If you’re interested in picking up a GameCube-style controller for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, or PC, you should check out Amazon’s deal on the NYXI Warrior Lite Wireless Controller. Normally $50, the highly customizable Warrior Lite is discounted to $40 for a limited time. The Warrior Lite has pro-style features such as remappable back buttons, trigger locks, Hall Effect sticks, microswitch buttons, and swappable components. NYXI designed the Warrior Lite to match the color scheme of the original purple GameCube controller.
If you have a GameCube or Wii console, the original Warrior Wireless Controller comes with a 2.4GHz Wireless receiver that plugs into the GC controller port; you can also use the receiver on PC with the included USB adapter. The NYXI Warrior is discounted to $58.39 (was $69) in purple, orange, and black. For a cheaper alternative, Amazon has PowerA’s officially licensed GameCube-style wired controller for less than $17.
And if you own the original Switch or Switch OLED, the NYXI Wizard and recently released Wizard 2 are worth checking out, as they can also replace your Joy-Con Controllers in handheld mode. The Wizard can also be used as a traditional Switch 1/2 wireless controller when both sides are connected to the included bridge. These do not work in handheld mode on Switch 2.
We’ve tested the Warrior Lite, Warrior, and Wizard on Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, and PC. Take an in-depth look at each model below.
$40 (was $50)
Key Features
- Bluetooth Wireless: Switch 2, Switch, PC, Mobile
- Hall Effect sticks and triggers
- Modern trigger and bumper design
- Adjustable trigger locks
- Two remappable back buttons
- Swappable back button module
- Modern and classic C-Sticks
- Octagonal and round stick gates
- Microswitch face buttons
- 8-way microswitch D-pad
- 6-axis gyroscope for motion controls
- Adjustable dual-rumble motors
- Turbo function
- Up to 5 hours of battery life
The Warrior Lite replicates the general shape, layout, and color scheme of the original GameCube controller. It’s a bit chunkier and wider than the real thing, so it doesn’t have the same exact form factor, but it adds several compelling features that make it a versatile option for GameCube games on Switch Online as well as modern Nintendo games.
Beyond offering conventional bumpers and triggers, the Warrior Lite has two remappable back buttons. The right and left back buttons have a one-piece panel design that can be removed and switched with an alternate panel inside the box. The main difference between the two styles of back buttons is that one of them is textured and slightly raised for increased tactile feedback.
The Warrior Lite is equipped with anti-drift Hall Effect sticks. The right stick mimics the GameCube’s yellow C-stick, but you can swap it out for a yellow stick with a more conventional, larger grip. Similarly, you can switch between octagonal stick gates inspired by the GameCube controller and regular stick gates with a circular range of motion.
Face buttons, the 8-way D-pad, and shoulder bumpers are actuated by microswitches, giving them a mouse-click feel. Like the sticks, the triggers are activated with Hall Effect sensors, and can be set at two different stopping points with the locking switches on the back. Other core features include built-in, adjustable rumble and 6-axis motion controls.
The main downside here is battery life, as the Lite version has a smaller battery that only runs for up to five hours on a full charge. Like many Bluetooth controllers for Switch 2 and Switch, you can use the Warrior Lite on PC, mobile, Steam Deck, and other devices.
$58.39 (was $69)
Key Features:
- Bluetooth Wireless: Switch 2, Switch, PC, Mobile
- 2.4GHz Wireless: GameCube, Wii, PC
- Available in Purple, Orange, Black
- Hall Effect sticks and triggers
- Modern trigger and bumper design
- Adjustable trigger locks
- Two remappable back buttons
- Swappable back button module
- Modern and classic C-Sticks
- Octagonal and round stick gates
- Microswitch face buttons
- 8-way microswitch D-pad
- 6-axis gyroscope for motion controls
- Adjustable dual-rumble motors
- Turbo function
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
NYXI released the original Warrior controller last year. The Warrior has the added benefit of working as a wireless controller on actual GameCube and Wii hardware. The included 2.4GHz receiver plugs into the GameCube’s controller port and can also be used on PC with the included USB adapter. The Warrior also has a larger battery that can run for up to 10 hours between charges, which is a nice perk.
While the Warrior Lite is only available in purple, the original Warrior has purple, black, and orange color options. All three are eligible for Amazon’s discount.
$59.49 (was $70) | Handheld mode on Switch
Key Features
- Replaces Joy-Cons in handheld mode on Switch & Switch OLED
- Bluetooth Wireless: Switch 2, Switch, PC, Mobile
- Available in Purple, Black, Silver, Orange
- Hall Effect sticks
- Mechanical triggers and bumpers
- Two remappable back buttons
- Modern and classic C-Sticks
- Octagonal and round stick gates
- Illuminated ABXY buttons
- 4-way D-pad
- 6-axis gyroscope for motion controls
- Adjustable dual-rumble motors
- Turbo function
- 6-8 hours of battery life
The NYXI Wizard works on Nintendo Switch 2, but you can only use it for docked or tabletop modes. On the original Switch and Switch OLED, the Wizard can replace your Joy-Con in handheld mode. The left and right sides detach from the center bridge and connect to the console via sliding mechanisms. The Switch 2 uses a magnetic connection method for the updated Joy-Con 2 controllers, which makes the Wizard incompatible with Nintendo’s new console for portable play.
