Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Lightweight, balanced better, less clicking, and wireless!
Pick up this controller and it is an immediate joy to play with. You will constantly realize all the "reflexes" you've picked up by playing with cords attached... sometimes you'll want to swing the controller to get the wire over your leg when you move it. Soon, you can be walking around with it, getting a drink in the kitchen, while clicking through dialogue in RPGs. And it's the same price as other controllers.So what's the catch, you ask? No rumble, and it's battery powered (2 AAs). Personally, I never once missed the rumble feature (plus, my controller no longer ends up as sweaty for those crucial turns in monkey ball). And my first set of batteries lasted me about 35+ hours of gameplay. Wait, but you didn't say anything about the controller messing up since it's wireless? That's because it doesn't. I live in an apartment with power lines five feet from my windows, which causes horrible electrical disturbance (sometimes I get two radio stations playing at once), so I am forced to put my TV in the room farthest away from them. But, wait, I take the Wavebird and place it five feet away from these powerlines, which is about 25 feet away from the TV, through walls, and the controller still works flawlessly (with a friend's help at viewing). It has a radio signal, so no pointing at the TV, it just works. It is the first, PERFECT wireless controller and even fits into your hand better, being weighted more towards your body. Having trouble with interference? Just switch the dials on the bottom to change the frequency. As controllers go, this is my favorite controller ever made.
Rating: - A huge advantage for the Gamecube
If you are still trying to decide which game system to buy, you owe it to yourself to factor in the Wavebird in your decision making process. This is hands down the best controller available.
First, consider the price. No other console system currently has a 1st party wireless controller, only 3rd party versions, all of which are a LOT more expensive than the Wavebird. At only [$$$]more than the standard controller, its an amazing bargain.
Next, consider the build quality. There is something to be said about 1st party peripherals (be it Nintendo, Sony or Microsoft). I've always found them to be better built and more precise than 3rd party controllers. The same can be said of the Wavebird. It feels every bit as solid as Nintendo's standard controller. For games requiring a lot of precision, such as Super Monkey Ball, the Wavebird can't be matched.
Finally, the Wavebird really delivers in the wireless department. No lag, no interference, just perfect. The range is very impressive. Nintendo conservatively recommends a 20 foot range, but several people have reported success using it at over 100 feet! I can use it any where in my house. Battery life looks to be good, too. The Wavebird comes with two AA batteries, and should last about 100 hours of use (just remember to turn off the Wavebird when not in use!).
There are a couple of downsides, though. First, you will need to replace batteries. Second, there is no rumble feature in the Wavebird. To be honest, though, I haven't missed the rumble feature, as it is mostly used as a gimmick and precious few games actually put the rumble feature to good use. Also, you need to be sure to set the controller and receiver unit to the same "channel" via a small dial on each. A curious four-year-old may play around with this dial, causing problems.
Despite these few shortcomings, I highly recommend the Wavebird, especially if you have kids. You can safely place your Gamecube out of the way, resulting in a lot less handling of the system by the kids. The functionality and "feel" of the controller is spot on, and the price can't be beat.
Rating: - Best Wireless controller ever--not an understatement!!!
I bought this about 5 hours ago and I must say this blows everything else wireless that Ive seen out of the water. You get to choose from 16 channels so 2 or 4 controllers don't screw each other up. It's barley heavier than the regular controller and the battery's (2AA) give it 100 hours of life! However, in order to obtain longer battery life the rumble feature was removed but believe me, you wont notice. There is no lag (delay) at all. It's like you have a cord pluged in but you don't. I'm so glad that no more of my stupid friends are doing face plants on my carpet and scratching my Cube. Anyway, even if you don't really play that far away from your TV, one day you will I promise you, and besides if just too awsome to pass up; I plan on getting four of them, who cares about rumble. So buy this.....buy it now.
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