As many of you who follow my writings are well aware I loathe third party controllers. In fact, I’ll often recommend used official Nintendo GameCube controllers over new third party ones. Keep that in mind while you read my review and comment on the
Kuma third party GameCube controller UPC code: 8426013842017.
First off let me mention that this controller looks nearly identical to the official pad. So much so that when I first saw it at my local Play N Trade I was momentarily fooled in to believing that it was the real deal (see picture for comparison).
Also, the Kuma pad is quite reasonably priced for being such a near perfect reproduction as my local Play N Trade sells them for only ten dollars. At that price it’s substantially cheaper than the worthless third party game pad that GameStop sells.
So how well does it work when gaming? The answer is-
not bad- which is a huge compliment coming from me. Yes it’s true that the grey analog stick isn’t nearly as accurate as it is on an official Nintendo controller, it’s also true that only the most obsessive players will notice. The D-pad is also slightly clumsy when compared to a “real” controller but again it’s within the limits of acceptability. One area where the knockoff Kuma controller excels is in the button department with the; A, B, X and Y all feeling nearly as responsive as on a Nintendo unit. I also like the texture of the Kuma because it feels less smooth thus offering better overall gripability. Another nice touch is that the Kuma uses normal Phillips heads screws to hold it together so you won’t need a tri-wing screwdriver to work on it should the need arise.
The inferior accuracy of the left grey analog stick made the Kuma a poor substitute when I tested it on F-Zero GX; on Mario Kart Wii, however, the lack of accuracy was far less evident. When I tested it on Super Smash Bros. Brawl I did notice that the inaccuracy of the analog control led to my fighter going airborne more easily but this could probably be compensated for if the Kuma is the only controller one ever uses.
All-in-all the Kuma controller is probably the only third party unit that I can somewhat recommend. Even at that I’d say that it is best as a second, third or fourth controller to allow friends to borrow when they come over to play Mario Kart or Smash. Brothers as you wouldn’t want them to break or ruin a $25 official game pad. Little issues keep it from getting my full seal of approval. For example, the rubber on the grey analog stick is certain to wear out quickly which to my mind would never allow me to use this controller as my primary one. So here’s the final rundown:
Pros:
*Looks like a “real” controller
*Buttons on the face closely mimic those of a Nintendo GameCube controller
*Price won’t make you think twice about allowing others to use it
*Phillips head screws for easy repair or possible cannibalization to use on an official controller.
*Texture is a little rougher than factory pad for better grip
*Available in white but does not have the longer cord of the new official units.
Cons:
*Left grey analog stick isn’t as accurate as a Nintendo controller
*Rubber on the tip of the grey analog stick looks and feels slightly worn even when the unit is first removed from the package.
*D-pad response is questionable.
*Can’t be used as a primary controller for serious GameCube aficionados.
Verdict: About equal to a used official GameCube controller. Let price be your guide.
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