Details Emerge for PDP Metal Mario 30th Anniversary Controller for Wii U
An Amazon UK listing revealed a PDP Metal Mario 30th Anniversary Controller for the Wii U, featuring a GameCube-style layout and Classic Controller support.
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A product listing on Amazon’s UK site in May 2015 revealed that peripheral manufacturer PDP was releasing a Metal Mario 30th Anniversary Controller for the Nintendo Wii U. The controller was part of the celebration marking three decades since the release of Super Mario Bros. in 1985. Officially licensed by Nintendo, the controller featured a distinctive metallic silver finish, reminiscent of the Metal Mario power-up, complete with the character’s red “M” logo in the center.
Design and Functionality
The controller’s design was based on the classic Nintendo GameCube controller, a layout favored by many players, particularly for the Super Smash Bros. series. This PDP model was similar in shape and function to the company’s existing line of Wired Fight Pads for the Wii U. The button configuration included the familiar large A button, smaller B, X, and Y buttons, a C-stick, and a D-pad, providing a direct alternative for fans of the GameCube’s ergonomic design.
Unlike controllers that plug directly into the console, this PDP pad connected to a Wii Remote. The controller’s wire plugged into the bottom of the Wii Remote, which then transmitted the inputs wirelessly to the Wii U console. This setup meant the controller functioned as a Classic Controller or Classic Controller Pro, a common connection method for many Wii and Wii U accessories.
Compatibility and Release
Because it emulated the Classic Controller, the PDP Metal Mario controller was compatible with a wide range of software. It was a suitable option for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, which many players preferred to play with a GameCube-style pad. Beyond that, it supported any Wii U game that used the Classic Controller Pro, as well as select Virtual Console titles available on the platform. This made it a versatile choice for playing classic games from older Nintendo systems.
The Amazon UK listing showed a release date of October 30, 2015, for that region. At the time of the listing, a corresponding release date for North America had not been announced. The controller’s launch was timed to coincide with a major anniversary year for Nintendo’s flagship franchise. The company was also preparing to release Mario Maker for the Wii U later in 2015, a title that allowed users to create and share their own 2D Mario levels. Nintendo planned to give fans a chance to play Mario Maker at select Best Buy stores during E3 2015.
Frequently asked questions
How did the PDP Metal Mario controller connect to the Wii U?
The PDP Metal Mario controller did not connect directly to the Wii U console. Instead, it plugged into a standard Wii Remote via its cord. The Wii Remote then transmitted the controller's inputs wirelessly to the console, similar to how a Classic Controller or Nunchuk would connect.
What games were compatible with the PDP Metal Mario Wii U controller?
The controller functioned as a Classic Controller Pro, making it compatible with all Wii U and Virtual Console games that supported that input method. This included titles like Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Mario Kart 8, and numerous classic games available on the Nintendo eShop.
Was the PDP Metal Mario controller an official Nintendo product?
The Metal Mario 30th Anniversary Controller was manufactured by Performance Designed Products (PDP), a third-party accessory maker. However, it was an officially licensed Nintendo product, meaning it was approved by Nintendo for use with the Wii U system and featured official branding and characters.
What was the release date for the PDP Metal Mario controller?
According to a retail listing from May 2015, the PDP Metal Mario controller was scheduled for release in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2015. At that time, a specific release date for the North American market had not yet been confirmed by the manufacturer or Nintendo.