By King Cube

For as long as I can remember, developers have struggled with dreams of a wireless controller. Until now, products that have been available have been badly done and use infra-red in order to transmit their signals to the console. The only small problem with this is if the line of the infra red gets disturbed then gameplay stops. If there is something or someone in the way, then the game stops prematurely until the line of infrared resumes. I am surprised no one had thought of it before as it really is pure genius. The answer to all our problems was something that could transmit around corners, through walls (!), anywhere basically and a signal that could not be broken. Nintendo have succeeded where others have failed miserably for one simple reason: RF transmission. This is a radio frequency which cannot be broken however hard you may try!

It's official. Home console gaming no longer means being tied down, as Nintendo announce that its GameCube Wavebird wireless controller launches in Europe from November 22nd. Completely free from cable and unaffected by anything that gets in its way, the Wavebird is set to change the way we play games forever. So incredibly useful this is the accessory you cannot live without.

When importing it like I did not a lot comes in the "box". It comes in a vacuum packed casing and not a box like UK hardware/software etc. You get an instruction sheet, 2 batteries, a small receiver for the controller and the Wavebird itself. Cleverly it includes batteries so you can just plug in and play the minute you get it which will really please most people who have been waiting by the door for their wireless delight to arrive.

It can play GameCube games without the wires! - The small receiver plugs into a controller port on the GameCube, and leaves enough space for your Memory Card beneath. You can also use up to four receivers for four-player enjoyment. The receiver itself has a green LED on the front panel that lights up when a signal is received from WaveBird. The WaveBird itself has an on / off switch with an orange LED below it, which functions as a battery power indicator. When the power LED starts to dim, it means the batteries are getting low on power. The controls do not function as well and when you press a button it can often not do anything. That is your cue to change the batteries. However, the WaveBird is estimated by Nintendo to last about 100 hours on two AA batteries but mine has lasted over a month. Battery life isn't something you should spend your time worrying about. Just be aware of the problem and have a spare set of batteries on hand. Nintendo also claimed that you can play with the Wavebird up to 20 feet away from your console. Tests show that it can carry on functioning up to 90ft away.
Compatible with all GameCube games, the Wavebird combats the age-old hassle of floors covered with cable and tangled wire jams. Stylish, sleek and ergonomic, the Wavebird is the latest installment of design genius from Nintendo, following the critically acclaimed GameCube that received rave reviews from design gurus the world over.

The Wavebird uses radio waves rather than Infrared signals to allow true flexibility whilst playing. As radio waves are not affected by obstacles in the line of sight between transmitter and receiver, the Wavebird lets you play from virtually anywhere in the house with almost anything or anyone in your way. So, now there's no stopping you if Eternal Darkness has you hiding behind the furniture in fright, Super Mario Sunshine has you leaping from chair to chair and Star Fox Adventures has you navigating your garden, cable free = freedom from the sofa.

As pioneers in games development, both software and hardware, it is not surprising that the Wavebird represents another world first from Nintendo. Having already taken the American games industry by storm since its launch on June 10 2002, the Wavebird is poised to have similar results here.

Anybody who wants to play a GameCube free of all cables should buy the Wavebird Controller. You have so much more freedom without the controller wire and the advantages of a wireless controller are difficult to understand until you've experienced it yourself. It simply makes using the console a more enjoyable experience: you're free to play from wherever you want with the controller.

Outstanding range, battery life, build quality, overall another top class product from the Nintendo family. A unique and genius of a controller which can be beaten by no other. In conclusion if you have a GameCube you are probably going to want! The Wavebird surpassed my expectations and is a genuine worthy purchase for your GameCube. If you are thinking about getting another controller STOP! Get a Wavebird, you will thank me for it!