Thrustmaster T-Wireless NW Gamepad
The T-Wireless NW Gamepad for the Wii console is a fully programmable gamepad controller for the virtual console and GameCube games on the Wii system.
Ease of Use, Performance: 20/25, Look & Feel: 20/25,
Features 21/25, How much I enjoy 20/25
Total: 81/100
Even though I dislike the first person shooter on the consoles the PlayStation 3 and the Wii are not nearly as difficult to master and even enjoy than the XBox 360. I really do not know why but controlling a little grunt or mercenary on the XBox 360 in a first person shooter does not work out as well on that system and the controls are the main problem.
Now we have the Wii system and its GameCube compatible games and even the virtual console games that you download but the controller for that is the same as that outdated one for the GameCube. Enter the new Thrustmaster entry for the Wii system and that often not explored area of consoles backward compatible gaming.
The Thrustmaster T-Wireless NW Gamepad does a great job with its two analog sticks and variety of buttons, triggers and D pad for your gaming control. The controller connects to your Wii system using a wireless dongle that attaches to the GameCube controller port and the rest is easy. Plug in the T-Wireless Gamepad and turn the controller on and your ready to game, you may also have to press the connect buttons.
I found that the wireless feature worked perfectly connecting to the system as long as you have new batteries, the first try I attempted with some partially charged batteries and I was having problems. The controller works well and the wireless feature worked without a hitch at about fifteen feet, that’s as far as I can get in my living room dining room area from the console.
The controller has a whole slew of regular buttons in the familiar ABXY pattern but in a bit of a different position than the XBox controllers you may be used to. The usual trigger buttons are there for easy finger control and the D pad is on the opposite side from the ABXY buttons.
The rumble feature works as well and you may feel left out if you forget to turn it on, yes there is an on/off switch for both the rumble motors and the entire controller to help you conserve batteries. The controller takes three AAA batteries in the center compartment on the bottom and the entire shape of the controller fits nicely in my hands.