NEW Character Themed Gamecube Controllers

[Megatron]

So apparently Nintendo is smart, and making gamecube style Wii U pro controllers called "wired fight pads" that have character themes.  Apparently you still need a Wii Mote to use them.  Here is the link:

http://www.gamespot.com/articles/link-donkey-kong-samus-and-wario-gamecube-controll/1100-6424164/

They are currently being preordered on Gamestop.com and in store.  Just grabbed a Link and Samus version!  Wish I could buy them all, but at $25 each, that gets a bit pricey.
These seem pretty good, although I don't like the wireless aspect of a wired controller.  I think this will be a "buy it and keep it in the box" kind of purchase

The list of characters are:

Link
Mario
Luigi
Peach
Wario
Samus
Donkey Kong
Yoshi

[Megatron]

So I guess Mario, Luigi , Peach and Yoshi have been out for a little while, but the others are brand new.  My preorder states March 2015...so hopefully a little sooner, but a few months isn't too bad.

[Thom Grayson]

Are these Gamecube compatible, or just Gamecube-shaped?

I thought I remember something about a special adapter being available for the Wii U... is this a replacement for that, or a different thing from a different company?

[Megatron]

These are more "style over substance".  They DO NOT have gamecube connectors.  They plug into a wiimote, like a pro controller or nunchuck.  They are essentially glorified Wii Pro Controllers. While I am sure they play fine, to me these are more for aesthetics than anything else. 
I gave in and decided to by the whole set.  Just ordered the three I could find - Mario, peach & Yoshi.  I have preordered the rest...except for Luigi, who I can't tell if it is sold out, or just not available yet

[romevi]

I think these are ugly, to be honest. Also, it's by PDP with Nintendo's blessing.

Hori is making some which I think are a bit better. They don't have as many, but I know they have Mario, Luigi, and Pikachu (as a Japan exclusive, I think).

They're all Classic Controllers in a GCN-style shell, so that means they plug into the Wii Remote. Nothing beats the real deal, though.

[Megatron]

They are by PDP, but the difference, as you said, they come with he official Nintendo Seal of Approval.

I have the Hori pads...they're ok.  The buttons seem better than on the PDP ones, though.  Except for the triggers...those are kind of weak on the Hori models.  
And I agree, nothing beats the original gamecube controllers.  That said, these controllers are kind of like Amiibo for me...I just want them all, in their boxes, on a shelf.  I can't explain why, I'm just a sucker for a series of controllers, especially one that has Link in it.

[oatmeal flavor]

Luigi, I think, can only be bought at Gamestop.  I also plan on getting the set and keep them boxed.  The Wario one looks the best in my opinion.

[N64 Guy]

I must get two of each. Because smash bros!!!

[larryinc64]

Ok, I'm done with limited edition Smash Bros stuff, and special edition controllers I'm never going to use.

I MIGHT get a Mario and Luigi set if they are available In a month or two, but I already have 8+ GC controllers, and a 3rd party GC controller with a Classic Wii plug.

[Megatron]

Luigi, I think, can only be bought at Gamestop.  I also plan on getting the set and keep them boxed.  The Wario one looks the best in my opinion.

I don't know if it's a Gamestop exclusive but it wouldn't surprise me.  Nobody has it on their website except for GS.  And Luigi, at least at the moment, is pretty damn hard to find.  At least in the 3 major areas that I frequent (San Diego, Nothern VA and Upstate NY).  That said, I was able to find one at a Gamestop about 20 miles north of me.  So I was pretty relieved.  Knowing my luck, they won't make any more of these and I would have the whole set minus one. 

I don't love their look, but I don't hate it either.  I have seen nicer peripherals and accessories in the past, but since I do not collect Amiibo (and considering some are already impossible to find I doubt I will), these 8 controllers will look nice lined up next to my unopened Smash Bundle.

[wiggy]

If these were OEM, then I'd have to buy them and I'd be pissed because there are so many

Luckily they're just licensed, so I can easily pass.  Though I might have to grab the Metroid one...