How to Use a Wireless GameCube Controller

The GameCube wireless controller allows you to play without the hassle of a cord. However, there are a few steps you must follow before using the controller.

Before installing your GameCube wireless controller, locate the battery cover on the back. Slide this off and put in two AA batteries.

Locate the wireless dongle. This will plug into the regular controller port of the GameCube. (Note: The WaveBird wireless GameCube controller, manufactured by Nintendo, also is supported on the Wii gaming platform.) On the Wii, a plastic white flap on the top of the system (when stood vertically) can be opened to reveal four GameCube-style controller ports. The dongle for the WaveBird can be plugged into one of these ports.

Adjust the frequency on the wireless dongle. There will be four frequencies, or “channels," to choose from. The WaveBird has a small wheel on the bottom of the dongle that has 16 settings, marked with numbers “1-16”.

Adjust the actual controller in the same way. A wheel will be on the bottom or backside of the wireless GameCube controller, depending on which you are using. Make sure that the controller being used is set to a channel (“1-16”) that matches the number chosen on the dongle. While multiple wireless controllers can be used at once, only one controller can work on any of the frequencies at one time.

Turn on the system and the controller. The controller will have a switch on its front face that toggles on power, and usually a power indicator light.

Many wireless controllers use infrared, and thus require that line of sight is maintained between the controller and the wireless dongle at all times. However, the WaveBird controller from Nintendo uses RF technology, so line of sight is not necessary during gameplay.