Potential Drawbacks of Proposed GameCube Controller for Nintendo Switch 2
Getting Back to the GameCube Magic on Switch 2...With Some Caveats
Strumming up old memories? The Nintendo GameCube is probably your trip down nostalgia lane, with its collection of timeless titles like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Super Smash Bros. Melee. Good news if you're eyeballing a new Nintendo Switch 2: You'll have the chance to relive those classic games, with a special GameCube controller designed just for the Switch 2.
Nintendo's supplying a lineup of GameCube classics via the Nintendo Switch Online subscription, including Soulcalibur II and F-Zero GX – and more titles on the horizon! Yet, the GameCube controller's charm is largely restricted to these nostalgia-inducing games.
If you're thinking about joining the GameCube party beyond the Nintendo Switch Online games, it might not be all sunshine and rainbows. You might have noticed some small print in the UK version of the Switch 2 GameCube controller trailer, stating, "The controller is only compatible with Nintendo GameCube - Nintendo Classics." In other words, don't expect it to work flawlessly with other Switch 2 games.
Fortunately, the restrictions aren't as severe as it seems. Nintendo has clarified that the controller is indeed workable with other Switch 2 games, but it wasn't designed with those games in mind. There may be some hiccups when using the GameCube controller with standard Switch 2 titles due to its lack of certain buttons and features compared to modern controllers. It comes with buttons like the ZL and Home buttons that aren't intended for gameplay, but instead have specific functions on the Switch 2. Additionally, the joysticks don't support the L3 and R3 functions, and the button layout may not gel well with those accustomed to modern controllers.
With a price tag of $64.99, the GameCube controller might be a costly buy compared to additional Switch 2 Joy-Cons ($89.99) or a Switch 2 Pro Controller ($79.99). And just a heads up: the controller is exclusive to the Switch 2. Can't use it with the original Switch.
In summary, go for the GameCube controller if you're already a Switch 2 devotee and are after the true GameCube experience on your new console. But tread carefully: some games might not perform as you'd expect due to its limitations, especially when used with modern Switch 2 titles.
- The GameCube controller, designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2, allows users to relive classic games like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Super Smash Bros. Melee.
- However, the GameCube controller's compatibility is primarily restricted to the Nintendo GameCube classics available through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
- For games that are not GameCube classics, there may be hiccups in functionality due to the controller's lack of certain buttons and features compared to modern controllers.
- The GameCube controller, priced at $64.99, is a more expensive option compared to additional Switch 2 Joy-Cons or a Switch 2 Pro Controller.
