Well I use an Icon Gamecube controller on my Wii and it works just fine. However, when I tried to use another third-party controller before, it didn't read. Although I think that the second controller might have actually been broken, I think if you try out a new or different brand of controller, it should work.

All GC controllers should work. However if you need one, you can't beat getting a used 1st party Wavebird at Gamestop (NA) for $17.99. Don't try to buy one off eBay though, they are way pricey that way.

You can find them at Gamestop? Gonna go look over there. I have been looking for a Wavebird for a long time.

I've got 2 of these controllers, and they seem to work just fine.

you need a bit of patience and luck, but over 2 months I purchased 8 of them at different Gamestops, 4 for myself and 4 for a friend. The holidays might be a good time, people trading stuff in for Christmas cash....

Not to sound like a jerk but I either just don't believe you or think there's something else to the story you aren't telling or are missing.

I mean really, why would Nintendo suddenly say fuck all those other controllers out there, you're only using ours!

Ok, well, yes that would mean more accessory sales but then that would rank as one of the dumber decisions ever made. I'm sure if this were actually the case we would see more than one random forum post about it.

-edit-

And yeah, the Wavebird is the only Gamecube controller you should have.

-edit #2-

And before you get angry, answer me this:

1. What would this really get Nintendo in the long run if this were the case?  Remember, they're already swimming in money.
2. If true, why isn't this story on every gaming blog?

Well, lets face it twesterm, who here has bothered using their gamecube after getting a Wii? and how many people have enough faith in 3rd party GC controllers to actually question it if they suddenly stopped working?

Heck, I got rid of my Gamecube a long time ago and the 3rd party controls went with it, I never even tried them in the Wii that i can recall.

Plus, there are a bunch of different 3rd party controllers, it's entirely possible that the specific off brand that Kyliedog has simply wasn't properly designed to work on the Wii. most recent controllers probably don't have this issue though.

What is the "wavebird" controller? I have a Gamecube, but I've never used it before...

Wavebird is the Nintendo brand wireless GCN controller.  It doesn't have rumble but that spares the batteries.  I have 4 still but would like 1 or 2 better condition ones myself.

Wasn't trying to sound like a jerk there, that's why I made the edit to show my reasoning other than just calling you a liar because that's not what I wanted to do.  :-p

I'm just saying that it doesn't make sense for certain 3rd party controllers to mysteriously stop working on the Wii.  I know had two different third party GC controllers (eventually sold them because I hated them) but they worked fine on my Wii and GC.