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Nintendo Co.’s Wii Classic Controller is a great option for owners who want to experience vintage titles on a wireless pad.

The Classic Controller is currently sold in retail stores for $19.99.

The control pad is shaped like the Super Nintendo pad but features larger buttons, analog triggers, two ZL and ZR buttons, and two analog sticks in the center. In addition, the controller is wireless and requires connection to the Wii Remote.

The pad adopts Wii functionality with the Home button placed in the center. When the Home button is pressed during play of a Virtual Console title, an additional menu option appears that will allow owners to view instructions for the game.

The Classic Controller can double as a navigator for Wii Menus via the analog stick. Players press A to execute functions like the Wii Remote.

A design hiccup in the controller lies in the placement of the cord, which protrudes from the bottom of the pad rather than the top. The wire can be cumbersome when faced towards the player. In addition, the wire is not lengthy so the Wii Remote needs to be tethered close by.

Another problem is that the controller cannot be used to control GameCube games. While future employment of the feature is not out of the question, out-of-box compatibility would be more practical.

The Wii Classic Controller is a great peripheral for the Wii. The lightweight pad features a standard design that all players can use, however, be aware that it has several caveats that lessen its full potential.