Why a New GameCube Controller for Switch 2 Might Not Be Such a Good Idea
If you’re a gamer born in the 80s or 90s, you may have a strong nostalgia for the Nintendo GameCube. These opinions aren’t just fueled by your childhood memories: this is a great console with a classic library to boot: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker ; Mario Kart: Double Dash ; and Super Smash Bros. Melee , to name a few.
Then you might be tempted to buy the new GameCube controller specifically designed for the Nintendo Switch 2 , and all the GameCube games that Nintendo plans to make available through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription. If you’re lucky enough to get the new console at launch, you’ll be able to play Wind Waker , Soulcalibur II , and F-Zero GX , among other games . Sure, you could use a Joy-Cons or Switch Pro controller to play these games, but why not go all in and play these GameCube games with the controller they were designed for?
The GameCube controller isn’t ideal for modern Switch 2 games.
I have no doubt that the Switch 2 GameCube controller will be a lot of fun for these GameCube games. But when it comes to using the controller outside of Nintendo Switch Online games, things aren’t so rosy.
In fact, for a while, it seemed like these GameCube games were the only ones that could use a controller. IGN found small font in the UK version of the Switch 2 GameCube controller trailer that stated: “Controller is only compatible with Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics.” This seems pretty straightforward.
Fortunately, the restrictions don’t seem that serious. Nintendo recently clarified this compatibility issue , confirming that while the controller is designed for these GameCube games, it is not incompatible with other Switch 2 games. But that doesn’t mean it’s designed for those games.
Nintendo went so far as to say that “there may be some issues” if you use the GameCube controller for standard Switch 2 games. Part of the problem is that the GameCube controller lacks certain buttons and functions that modern controller designs have – buttons that developers expect players to use when developing their games. This device has more buttons than the original GameCube controller, as you now have a tiny ZL button on the left side to accompany the original Z button on the right. But most of the buttons aren’t for gaming: the C button is for launching GameChat on the Switch 2; the “Snapshot” button takes screenshots; the Home button takes you to the home screen; and the pairing button connects the controller to your Switch 2. At the moment, the joysticks don’t seem to respond to the L3 and R3 button responses, eliminating two more button options.
Of course, there’s also the fact that the GameCube controller doesn’t offer a conventional button layout at all. The left joystick is relatively large, while the right (C-stick) is tiny. The d-pad and ZL buttons are also tiny, and the A, B, X and Y buttons are as unconventional as they come. I like the controller, but I can imagine that even with all the buttons, it might not be ideal for those used to playing modern games on modern controllers.
Cost and exclusivity
Then there’s the price: You’ll have to spend $64.99 if you want a GameCube controller for your Switch 2. That’s not a terrible price for console controllers, but it’s pretty high when you consider the limitations. Instead, you can spend that money on another set of Switch 2 Joy-Cons for $89.99 or a Switch 2 Pro controller for $79.99—both of which will work with every game you buy for your new console.
Speaking of the new console, this GameCube controller is exclusive to the Switch 2. If you’re looking for something that can be used with the original Switch, this controller isn’t it. Nintendo is making the entire GameCube only available on the Switch 2, which is frustrating. Why can’t my 2017 console play games from 2001?
If you ‘re already buying a Switch 2 and know you want to completely emulate the GameCube experience on your new console, you shouldn’t have any doubts when choosing a controller. But before you do, it’s important to know these caveats: You don’t want to drop $65 only to find that Mario Kart World or Donkey Kong Bananza doesn’t play as well as you expected.