New PDP Wired Fight Pads join the fight!

With Smash Bros for Wii U burning up the sales charts, there is no shortage of control options for playing the new fighter. Naturally the beloved GameCube controller is the preferred way to play, but Nintendo's USB adapter is in short supply everywhere this holiday. What's a Smash connoisseur to do?

PDP's Wired Fight Pad is a reasonable alternative. They've already released Mario, Peach, Luigi and Yoshi-themed versions of the Fight Pad, and now Wave 2 is entering the melee. Now fans can get their hands on Samus, Link, Donkey Kong and Wario editions of the controller. Wave 2 will be available in early 2015.

The Wired Fight Pad works a little differently than Nintendo's first party USB adapter. The Fight Pad plugs into the socket on the bottom of the Wii remote--that's right, just like the reliable old Classic Controller Pro. The wireless nature of the Wiimote communication may offend some Smash purists, but since the Fight Pad functions as a Classic Controller it can work with a lot more games, including Mario Kart 8. For now, Nintendo's USB adapter only works with Smash Bros for Wii U. As a devotee of the venerable GameCube pad, this already has me excited.

NEW CHALLENGERS APPROACHING - Performance Designed Products Announces Round 2 for The Wired Fight Pads for Wii U! The leading third-party manufacturer of video game accessories to release a second wave of Nintendo GameCube-inspired controllers for Wii U in early 2015.

Burbank, CA – 12/3/2014 -- PDP is proud to announce that four fan-favorite characters are joining the lineup for the Wired Fight Pad for Wii U, a new addition to the Classic Controller line inspired by the original Nintendo GameCube controller.

Unlocking with the second wave: Link, Samus, Donkey Kong, and Wario! Each of these characters brings a deep history and strong personality to the Wired Fight Pad.

The Wired Fight Pad is licensed by Nintendo and designed for use with the Wii and Wii U consoles. The Wired Fight Pad plugs directly into the Wii Remote External Extension Connector. Players can use it for Wii and Wii U games that support the Classic Controller, the Classic Controller Pro, as well as some of Nintendo’s Virtual Console games.

The Wired Fight Pad line also features fan-favorite Nintendo characters such as Mario, Yoshi, Princess Peach, and Luigi - All with a shape inspired by the original Nintendo GameCube controller.

The second wave of the Wired Fight Pad will be available in early 2015 with an SRP of $24.99.