The T-Wireless NW Gamepad for the Wii console is a fully programmable gamepad controller for the virtual console and GameCube games on the Wii system.
Ease of Use, Performance: 20/25, Look & Feel: 20/25,
Features 21/25, How much I enjoy 20/25
Total: 81/100
Even though I dislike the first person shooter on the consoles the PlayStation 3 and the Wii are not nearly as difficult to master and even enjoy than the XBox 360. I really do not know why but controlling a little grunt or mercenary on the XBox 360 in a first person shooter does not work out as well on that system and the controls are the main problem.
Now we have the Wii system and its GameCube compatible games and even the virtual console games that you download but the controller for that is the same as that outdated one for the GameCube. Enter the new Thrustmaster entry for the Wii system and that often not explored area of consoles backward compatible gaming.
The Thrustmaster T-Wireless NW Gamepad does a great job with its two analog sticks and variety of buttons, triggers and D pad for your gaming control. The controller connects to your Wii system using a wireless dongle that attaches to the GameCube controller port and the rest is easy. Plug in the T-Wireless Gamepad and turn the controller on and your ready to game, you may also have to press the connect buttons.
I found that the wireless feature worked perfectly connecting to the system as long as you have new batteries, the first try I attempted with some partially charged batteries and I was having problems. The controller works well and the wireless feature worked without a hitch at about fifteen feet, that’s as far as I can get in my living room dining room area from the console.
The controller has a whole slew of regular buttons in the familiar ABXY pattern but in a bit of a different position than the XBox controllers you may be used to. The usual trigger buttons are there for easy finger control and the D pad is on the opposite side from the ABXY buttons.
The rumble feature works as well and you may feel left out if you forget to turn it on, yes there is an on/off switch for both the rumble motors and the entire controller to help you conserve batteries. The controller takes three AAA batteries in the center compartment on the bottom and the entire shape of the controller fits nicely in my hands.
The T-Wireless gamepad is very comfortable and has rubber coated analog sticks and an area for your thumbs to rest for better non slip hold on your controller. You can also attach a wrist cord onto the controller with the additional loop at the top of the controller if you wish.
The T-Wireless Gamepad comes fully operational right out of the box with default settings that are common in games and you can even reprogram the buttons however you like. Just like the Thrustmaster T. Flight Stick X you can reprogram buttons or axis without any outside program. Simply follow the instructions in a simple two or three step process and you can reassign buttons or movements. The LED light will even help you to program the controls and ensure you are getting it correct while pressing buttons and such.
The reprogramming feature works flawlessly and is an extremely nice feature to have for console games. Many times console games have a few set controller layouts or maybe only one and having a button or two different would improve your gaming. Now on your Wii system you can reassign buttons and axis movements with the T-Wireless Gamepad.
All the console systems have their little quirks and I have been finding out just how many they do have such as the GameCube compatibility and virtual console games. The T-Wireless Gamepad is only compatible with the GameCube and virtual console games and some regular Wii games.
I found out that my copy of the Wii game Mercury Revolution Meltdown is not compatible with the T-Wireless but I did have no problems with virtual console and GameCube games. I read that the compatibility will be up to the game manufacturers for the gamepad controller and not Thrustmaster.
This is not a big deal as the T-Wireless is made more for the older games and how they control and play over how the more current Wii games are made. Most of the Wii games are designed for the Wiimote and Nunchuk so they did not worry too much about a gamepad type controller. But there are some that are useable with the gamepad controller, you just have to try and see or ask others that have the T-Wireless and the game in question to see.
The T-Wireless NW Gamepad is a great controller for the Wii system and those older GameCube and Virtual console classics. I highly recommend the T-Wireless for an inexpensive solution for a wireless controller for the Nintendo classic games on the Wii.
