Switch 2 GameCube Controller Review: Authentic Pros & Cons
▼ Summary
– The GameCube controller is a unique and beloved design, still considered the best way to play Super Smash Bros., and has been officially reproduced for the Nintendo Switch Online collection with modern features.
– The new controller retains the original’s distinctive shape, button layout, and analog triggers, offering an authentic retro experience while feeling slightly stiffer than the worn original.
– A key upgrade is the wireless design with USB-C charging, providing long battery life and eliminating the need for cords, surpassing older wireless options like the WaveBird.
– Additional buttons (Home, Capture, ZL, and C) have been discreetly added to make the controller compatible with the broader Switch 2 ecosystem, though they are less comfortable to use than on Joy-Cons.
– The controller excels at playing GameCube games but makes minor compromises to function within the Switch 2’s modern gaming environment.
The Nintendo GameCube controller remains one of the most distinctive gamepads ever designed, and its revival for the Switch 2 brings back that nostalgic feel while adding modern functionality. Though its unconventional button layout and compact d-pad might seem outdated, fans of the original will appreciate how faithfully this version replicates the classic experience. For those diving into the Switch 2’s growing library of GameCube titles, this controller offers the most authentic way to play, with a few welcome upgrades.
Picking up the Switch 2 GameCube controller instantly transports players back to the early 2000s. The familiar gray analog stick, with its textured grip and octagonal gate, feels just as precise as ever. The oversized A button and tiny red B button maintain their quirky charm, flanked by the signature bean-shaped X and Y buttons. While the design hasn’t evolved to address ergonomic quirks, longtime fans will recognize and appreciate the unchanged form factor. It’s a love letter to retro gaming, flaws and all.
One standout feature making a triumphant return is the analog L and R triggers, a rarity in modern controllers. These triggers don’t just register full presses, they detect varying levels of pressure, crucial for games like F-Zero GX, where subtle inputs affect speed and handling. The responsiveness matches the original hardware, though the new triggers feel slightly firmer due to their unused condition. This attention to detail ensures classic games play exactly as intended, without compromises.
The most noticeable upgrade is the wireless functionality, replacing the original’s cord with a USB-C port for charging or wired play. Battery life impresses, lasting weeks on a single charge, a significant improvement over the old WaveBird controller. Gamers no longer need to worry about tangled cords or sudden power loss during marathon sessions. While wireless GameCube controllers existed before, this version delivers a sleeker, more reliable experience.
Nintendo didn’t stop at nostalgia; they added modern conveniences like Home, Capture, and ZL buttons, along with a dedicated C button for Switch 2’s GameChat. These extras are cleverly tucked away near the triggers, maintaining the controller’s retro aesthetic. However, their placement isn’t ideal for frequent use, making them more of a supplementary feature than a core improvement. For purists, they’re unobtrusive, but casual players might find them awkward to access.
Ultimately, this controller excels at what it was designed for: playing GameCube games with precision and nostalgia. While it tries to bridge the gap with modern Switch 2 titles, its true strength lies in delivering an authentic retro experience. If you’re a fan of classic Nintendo titles or competitive Smash Bros. play, this is the controller to own. Just don’t expect it to replace your Pro Controller for everyday gaming.
(Source: IGN)