If you’re picking up one of NYXI’s GameCube-style controllers specifically for Nintendo Switch 2, most players should opt for the Warrior or Warrior Lite. But if you still use both consoles, the Wizard is potentially the more intriguing option. There are a few differences between the Warrior and Wizard controllers, though.
The Wizard has slimmer, mechanical triggers and bumpers. Unlike the Warrior, it doesn’t have dual trigger modes; all four shoulder buttons are mechanical. These feel great, but you can’t switch to the traditional trigger pull action like you can on the Warrior.
The two built-in, textured back buttons are located in natural spots and feel great. The ABXY face button labels have customizable lighting effects, which is a cool addition, though the buttons and the 4-way D-pad ditch the microswitches for traditional membranes.
Like the Warrior, the Wizard comes with swappable sticks and two different styles of gates, octagonal and round. You can switch between a full-size C-Stick and a smaller one that more closely resembles the real GameCube controller.
Other features include 6-axis motion controls, adjustable rumble, and turbo buttons on each side. Battery life falls between the Warrior and Warrior Lite.
$72 (was $90) | Handheld mode on Switch
Key Features
- Replaces Joy-Cons in handheld mode on Switch & Switch OLED
- Bluetooth Wireless: Switch 2, Switch, PC, Mobile
- Available in Purple, White, Black, Orange
- TMR sticks
- Dual trigger modes: Hall Effect / microswitch
- Updated joystick cap
- Microswitch face buttons
- Two remappable back buttons
- 4-way microswitch D-pad
- 6-axis gyroscope for motion controls
- Adjustable dual-rumble motors
- Turbo function
- NFC for Amiibo
- 6-8 hours of battery life
The Wizard 2 is available in white, purple, black, and orange–though only white and purple editions are in stock right now. The white edition is discounted to $72 (was $90), and the purple edition is $81 when you click the coupon on the store page.
It’s important to emphasize that even though this is the Wizard 2, it’s not a Switch 2 handheld controller. The right and left sides still slide to connect to your console, so handheld mode will only work on Switch and Switch OLED.
The NYXI Wizard 2 borrows some of the features found in the Warrior series and aims to be more authentic to its inspiration in a number of ways. The Hall Effect linear triggers are shaped like the ones found on Nintendo’s controller. If you flip the switches on the back, the triggers turn into rapid-fire microswitch buttons.
Microswitches are also used for the D-pad and A/B/X/Y buttons. The back buttons–one on each side–are no longer textured, but they offer a bit more feedback.
The Wizard 2 is the first GameCube-style controller from NYXI that upgrades from Hall Effect to TMR sticks. The left joystick has the signature pattern of rings found on the official Nintendo GameCube controller. Unlike the vast majority of third-party controllers, the Wizard 2 has NFC support to scan Amiibo.
The Wizard 2 has a sleeker form factor and looks more premium as a result. It’s worth noting there are a few features found on the original Wizard that aren’t offered with the second-gen model. It doesn’t have swappable sticks or gates, so the default octagonal gates and retro-inspired C-Stick is what you have to work with. If the prospect of always using a smaller right stick worries you, the original Wizard would be a better choice.
From a customization perspective, the Warrior and Warrior Lite are the most impressive GameCube-style controllers we’ve tried, but there are other GameCube controllers for Switch and Switch 2 that offer a more authentic experience.
As mentioned, Nintendo’s wireless GameCube controller for Switch 2 is as close to the original as you’ll find. It feels almost exactly like the original, just without the cable and with a few extra small buttons on the top: C button for GameChat, home/menu buttons, and a small ZL button to make up for the fact the GameCube controller only had one shoulder button. But while this is best option for GameCube games on Switch Online, the aforementioned tiny ZL button makes it less than ideal for modern games.
Officially licensed GameCube-style controllers from PowerA and Hori add Nintendo-inspired designs and have modernized shoulder and trigger layouts. The form factor of these controllers is closer to the original GameCube controller, as they have slimmer profiles compared to the NYXI Warrior. If you want to go the officially licensed route, PowerA’s Wireless Controller themed around Toad from Super Mario Bros. is $64.39 (was $70). For a cheaper wireless alternative, Hori makes a Zelda-themed Battle Pad for $50.
If you don’t mind a wire, you can’t beat Amazon’s deal on the PowerA Wired Controller featuring Bowser’s logo.
If you want to use an actual GameCube controller–with the GC connector instead of USB–it’s possible on Switch and Switch 2 with the help of an adapter.
If you purchase a wired GameCube controller or have an old one in a drawer somewhere, you can use it on Switch and Switch 2 with the help of an adapter. You can buy a USB controller hub like the popular Mayflash or Clouddream models below. Both of these budget-friendly accessories has four ports. If you don’t want to sit close to the hub, you can plug your controller into 8BitDo’s Gbros. wireless adapter. You’ll still have a wire, but you won’t be tethered to a stationary object.
