Release Date: 09/14/2001
Note: Since the Nintendo Wii is fully backwards compatible with Gamecube games, Nintendo has added controller ports on the Nintendo Wii system to make use of the Gamecube controllers. The Gamecube controller can also be used as an option for more than a few Nintendo Wii games such as Super Smash Bros. Brawland a few others. The controller is also compatible with classic games from previous generations available through the Virtual Console.
The Nintendo GameCube controller features four face buttons, three shoulder buttons, a start button, a joystick, a C-stick, and a D-pad. It features rumble feedback and was made specifically to be comfortable in the player's hands. The L and R buttons each have a digital and analog mode. The digital mode is when the player presses the button so that it clicks, whereas analog is when they don't exert as much pressure on the controller. This features causes them to each have two buttons. The third shoulder button, which is purple and is known as the Z button, does not have this feature.