Refurbished GameCube Controller for upcoming Switch 2 version surpasses initial design in some aspects.
Modern Nostalgia: Acknowledging the GameCube Controller for Switch 2's Unique Advancements
Ever since plunking down $65 on the revamped GameCube controller for Switch 2, I can't help but reminisce about my days with Nintendo's boxy console. And I ain't gonna lie, the fond memories would've swayed my decision without a doubt. But let's take a look at the improved version, which boasts better buttons than anything from the early 2000s.
Like an old friend with some brand-new threads, the GameCube controller still carries that familiar feeling, yet it's enhanced by its restrictions. Unfortunately, these restrictions are imposed by Nintendo themselves, limiting where and how we can utilize it.
It's All About the Options
You can score plenty of GameCube controller replicas that aim to emulate the look and feel of the 24-year-old controller, right down to the iconic nubby "C" button. But why settle for a second-rate duplicate when you can get the official version? It operates as smoothly as a Joy-Con or Pro Controller, and in many ways, it's the most accurate emulation out there in terms of raw feel.
The catch? It's only compatible with Switch 2. Alas, you can't use it for emulating GameCube games on any other device (at least, until someone inevitably cracks it wide open).
Old School Meets New School
Nintendo still allows adapters to connect up to four GameCube controllers on the Switch 2. But why bother with the third-party emulations when the official version offers that pitch-perfect experience? The problem? You can't use it on other devices apart from the Switch 2. Darn it!
Pros and Cons
The improved buttons and D-pad on the new GameCube controller are the bomb. The addition of a home button makes it even more user-friendly for navigating the Switch 2. It shines when playing GameCube games, but its versatility wanes when it comes to modern titles. Plus, the limited selection of available GameCube games for the Switch 2 is a bummer.
The Joys of Nostalgia and the Frustrations of Modern Gaming
I've held onto my original black GameCube and wireless WaveBird controller from my youth, astonished at the improvements made in the new controller. The clicky face buttons and superior D-pad make a world of difference compared to the 24-year-old controller I wore down to nubs.
The three games offered for $50 per year with Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers are nothing to sneeze at-especially The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, a timeless classic. Yet it's disheartening that you can't play them on the original Switch, and the new controller isn't compatible with the old handheld, either. A wider selection of classic GameCube games would make this controller's price tag more justifiable.
Upgrades, Upgrades Everywhere
The GameCube controller was a unique bird at the dawn of the sixth-generation consoles. While Sony stuck with the twin-stick layout of the DualShock, Nintendo crafted a controller that, well, made developers design around its peculiarities. For example, the oddly shaped buttons and pressure-sensitive trigger buttons needed special attention in games like Metroid Prime.
Is it Worth the Investment?
Personally, I haven't looked back since buying the GameCube controller. It feels great in my hands, and I appreciate its idiosyncrasies, especially in games like Super Smash Bros. Melee. But if you want a versatile controller for a wide range of games, other options might suit you better. Do your homework and weigh the pros and cons before taking the plunge.
See Nintendo Switch 2 at Walmart
See Switch 2+ Mario Kart World Bundle at Walmart
Enrichment data: The Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller offers an authentic and faithful GameCube-style control experience for a limited collection of games on the Nintendo Switch 2 system. It excels in emulating the controller's unique feel for GameCube games but lacks broad compatibility, versatility, and the extensive control options found in third-party emulators or controllers.
- Gizmodo's review of the Nintendo Switch 2's GameCube controller highlights the controller's improved buttons and D-pad, making it a faithful recreation of the original while offering a smoother experience.
- In the future, tech enthusiasts may consider the upcoming gadgets from Gizmodo's reviews, including the GameCube controller for Switch 2, as they seek authentic GameCube-style control for a limited selection of games on the Nintendo Switch 2 system.
- Despite the nostalgic appeal of the GameCube controller for Switch 2, gamers should weigh its pros and cons against other versatile controllers on the market, as third-party emulators or controllers may offer broader compatibility and extensive control options.
