Editing WaveBird Wireless Controller

{{short description|Radio frequency-based wireless controller for the GameCube}}

{{Infobox Information appliance
| name = WaveBird Wireless Controller
| image = [[File:Nintendo-GameCube-Wavebird-Silver.jpg|250px|Silver WaveBird Wireless Controller + receiver]]
| caption = Platinum WaveBird Wireless Controller + receiver
| manufacturer = [[Nintendo]]
| type = [[Gamepad]]
| generation = [[History of video game consoles (sixth generation)|Sixth generation]]
| lifespan = 2002–2007<ref name="ign-review" />
| codename = 
| connectivity = 2.4&nbsp;GHz wireless RF
| Discontinued = 
| unitssold = Unknown
| camera = 
| power = 2&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[AA batteries]]
| cpu = 
| storage = 
| memory = 
| display = 
| service = 
| dimensions = 2.5&nbsp;×&nbsp;5.5&nbsp;×&nbsp;4&nbsp;inches<br/>65&nbsp;×&nbsp;140&nbsp;×&nbsp;100&nbsp;mm
| weight = 7.4&nbsp;[[ounce|oz]]/210&nbsp;[[gram|g]] (with batteries){{Clear}}5.8&nbsp;oz/164&nbsp;g (without batteries)
| input = *2&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[analog stick]]s
*2&nbsp;×&nbsp;hybrid analog triggers/digital buttons
*6&nbsp;×&nbsp;digital buttons
*Digital [[D-Pad]]
| touchpad = 
| topgame = 
| predecessor = 
| successor = 
| related = 
}}
The '''WaveBird Wireless Controller''' (stylized as '''WAVEBIRD''', commonly abbreviated as '''WaveBird''' or '''WaveBird''' '''controller''') is a [[radio frequency]]-based [[wireless controller]] manufactured by [[Nintendo]] for use with the [[GameCube]] [[home video game console]]. Its name is a reference to Dolphin,<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 26, 2001 |title=Nintendo WaveBird |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/09/26/nintendo-wavebird?amp=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004433/http://uk.gear.ign.com/articles/306/306359p1.html |archive-date=July 13, 2011 |access-date=2006-08-28 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> the GameCube's codename during development.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Tony |date=August 24, 2000 |title=Nintendo Launches GameCube |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2000/08/24/nintendo_launches_gamecube/ |access-date=2006-08-28 |publisher=[[The Register]] |archive-date=2005-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050906213620/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2000/08/24/nintendo_launches_gamecube/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The WaveBird was available for purchase separately as well as in bundles with either ''[[Metroid Prime]]'' or ''[[Mario Party 4]]'', which were exclusive to [[Kmart]] in the US.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GameCube Wavebird Wireless Controller Grey & Metroid Prime Bundle, Set, K-Mart Exclusive Gift Pack, Official Nintendo Release |url=https://www.amazon.com/GameCube-Wavebird-Wireless-Controller-Exclusive-Official/dp/B000RBA6V0 |access-date=2020-06-17 |website=[[Amazon.com]]}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=June 2020}}

==Development==
[[Nintendo]] had attempted to create a reliable wireless controller since the development of the [[History of the Nintendo Entertainment System#Origins (1981–1984)|Famicom]]. Its first attempt was for the [[History of the Nintendo Entertainment System#Advanced Video System home computer (1985)|Advanced Video System]] (AVS), the precursor to the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] (NES), which included two wireless controllers but was never released.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nintendo Famicom: 20 Years of Fun |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/july03/famicom/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826021802/http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/july03/famicom/ |archive-date=August 26, 2009 |access-date=2015-06-27 |website=[[GameSpy]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldberg |first=Marty |title=Nintendo Entertainment System 20th Anniversary |url=http://www.classicgaming.com/features/articles/nes20th/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704220321/http://classicgaming.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=208 |archive-date=July 4, 2012 |access-date=2015-06-27 |website=ClassicGaming.com}}</ref>

