Walkthroughs

How to use the NES Mini controller to play Shovel Knight, Wii U Virtual Console, and more

How many buttons do you really need?

How to use the NES Mini controller to play Shovel Knight, Wii U Virtual Console, and more
|

Did you know that the NES controller that comes with the NES Mini can work with the Wii U?

If you've got a Wii Remote lying around, follow this guide to start playing games (and Virtual Console games that aren't available on the NES Mini) with one of the most iconic pads ever made.

Step 1 Screen

Press the home button on the Wii U Gamepad to show this screen. Hit controller settings in the top right corner.

Step 2 Step 2

Press "Pair" under "Wii Remote / Other Controller". Now take the battery cover off the back of your Wii Remote and hit the red sync button to connect it to your Wii U.

Step 3 Wii Remote

Connect the NES Mini controller to the Wii Remote. This feels weird. It's like using a clovis stone tool to open a jar of pickles. Unnatural. Take a moment to get over these strange feelings.

Step 4 Smash

Load a game. The NES Mini pad works exactly like a Classic Controller and will work in any game that is compatible. The main problem is that there aren't enough buttons to play most games.

But NES games on Virtual Console (or, if you're poor like me, the Masterpieces thing on Smash bros) work great. As does the terrific game Shovel Knight.

Mark Brown
Mark Brown
Mark Brown is editor at large of Pocket Gamer