Binding: Video Game Brand: Nintendo EAN: 0045496950538 Label: Nintendo of America Manufacturer: Nintendo of America Model: VANIN 045496950538 Platform: GameCube Publisher: Nintendo of America Release Date: November 01, 2003 Sales Rank: 1858 Studio: Nintendo of America
Features:
Control your favorite games from up to 20 feet away -- the RF transmitter send signals to a Receiver that plugs into your GameCube
Up to 16 different channels can be set -- set up as many as four wireless controllers, for massive multiplayer action
Works on 2 AA Batteries that provide up to 100 hours of gameplay for each controller (not included)
Product Description: With the WaveBird Wireless Controller you can enjoy true freedom of movement -- no morewires to limit whereyou can sit or get tangled up in!
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Review for Wavebird
Introduction
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I remember when these controllers came out. I was an employee at Best Buy at the time and got employee discount on it hence making the controller cost $20 instead of $30. This controller is probably one of the best (if not the best) wireless controllers out. In 2003 most of the wireless controllers were based on IR but with new breakthroughs in integrated circuits, Nintendo based this controller on a RF.
Pros
*****
- Shares all the benefits of being a wireless controller (no tangled cords, etc)
- Definitely has excellent battery life for being a wireless controller
- Made with the same quality as a GameCube controller
- 16 RF channels enable the wireless controller to be used with numerous other WaveBird wireless controllers
Cons
*****
- No Rumble Feature (although that is a very very weak con considering the battery life makes up for it)
Conclusion
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The WaveBird controller sells for retail $29.99. However, since the Wii gives the option to use the Wavebird for games and that Nintendo has discontinued the production of this product, prices for this controller have a range. This controller is definitely one that every Wii/GameCube owner should at least have one of these. Ive had mine since it came out in 2003 and its my favorite controller to use. I would recommend if you want it to last as long as possible is to buy either the Energizer ultimate lithium or the Duracell PowerPix AA batteries. They do cost more than the typical AA battery but the length of use you get out of the battery definitely makes it worth the price. Overall this Gamecube Controller definitely makes my Top 5 on best accessories by a console.
Personal Commentary (Optional Read)
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For people that say that the remote controls interfere with this controller obviously have no knowledge of what IR and RF are.
For the people that say that there is lag with the wireless controller, yes there is lag but its so small that the only time you will notice it is that if you are a competitive console gamer which accounts for <1% of the gamer population. By the way the lag is within <1 ms.
For the people that say that people can cheat by taking over your controller by being on your frequency, why are you even playing with them in the first place? If they don't play fair then they are not worth your time.
For the people that say the controller is too bulky, use it for about 2 straight, consecutive weeks and come back. Converting from a regular GameCube controller to a WaveBird does not take long at all; sure it is bulky at first but you adapt to it. By the way unless your thumbs are 3-4 inches long there is really no way to "accidentally" turn off the controller.
For the people that say that the buttons wear down over time, welcome to the world of "wear and tear". If you are planning to play a button mashing game, ie SSB, I would recommend to get a corded controller than a WaveBird. I am not saying that the WaveBird can't handle the button mashing, I am saying that its much more economical to button mash a $20 controller than a $30 controller.
Rating: - NO WIRES!
Awesome to have a wireless item that works great and a must have for any nintendo system!
Rating: - Wavebirds - the ONLY good wireless controller for Gamecube/Wii
The Good:
- Amazing range. No dropouts ever!
- 16 channels. Each is hard-coded so not dependent on auto-synchronization
- No problems with analog-controller drift
- OEM feel. Very solid, great construction.
- Batteries last a very, very long time.
The Bad:
- No rumble
- A little bulky (but balance is good so bulk isn't too bad)
- No extra features like turbo, macros etc.
- Pricey. (Come on Nintendo, start producing these again!!!)
After having tried other wireless controllers, the Wavebirds stand far and above all the rest. Other wireless controllers I've tried have drop-outs, but not the Wavebirds. Note that Wavebirds use radio frequencies instead of infra-red like most (all?) the others. RF is much less subject to interference and the range is much better.
These are well made controllers that last. I bought 2 Wavebirds used. The analog stick on one of them is a little loose, but it doesn't affect play. Also, I've never had problems with analog drift.
There are no extra features like rumble, turbo, macros etc - this is just a basic controller. However, "it just works" which is the main function. There has only been 1 game that I've found (so far) in which rumble was really missed (and not just a gimmick add-on like usual). (This game is Mario Party 4 in which rumble helps on one of the mini-games).
After having purchased 2 non-Wavebirds, I regret buying them and would have saved up and paid for the Wavebirds. (However, now that the going price is up from $35/each to $55/each I don't know about that.) The Intec G5089's aren't bad (especially for $20) as long as you maintain line-of-sight between the controller and console.
I can't figure out why Nintendo stopped production on these. This is the only really good wireless controller for the Gamecube/Wii.
Rating: - Almost Necessary
The wavebird is a must-buy if you plan on playing your gamecube from more than a few feet away. I've gotten my wavebird to work as far as 30' away through a window, from my backyard into my living room. It's pretty efficient with batteries, and it actually weighs less than the wired controller (with batteries).
It's only major flaw is the lack of rumble, but for most games, you're not missing out on much. One of the smaller issues I've had has been if you are rough with the wavebird, sometimes the battery fall off the connections and it will seem like the batteries are dead, even if they're not. The channel system is a little frustrating as well, because if you're not careful you can switch channels during play.
worth getting, but maybe at a lower price.
Rating: - Remote Control
I bought this for my grandson and he loves it and plays with it all the time.
- Review for Wavebird
- Almost Necessary