Nintendo later developed an [[infrared]] (IR) adapter called the [[NES Satellite]] for the NES. Released in 1989, it used infrared to extend the length of up to four wired controllers, which would plug into the base of the unit rather than the console. The base could then be positioned anywhere within a certain range of the NES without the need for a cable.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brooks |first=Andree |date=May 4, 1991 |title=Picking Out a Home Video Game System |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/04/news/picking-out-a-home-video-game-system.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617230726/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/04/news/picking-out-a-home-video-game-system.html |archive-date=June 17, 2020 |access-date=24 May 2012 |work=[[The New York Times]] |page=1.48}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NES Satellite - Nerd Bacon Reviews |url=http://www.nerdbacon.com/nes-satellite |access-date=2015-06-27 |website=NerdBacon.com |archive-date=2015-11-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114015101/http://nerdbacon.com/nes-satellite/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the extension base still needed a direct line of sight with the NES console; line of sight is a significant limitation of IR technology, requiring a clear space between an IR port and controller.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NES Satellite Wireless Controller Repair |url=http://www.retrofixes.com/2013/12/nes-satellite-repair-wireless.html |access-date=2015-06-27 |website=RetroFixes.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Layton |first=Julia |title=Infrared Remote Controls: The Process - How Remote Controls Work |url=http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/remote-control2.htm |access-date=2015-06-27 |website=[[HowStuffWorks]] |archive-date=2015-07-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701033303/http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/remote-control2.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Radio Frequency controllers were not possible in the late 1980s as the early digital RF links were bulky and used too much power to be useful in battery-powered devices. However, advancements in [[integrated circuits]] made radio controllers for game consoles commercially viable only a decade later.{{citation needed|date=June 2015}} The WaveBird, released in 2002, solved previous usability problems of wireless controllers by relying on [[radio frequency]] communication instead of infrared, allowing the controller to be used anywhere within {{convert|6|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}} of the console.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WaveBird Controller - Nintendo GameCube - Support |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/.../WaveBird-Controller-619194.html |access-date=2015-06-27 |publisher=[[Nintendo]]}}</ref> Although Nintendo only certifies the WaveBird to work within this {{convert|6|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}} range, tests have proven that they may work as far as {{convert|27.5|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}} on all 16 different channels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wiley |first=M. |date=June 11, 2002 |title=Nintendo WaveBird Review |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/06/11/nintendo-wavebird-review |access-date=2015-06-27 |website=[[IGN]] |archive-date=2013-09-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923231827/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/06/11/nintendo-wavebird-review |url-status=live }}</ref> This controller would become the first modern wireless gaming controller,<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 February 2015 |title=What Have Nintendo Ever Done for Us? |url=https://metro.co.uk/2015/02/01/what-have-nintendo-ever-done-for-us-readers-feature-5042303/ |access-date=24 August 2021 |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |archive-date=24 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824022652/https://metro.co.uk/2015/02/01/what-have-nintendo-ever-done-for-us-readers-feature-5042303/ |url-status=live }}</ref> leading to the proliferation of wireless console gaming controllers for subsequent gaming generations, starting with the [[seventh generation of video game consoles|seventh generation]]'s [[Wii Remote]] ([[Wii]]), [[DualShock 3 controller]] ([[PlayStation 3]]) and the [[Xbox 360 controller]] ([[Xbox 360]]).

