Revitalized GameCube Controller for Switch 2: Even Better!

Nostalgia alone should not be the sole reason for giving any tech product a favorable review. However, I must admit my bias—I wouldn’t have spent $65 on the revived GameCube controller for Switch 2 if I hadn’t devoted my formative years to Nintendo’s iconic, boxy console. This updated version features enhanced buttons, making it superior to any controller from 2001. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the gamepad as a distinct device, one that is enriched by its constraints. Yet, it is limited by Nintendo’s own restrictions regarding usage and compatibility, which can be frustrating for players eager to explore its capabilities beyond the current console.

See Nintendo Switch 2 at Walmart

See Switch 2+ Mario Kart World Bundle at Walmart

The Switch 2 GameCube controller is exclusively available through Nintendo’s online store, and its stock levels fluctuate unpredictably, leaving consumers uncertain about when it might be restocked. Numerous recreations attempt to mimic the aesthetics and tactile experience of the original 24-year-old controller, including its distinctive yellow “C” button. Despite this, Nintendo still permits the use of adapters that allow up to four GameCube controllers to connect to Switch 2. So, why choose the official version? It offers a seamless experience akin to that of a Joy-Con or Pro Controller. When compared to many third-party alternatives, this controller stands out as the most accurate and authentic in terms of feel. Unfortunately, it can only be utilized with the Switch 2, meaning you won’t be able to play GameCube games on other devices using Nintendo’s technology—unless, of course, someone inevitably hacks it.

I have kept my original black GameCube console and wireless WaveBird controller from my childhood, with joysticks so worn down from enthusiastic play that they are barely recognizable. I am pleasantly surprised by the attention Nintendo has devoted to enhancing the new controller while preserving the nostalgic feel of the original. Although I’m comparing a brand-new product to one that’s nearly as old as I am, it’s clear that Nintendo has upgraded the squishy rubber pads of the original controller’s face buttons with a much more responsive and tactile alternative. The improvements to the D-pad switches are substantial compared to the controller I grew up with. While the directional pad remains small, making it less than ideal for fighting games, it serves as a better option for various retro titles.

At the launch, Nintendo introduced just three games for the $50-per-year Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers, including The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soul Calibur II, and F-Zero GX. These titles are not playable on the original Switch, and the new controller is incompatible with the old handheld as well. While Wind Waker is a timeless classic, it is the only game that fully takes advantage of the controller’s unique design. I hope to see lesser-known gems from the GameCube library make a comeback, such as Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem and TimeSplitters 2, or other exclusives like Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes. Unfortunately, Nintendo has not provided any hints about future releases, so I wouldn’t recommend purchasing this controller merely in the hope of seeing a revival of Killer 7.

The GameCube controller was a unique innovation in 2001, coinciding with the launch of Nintendo’s sixth-generation console. While Sony standardized the dual-stick layout with its DualShock, Nintendo opted for a controller design that required developers to adapt to its unconventional button shapes and pressure-sensitive trigger buttons. A prime example is Metroid Prime, a first-person shooter where the secondary, nipple-like C stick remained unused in favor of tank controls and a lock-on mechanic.

This distinctive design fostered the development of entire gaming subgenres. In Super Smash Bros. Melee, controls are focused on the “A” and “B” buttons for attacks, while the C stick caters to executing quick directional “smash” attacks. Within competitive Smash Bros. communities, the GameCube controller remains the gold standard for gameplay. Nintendo’s design philosophy has remained consistent over the 24 years since the launch of the original GameCube. For instance, Mario Kart World is designed for play with a single Joy-Con, requiring only one joystick, four face buttons, and triggers. However, an issue arises when using the GameCube controller for the latest Mario Kart: the game does not recognize pressure-sensitive triggers. To initiate a drift, players must fully press the R button until it clicks.

Despite its vintage appeal, I find that I prefer the GameCube controller for its robust primary joystick and its octagonal restrictor, allowing for precise control in Mario Kart. However, for $65, this plasticky, ultra-purple controller feels like a steep investment. I entered this purchase knowing that I wouldn’t be able to use the GameCube controller across every new Switch 2 game. The absence of a proper L1 button is noticeable; instead, it features a small, flat, square-shaped bumper button. Additionally, its top portion, which once housed a power connector, now includes a Home button and a “C” switch designed for GameChat.

The controller is equipped with gyro controls that work for specific Switch games, but it cannot effectively substitute for the official Switch 2 Pro Controller or any other third-party gamepad that includes all the necessary bumpers, triggers, and back buttons required for modern gaming experiences. Attempting to play Split Fiction with the GameCube controller necessitated remapping several buttons due to the absence of click-in sticks. There’s simply no way to enjoy a first-person shooter like Cyberpunk 2077 without access to those additional buttons.

The original GameCube controller was filled with small innovations that we often take for granted today. In 2002, Nintendo introduced the WaveBird, a wireless controller utilizing radio frequency technology that required a connection on a specific channel. Unlike previous wireless infrared-based controllers, the WaveBird didn’t demand line of sight, and its performance was so impressive that many players mourned its discontinuation in 2008. Nowadays, with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity being the norm, the wireless aspect of the new controller may not seem groundbreaking, but it certainly offers more convenience than having to plug in an adapter for every play session. The inclusion of a Home button adds further convenience, granting quick access to in-game screenshots or sleep mode.

However, relying solely on the GameCube controller for just three games and hoping for future releases can be quite limiting. The strict functionality restrictions Nintendo has imposed on its compatibility with other devices can be quite frustrating. While it may lack the versatility of many modern controllers, I find that I appreciate its focused design even more. If other controllers are akin to multi-tools, the GameCube controller is more like a scalpel, engineered for specific scenarios—like enjoying spirited matches in Smash.

See Nintendo Switch 2 at Walmart

See Switch 2+ Mario Kart World Bundle at Walmart