The Wii's controller is pretty good for the motion-heavy games in the console's library. However, the Wiimote's position of buttons make it awkward to play games the "old-fashioned way", especially if, like myself, you're looking to buy retro games off the Virtual Console and more buttons and a familiar style of playing is needed. Well this is where Nintendo's Classic Controller comes in. I bought this for £14.99 from GAME though its RRP is £15.99 according to Amazon. To be honest prices on the internet still seem to be around this price, so it's best buying it off eBay.

The Classic Controller is designed in a similar fashion to various pads, only coloured a clear white to match other Wii accessories: directional pad, two joysticks (one used for movement, the other's use will vary depending on the game), four buttons to the right (a, b, x, y), the Home button in the middle with '+' and '-' to its left and right, and four shoulder buttons across the top. It came in a rather plain box that had the pad and one of those Health and Safety leaflets that came bundled with the console except specific to this controller. You use it by connecting the cable with the bottom of the Wiimote where the nunchuck would plug in, meaning that it is still a wireless connection.

I enjoy using the classic controller when I need to. It is easy to grip in both hands, being much lighter and flatter than Gamecube or Playstation controllers, and the buttons are well placed within easy reach of your fingers. Since it doesn't rely on motion control it is excellent for both retro games and recent titles where use of the classic controller is optional but perhaps more efficient for older players who want to play Mario Kart Wii old school! (Note that only some Wii games outside of Virtual Console are classic controller compatible- check the back of the box.)

I think the classic controller is a nifty purchase for anyone who doesn't want to depend on the Wiimote/nunchuck combo all the time and want an alternative for certain genres of games (fighting, action etc.). However, those who own a GameCube controller already will find this a redundant purchase since the former works in the same way and will be compatible with any game the classic controller is, so don't bother forking out your money. Furthermore it is still quite expensive as Wii accessories go especially given this has been around for four years now. Otherwise this is certainly worth considering for those who want to play the Wii like they do their PS3 or 360.