.The controller was available in Japan since last summer, but American fans had been left twiddling their thumbs. The controller is similar to Sony’s Dual Shock controller for their Playstation systems, including two analog joysticks and two groups of shoulder buttons in addition to the familiar directional pad and four-button group. The controller comes in black and whiteodd considering we still don’t have a black Wii in North America.The controller is designed to appease purists and make games like Monster Hunter Tri, the controller’s exploration-and-battle-heavy launch-day companion, easier to play. However, with other games like Sin & Punishment: Star Successor being noticeably upgraded to work better with the Wii remote, there was early concern over how well many Wii games would translate to a “classic” approach. Surprisingly, the Internet has been noticeably quiet about the controller since.It’s a safe bet to assume that the Wii Classic Controller will appeal to some players while hardly interesting others. It’s unlikely that it will attract new players to the system, at least not in the same waves that Wii Fit did. If you’re interested in getting your hands on something a little different for the summer video game season, though, it could be worth a look.