 Platinum WaveBird Wireless Controller + receiver | |
| Manufacturer | Nintendo |
|---|---|
| Type | Gamepad |
| Generation | Sixth generation |
| Lifespan | 2002–2007[1] |
| Units sold | Unknown |
| Input |
|
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz wireless RF |
| Power | 2 × AA batteries |
| Dimensions | 2.5 × 5.5 × 4 inches 65 × 140 × 100 mm |
| Weight | 7.4 oz/210 g (with batteries)5.8 oz/164 g (without batteries) |
TheWaveBird Wireless Controller (stylized asWAVEBIRD, commonly abbreviated asWaveBird orWaveBirdcontroller) is aradio frequency-basedwireless controller manufactured byNintendo for use with theGameCubehome video game console. Its name is a reference to Dolphin,[2] the GameCube's codename during development.[3] The WaveBird was available for purchase separately as well as in bundles with eitherMetroid Prime orMario Party 4, which were exclusive toKmart in the US.[4][better source needed]
Nintendo had attempted to create a reliable wireless controller since the development of theFamicom. Its first attempt was for theAdvanced Video System (AVS), the precursor to theNintendo Entertainment System (NES), which included two wireless controllers but was never released.[5][6]
Nintendo later developed aninfrared (IR) adapter called theNES Satellite for the NES. Released in 1989, it used infrared to extend the length of up to four wired controllers, which would plug into the base of the unit rather than the console. The base could then be positioned anywhere within a certain range of the NES without the need for a cable.[7][8] However, the extension base still needed a direct line of sight with the NES console; line of sight is a significant limitation of IR technology, requiring a clear space between an IR port and controller.[9][10]
Radio Frequency controllers were not possible in the late 1980s as the early digital RF links were bulky and used too much power to be useful in battery-powered devices. However, advancements inintegrated circuits made radio controllers for game consoles commercially viable only a decade later.[citation needed] The WaveBird, released in 2002, solved previous usability problems of wireless controllers by relying onradio frequency communication instead of infrared, allowing the controller to be used anywhere within 6 meters (20 feet) of the console.[11] Although Nintendo only certifies the WaveBird to work within this 6 meters (20 feet) range, tests have proven that they may work as far as 27.5 meters (90 feet) on all 16 different channels.[12] This controller would become the first modern wireless gaming controller,[13] leading to the proliferation of wireless console gaming controllers for subsequent gaming generations, starting with theseventh generation'sWii Remote (Wii),DualShock 3 controller (PlayStation 3) and theXbox 360 controller (Xbox 360).
The WaveBird Wireless Controller was designed and sold by Nintendo.[1] Unlike most wireless controllers of its era, it relies on RF technology (first used in gaming with Atari's CX-42 joysticks[14]) instead ofinfrared line-of-sight signal transmission,[1] and the controller's radio transceiver operates at 2.4 GHz.[15] The range of the WaveBird controller is officially 6 meters (20 feet)[16] but some users have reported ranges of 18–21 meters (59–69 ft).[1] The WaveBird includes a small receiver unit which must be plugged into the controller port of the GameCube. Made of the same gray-colored plastic as the standard WaveBird, it features a channel-selection wheel and an LED to indicate when a signal is received. Up to sixteen WaveBird controllers may be used in the same area if each is set to a different channel.[16]
The WaveBird Wireless Controller maintains the same overall aesthetic design as the standardGameCube controller. The components (analog sticks, buttons, and triggers) and layout remain the same, while adding wireless functionality and space for two standardAA batteries.[16] It is somewhat larger and heavier than a standard GameCube controller, with a channel selector dial, an on/off switch, and an orangeLED power indicator on the face of the controller in place of the gap between the D-pad and the C-stick. Functionally, the only feature the WaveBird controller lacks compared to the standard controller is therumble feature, the motors of which would reducebattery life.[1]
The WaveBird Wireless Controller was available in most regions only in light gray and platinum colors. In Japan, two limited edition WaveBird models were released throughClub Nintendo: 1,000 Special Edition Gundam "Char's Customized Color" WaveBirds (two-toned red with the Neo-Zeon logo) to coincide with the Japan-only GameCube release ofMobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Z Gundam,[17] and a "Club Nintendo" WaveBird (white top with light blue bottom and Club Nintendo logo).[18]
Like all GameCube controllers, the WaveBird Wireless Controller is compatible with the original Wii model (RVL-001),[19] for use with GameCube andVirtual Console titles as well ascertain Wii games andWiiWare titles. Since the launch of the Wii, the WaveBird has seen increased popularity due to its ability to control these games wirelessly.[20]
Following speculation that Nintendo might re-release the WaveBird due to the popularity of its use on the Wii, a Nintendo representative confirmed that there were no plans to offer WaveBirds in stores again.[21] Although the representative stated that "original GameCube controllers" would be available directly from Nintendo, there is no listing for the WaveBird.[22]
In November 2014, Nintendo released a GameCube controller adapter for use with theWii U alongside the release ofSuper Smash Bros. for Wii U. In 2018, shortly after the announcement ofSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate for theNintendo Switch, the company added support for the Wii U GameCube controller adapter for the newer hybrid console.[23]
Anascape Ltd, aTexas-based firm, filed a lawsuit against Nintendo for patent infringements regarding Nintendo's controllers.[24] A July 2008 verdict found that a ban would be issued preventing Nintendo from selling several controllers, including the WaveBird, in the United States. Nintendo was free to continue selling the WaveBird pending an appeal to theU.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.[25] On April 13, 2010, Nintendo won the appeal and the previous court decision was reversed.[26]
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