While the rest of you have been playing Zelda until you pass out from sleep deprivation, I’ve been toying with one of the Wii’s most exciting features – the Virtual Console (and then, playing Zelda until I pass out). So, what’s the verdict?

Read on as I talk about the store, the classic controller, and what games are worth your hard-earned points.

The Virtual Console

First, we’re going to talk a bit about the general experience. Other than a few server hiccups, you’re in for a pleasant buying experience. After connecting, you will be presented with a few options: Virtual Console, Wii Ware, and the ability to add more points to your account. You can add points by entering a code off of the back of a prepaid card or using any US debit or credit card. They have to be purchased in units of 1000 to 5000 ($10 to $50) at a time, so that means you can’t just pay for enough for one game. My only complaint about the process is that there is no option to remember your credit card details. It can take a little while to enter all of the information that they want from you every time.

Once in the store, you can browse games in three ways: by system, newest releases, or alphabetical order. You just select the game you want, and download it! The status of your download is presented as Mario jumping into blocks and gathering coins. It is a neat little touch that reminds you that this is a Nintendo system. The other category, Wii Ware, is for non-game software - where you’ll end up getting the Opera browser and those new channels.

The games themselves look great. I don’t know if you’ve tried to play an NES through RF on a fairly recent TV, but it is almost painful to watch. The Wii outputs them at 480p if you are pumping it through component. Even if you are playing it on a plain old SDTV (like, yours truly), the video has been cleaned up considerably - I don’t remember SNES games looking this nice. The Wii also adds the ability to temporarily save any game that doesn’t already have this feature. If you go back to the home menu through the remote, the game will resume where you left off the next time you go to play it. This is an amazing feature to have in any of the old NES games that lack a save feature.

With all of the good things that Nintendo has done here, there are several more things that I wish they had done. For one thing, online multiplayer is my most desired feature in several of these titles. Bomberman ‘93 may still be a blast with a five player mode, but it would be even more fun if you could play it online at any time. Even though you can link your My Nintendo account to your Wii, downloads are tied to the system rather than that account. This means that you’re out of luck if something happens to your Wii. Also, if you are playing on a widescreen TV, the image will be stretched to fit the display. You have to manually change it back to a 4:3 aspect ratio.

The Classic Controller

When I saw that there were only four classic controllers at the Wal-Mart that I camped at, I snapped one of those babies up. I know that a lot of people have been on the fence with this one. Is it worth the extra $20 if you have GameCube controllers lying around?

Oh god, yes.

The classic controller is a must own if you plan on playing a lot of retro games. It is just perfect. The controller is shaped like a more rounded SNES pad. Because of the way the back of it is contoured, the controller fits perfectly in your hands. Button placement couldn’t be better.

Yes, you can still use GameCube controllers for almost every game, but the classic controller just blows it out of the water. I actually wish I could use this pad for GCN games.

The Games

As of right now, there are twelve titles available for your consumption. Nintendo promises at least twelve more every month starting in December. Admittedly, the selection right now is not the best. Which of these are worth your cash? Here’s my five picks.

Bonk’s Adventure
System: Turbografx-16

While most of you were playing Super Mario World or Sonic the Hedgehog as the opening of the 16-bit generation, a few of us were traveling through the world of young caveman Bonk. I will admit that I was one of those who didn’t even know what the Turbografx-16 was until the system was long gone. This is our chance to repent! Bonk’s Adventure is one of the best sidescrollers of all time. You head butt and jump your way through a bunch of brightly colored worlds, and you will have a great time while doing so. If you like the Mario series, this should be the first game that you pick up on the Virtual Console.

The Legend of Zelda
System: NES

When you finish Twilight Princess, why not take a trip through the game that started the franchise? Link’s first adventure is still a great game today, even though the series has evolved dramatically. If you want a true challenge, try the Second Quest after you beat it the first time. After playing that, you’ll think that Twilight Princess was easiest game you’ve ever played.

Wario’s Woods
System: NES

When choosing a puzzle game for the Virtual Console’s launch, Nintendo could have chosen something a whole lot worse. Wario’s Woods stars Toad as he attempts to steal Wario’s ill-gotten treasures. In each level, you try to mix and match creatures with bombs of the appropriate color. While you do this, the bombs and monsters continue to fall from the sky. As if this wasn’t enough to worry about, the ceiling continues to lower, threatening to crush our protagonist. The faster you complete a level, the more gold you earn. This obscure puzzle title is worth a look for any fan of Tetris Attack.

Bomberman ‘93
System: Turbografx-16

Why bother with Bomberman’s “extreme” Xbox 360 outing when you could have this masterpiece? If you’ve ever played a Bomberman title, you understand the need to own a version of it on every system you own. For those not yet addicted, this is a great chance to start. There are better Bomberman games, but this one still stands out as one of the better ones. In addition to a well-designed single player mode, this is the first Wii title to offer five player multiplayer (four Wii remotes, one GameCube controller). After introducing your pals to Wii Sports, load Bomberman ‘93 for some great retro fun.

Super Mario 64
System: Nintendo 64

Yes, everybody and their mother’s played this one. Yes, it lacks the bonus content found in the DS version, but this version does have a couple of features to recommend it over the DS port. First, you can actually control this version. The DS is a fantastic system, but the lack of an analog stick kills 3D platformers. The Virtual Console relinquishes camera controls to the second analog stick, which is definitely welcome. This is also the best looking version of Super Mario 64 out there. Everything just looks much cleaner. The famous N64 blur has also been toned down. Even though my N64 is still sitting next to my TV, I’d consider repurchasing certain titles just for the visual boost. Super Mario 64 is a fantastic title; it is something worth replaying between major Wii releases.

What’s your opinion about the Virtual Console so far? Which titles do you recommend? Is the classic controller worth a purchase? As always, we want to know your opinions!