Games - Wavebird

	Games - Wavebird

The Nintendo Wavebird is a wireless controller for the Nintendo GameCube video game system. It was designed and is sold by Nintendo. The Wavebird is significant in that it is the first time that a reliable first-party wireless controller has been available for a major gaming console.

The predecessor to the Wavebird is a wireless infrared adapter called the NES Satellite. Released in 1989, it used infrared technology to extend the length of up to four wired controllers. However, the extension base still needed a direct line of sight with the NES console, as did many third-party wireless IR controllers. The Wavebird is solves this problem by instead using radio frequencies, allowing the controller to be used anywhere within 20+ feet of the console; no direct line of sight is needed.

The Wavebird is built in exactly the same way as the regular GameCube's controller. It uses the exact same plastics, components (analog sticks, buttons, and triggers) and layout, while adding the wireless functionality and a battery pack. The only feature the Wavebird lacks is the rumble feature, which uses motors that would eat into battery life. Some gamers have reported that the analog sticks are built better and last longer than a normal GameCube's controller.

The idea of a wireless controller now has become a standard, as all three next generation consoles (The Nintendo Revolution, Microsoft's Xbox 360, and Sony's PlayStation 3) will utilize them.

Up to 16 Wavebirds can be used in the same area if each is set to a different channel. The range of the Wavebird is officially 20 feet, but reports of 60-70 feet have been heard.
The Wavebird is available in the United States and Canada in light gray and Platinum color choices.
The Platinum-colored Wavebird was released in December 2002 to match the Nintendo GameCube
of the same colour.
The Wavebird's name is likely a reference to Dolphin, the GameCube's codename during its development. An alternative meaning could refer to the fact that a bird is a free-flying creature, and the controller uses radio waves to communicate with the main console.

Category:Nintendo hardware Category:Game controllers

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Wavebird ]

Games - Wavebird

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