==Design==
The WaveBird Wireless Controller was designed and sold by Nintendo.<ref name="ign-review">{{Cite web |last=Wiley |first=M. |date=June 11, 2002 |title=Nintendo WaveBird Review |url=http://uk.gear.ign.com/articles/361/361933p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202021854/http://uk.gear.ign.com/articles/361/361933p1.html |archive-date=February 2, 2007 |access-date=2020-06-22 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Unlike most wireless controllers of its era, it relies on RF technology (first used in gaming with Atari's CX-42 joysticks<ref name="atarimuseum">{{Cite web |title=The Atari 2600 Remote Controlled Joystick |url=http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/2600/2600rc.html |access-date=2007-01-27 |website=Atari Museum |archive-date=2003-06-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030623100648/http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/2600/2600rc.html |url-status=live }}</ref>) instead of [[infrared]] line-of-sight signal transmission,<ref name="ign-review" /> and the controller's radio transceiver operates at 2.4&nbsp;GHz.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powers |first=Rick |date=December 9, 2002 |title=Mitsubishi to Supply 2.4GHz WaveBird Chip |url=http://nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=8096 |access-date=2008-12-22 |website=Nintendo World Report |archive-date=2009-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113183406/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=8096 |url-status=live }}</ref> The range of the WaveBird controller is officially {{convert|6|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}}<ref name="manual" /> but some users have reported ranges of {{convert|18|–|21|m|ft|sp=us}}.<ref name="ign-review" /> The WaveBird includes a small receiver unit which must be plugged into the controller port of the GameCube. Made of the same gray-colored plastic as the standard WaveBird, it features a channel-selection wheel and an LED to indicate when a signal is received. Up to sixteen WaveBird controllers may be used in the same area if each is set to a different channel.<ref name="manual">{{Cite web |title=Operation of the WaveBird Controller |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/wave_english.pdf |access-date=2006-08-28 |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |archive-date=2006-11-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061111223645/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/wave_english.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2025, an [[open-source]] implementation of the WaveBird protocol was released, called WavePhoenix. It enables the construction of a replacement receiver.<ref name="WavePhoenix">{{cite web |last1=McFerran |first1=Damien |title=The WavePhoenix Brings Nintendo's Best Controller Back To Life For $5 |url=https://www.timeextension.com/news/2025/05/the-wavephoenix-brings-nintendos-best-controller-back-to-life-for-usd5 |website=[[Time Extension]] |publisher=[[Hookshot Media]] |access-date=2 May 2025 |date=2 May 2025}}</ref>

The WaveBird Wireless Controller maintains the same overall aesthetic design as the standard [[GameCube controller]]. The components (analog sticks, buttons, and triggers) and layout remain the same, while adding wireless functionality and space for two standard [[AA batteries]].<ref name="manual" /> It is somewhat larger and heavier than a standard GameCube controller, with a channel selector dial, an on/off switch, and an orange [[LED]] power indicator on the face of the controller in place of the gap between the D-pad and the C-stick. Functionally, the only feature the WaveBird controller lacks compared to the standard controller is the [[Rumble Pak|rumble]] feature, the motors of which would reduce [[battery (electricity)|battery]] life.<ref name="ign-review" />

===Colors===
The WaveBird Wireless Controller was available in most regions only in light gray and platinum colors. In Japan, two limited edition WaveBird models were released through [[Club Nintendo]]: 1,000 Special Edition Gundam "Char's Customized Color" WaveBirds (two-toned red with the Neo-Zeon logo) to coincide with the Japan-only GameCube release of ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Z Gundam]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=November 18, 2004 |title=Special Wavebird for Japan |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/19/special-wavebird-for-japan?amp=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519072742/http://cube.ign.com/articles/567/567495p1.html |archive-date=May 19, 2011 |access-date=2007-04-14 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> and a "Club Nintendo" WaveBird (white top with light blue bottom and Club Nintendo logo).<ref>.{{Cite web |title=Club Nintendo WaveBird Picture |url=http://www.nintendo-collection.com/Items%20Club%20Nintendo/Ma%20wavebird%20Club%20Nintendo%20jap.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110092836/http://www.nintendo-collection.com/Items%20Club%20Nintendo/Ma%20wavebird%20Club%20Nintendo%20jap.jpg |archive-date=January 10, 2016 |access-date=2010-09-12 |website=Nintendo-Collection.com}}</ref>

==Use on subsequent consoles==
{{See also|List of Wii games with traditional control schemes}}

