Everyone is jumping on the Smash Bros. train! Earlier this year, we learned that accessory maker Performance Designed Products would be releasing a line of Classic Controllers that greatly resembled GameCube pads. No offense to PDP, but from the images shared, those controllers look a little chintzy. Hori, on the other hand, is set to release a few pads that seem to have been manufactured using official GameCube controller molds for a much more authentic look and feel.
Alongside the release of Smash Wii U on November 21, you'll be able to buy a Mario or Luigi-themed Hori Battle Pad for $24.99, five bucks less than the actual Smash-branded GameCube controller. Meanwhile, Japan will receive a special Pikachu-themed pad on December 20. The Battle Pad has all the familiar GameCube inputs with two key additions: It's got ZL and ZR buttons instead of just one Z button, and there is a turbo button with three speed settings.
Just to be absolutely clear, these are NOT actual GameCube controllers; these are Classic Controllers in the shape of the familiar GameCube pad. They'll of course work with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, but since they plug into your Wii Remote instead of the GameCube adapter, you'll be able to use them with any Classic Controller-compatible title on Wii or Wii U. The GameCube adpater currently only supports Smash, so this makes Hori's option a little more enticing.
