Wireless control has always been the ultimate luxury when it comes to audiovisual entertainment.  Once infrared control became standard, channel surfing revolutionized TV.  With video games, wireless controls have had a checkered past.  Ravenous battery eating, limited range and, most importantly, poor response are just some of the problems with earlier wireless controllers.  The Wavebird wireless controller from Nintendo promises to be the perfect controller, blending wired controller performance with wireless freedom.

The Wavebird consists of the actual controller itself, and a receiver unit that plugs into the GameCube.  In terms of feel, the controller is almost indistinguishable from the standard GameCube controller.  The differences are mainly aesthetic and, while playing, no real difference is felt by the player.  The main design change between the standard controller and Wavebird lies in a 16-channel selector wheel in small plastic bank between the d-pad and the c-stick.  The controller does exclude rumble/feedback capability, which has been traded off for the weight of two AA batteries.

The receiver unit is approximately 2x1x1 inches, and plugs into the controller slot no differently than the standard controller.  It has a 16-channel selector wheel at the bottom and a LED signal light.  The light illuminates whenever the controller on the specified channel is sending a signal, i.e. when a button is pressed. 

The performance of the Wavebird is nothing short of magnificent.  There is no latency or delay between the press of a button and the action on screen.  In this respect, it performs no different than the standard controller.  The wireless control also functions better than promised.  Nintendo promises wireless gameplay ”up to 20 feet” on the packaging of Wavebird.   I’ve been able to use if from well over a hundred feet away and far out of visual range, through walls and other obstructions.  The removal of the rumble function is an issue in some games, but the additional freedom usually makes up for it.  The battery life is also excellent.  Through more than a month of regular play, I’ve yet to change the included batteries, or get a dimming of the indicator light. 

The Wavebird is the new weapon of choice. The controller only differs from the standard GameCube controller in the omission of rumble capacity and the inclusion of wireless capability.  Definitely an advisable purchase, and the new necessity for multiplayer marathons.