Like all GameCube controllers, the WaveBird Wireless Controller is compatible with the original Wii model (RVL-001),<ref>{{Cite web |last=sickr |title=Nintendo Wii to Support GameCube Wavebird : No Untangling Wires on Wii |url=http://www.nintendorevolution.ca/08302006/21/nintendo_wii_to_support_gamecube_wavebird |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115173013/http://www.nintendorevolution.ca/08302006/21/nintendo_wii_to_support_gamecube_wavebird |archive-date=2008-01-15 |access-date=2006-09-03 |website=NintendoRevolution.ca}}</ref> for use with GameCube and [[Virtual Console]] titles as well as [[List of Wii games that use the Nintendo GameCube controller|certain Wii games]] and [[WiiWare]] titles. Since the launch of the Wii, the WaveBird has seen increased popularity due to its ability to control these games wirelessly.<ref name="popularity">{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Andy |date=January 25, 2007 |title=Like a WaveBird from the Ashes |url=http://gamepeople.wordpress.com/2007/01/25/like-a-wavebird-from-the-ashes/ |access-date=2007-01-28 |website=GamePeople |archive-date=2007-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070203124232/http://gamepeople.wordpress.com/2007/01/25/like-a-wavebird-from-the-ashes/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Following speculation that Nintendo might re-release the WaveBird due to the popularity of its use on the Wii, a Nintendo representative confirmed that there were no plans to offer WaveBirds in stores again.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 31, 2007 |title=Nintendo Has No Plans to Restock WaveBirds |url=http://gonintendo.com/?p=32522 |access-date=2008-12-22 |website=GoNintendo |archive-date=2009-01-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116020033/http://gonintendo.com/?p=32522 |url-status=live }}</ref> Although the representative stated that "original GameCube controllers" would be available directly from Nintendo, there is no listing for the WaveBird.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2008 |title=No Plans to Restock WaveBirds |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=178318 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080606184115/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=178318 |archive-date=June 6, 2008 |access-date=2008-12-22 |website=[[Computer and Video Games]]}}</ref>

In November 2014, Nintendo released a GameCube controller adapter for use with the [[Wii U]] alongside the release of ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U|Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]''. In 2018, shortly after the announcement of ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' for the [[Nintendo Switch]], the company added support for the Wii U GameCube controller adapter for the newer hybrid console.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Good |first=Owen S. |date=October 24, 2017 |title=GameCube Controller Support Comes to Nintendo Switch |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/10/24/16533932/nintendo-switch-gamecube-controllers |access-date=2024-12-09 |url-status=live |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |archive-date=2024-12-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202000933/https://www.polygon.com/2017/10/24/16533932/nintendo-switch-gamecube-controllers }}</ref>

==Legal issues==
Anascape Ltd, a [[Texas]]-based firm, filed a lawsuit against Nintendo for patent infringements regarding Nintendo's controllers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=INQUIRER staff |date=2006-08-03 |title=Microsoft, Nintendo Sued Over Games Controller |url=http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1027933/microsoft-nintendo-sued-games-controller |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421042030/http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1027933/microsoft-nintendo-sued-games-controller |archive-date=April 21, 2014 |access-date=2006-12-08 |publisher=[[The Inquirer]]}}</ref> A July 2008 verdict found that a ban would be issued preventing Nintendo from selling several controllers, including the WaveBird, in the United States. Nintendo was free to continue selling the WaveBird pending an appeal to the [[United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit|U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Decker |first=Susan |date=July 22, 2008 |title=Nintendo Faces Ban on Some Wii, GameCube Controllers (Update2) |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aO_ucYxT3eNw |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924154712/https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aO_ucYxT3eNw |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=2008-12-22 |website=[[Bloomberg News]]}}</ref> On April 13, 2010, Nintendo won the appeal and the previous court decision was reversed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2010 |title=Federal Circuit Court Vindicates Nintendo in Patent Lawsuit |url=https://nintendoeverything.com/federal-circuit-court-vindicates-nintendo-in-patent-lawsuit/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807190016/http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=23255 |archive-date=August 7, 2011 |access-date=2010-04-16}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[GameCube controller]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://github.com/loopj/wavephoenix WavePhoenix], an open-source implementation of the WaveBird protocol

{{GameCube}}
{{Wii}}
{{Wii U}}
{{Nintendo hardware}}
{{commons category|WaveBird Wireless Controller}}

[[Category:GameCube accessories]]
[[Category:Nintendo controllers]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 2002]]

[[de:Nintendo-GameCube-Controller#Wavebird-Controller]]