Compatiblity

Let's keep this one simple. I have a complaint (big surprise) about Nintendo's logic. For Christmas, I asked for the new Super Mario Brothers Wii game. It is a side-scrolling mario brothers game that really mirrors the early Mario games - same game play, same Princess getting kidnapped, etc. I am all about this idea because while Mario 64 was great, I never got into Mario Sunshine and I was impressed by but was still not terribly interested in Mario Galaxy.

Linked to the page via Amazon under their 'Related Items' was this item labeled "Classic Controller". Clicking on it, I realized this is a Wii-adapted Classic SNES controller/paddle/remote. What better way to play a classic SNES game than with a modern version of the SNES controller. If you have tried - playing these style games (non-Wii-mote games a la Wii Sports) with a Wiimote is frustrating. Holding the Wiimote sideways is not nearly as efficient as the classic SNES controller - why do you think people opt to use GameCube controllers?

So imagine my surprise when I headed to the basement today with my new controller and game in hand, ready to play my new game, and was prompted with a screen that would significantly put a damper on my morning. After installing a system update, and plugging in my controller, I started up the game. As soon as I get to the opening start screen a message pops up on the screen. "This adapter is not compatible"

What a waste of 40 bucks - can't return it - the package was glued closed - you had to rip the cardboard to get it out. Not only was I unable to use this controller, but as expected - using the Wiimote is just a pain. I want to know the logic behind not allowing this controller to be compatible. From my previous paragraphs you can understand my line of thinking to why it would be logical for these two things to work together. Right now, I am baffled by it.

Fortunately - I have another game that it might work with, and the video game (Super Mario Bros. Wii) is a real blast and totally feels like old Mario Bros. games. So a word of advice, if you are buying the game - skip the controller.