Switch 2 GameCube Controller Makes Hopeful for Future NSO Controllers

One of the Nintendo Switch Online perks is that Nintendo will let subscribers purchase special controllers designed to work with the retro games available via the exclusive apps, with the Switch 2 exclusive being a GameCube controller. Initially, it seemed like the sort of controller that would be limited in its use. Like you get it out when you’re going to go through the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics titles. But now that I own it and have gotten to use it with other things, it’s making me hope that if further exclusive controllers exist, they could be as versatile.

Like the other Nintendo Switch Online exclusive controllers, the GameCube one for the Switch 2 is basically identical to the original, but with tweaks and adjustments to ensure it works with the app. We have newly added suspend, screenshot, Home, GameChat, and pairing buttons on the top. Turns out gyroscopic controls are present internally, for additional game features. The D-pad is actually improved, so it works and feels better. But in general, this is a pretty solid replica of the familiar, purple controller we loved for that classic system. 

And it works well with the GameCube games in the Switch 2 Nintendo Classics library! I’ve been primarily using it with The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, which I’ve been popping into when I had free time, but also played a few SoulCalibur II matches using it. It’s responsive. The buttons are responsive. The latency seems good. 

I just didn’t expect it to also be as practical for other Switch 2 games. Because of the nature of this controller and the included gyroscope, it isn’t difficult to head into the Accessibility settings’ Button Mapping to arrange a workaround for it to be used with other games on the system. As in other Nintendo Classics games for, say, the NES or GBA, or actual Switch and Switch 2 games. For example, I have been using it for Mario Kart World a lot, since the shape of the controller is so comfortable and familiar. 

But the other thing about it is that the Nintendo Switch Online GameCube controller for the Switch 2 does make me hope if we get more, they are just as adept. During the Switch era, ones for the NES, SNES, Genesis, and N64 all appeared. When compared to this peripheral, those other ones seem a bit barebones. Yes, they work fine for what they are. However, the limitations mean those really do feel like they’re destined for the Nintendo Classics apps in a way that keeps them from being as handy.

Now, due to the nature of those older systems, I get it wouldn’t be possible for them to offer the same range. The NES pair features far too few input options. Plus, I’m going to be honest here, it’s not as comfortable as successors. The Genesis one has the same issue. But when the N64 controller appeared, there was some additional hope. It can connect to a PC over Bluetooth, for example, to be used for games. 

But really, I would love to see Wii Nintendo Classics support for the Switch 2 one day! And if that happened, I’d love to see a Wii Remote, Nunchuk, and Classic Controller pack that could result in some shenanigans with other games. Again, the Wii Remote nature would mean some limitations. But the fact that we do have the Accessibility Button Mapping options could result in some fun creativity and options for titles. And since we did see gyroscopes added for this GameCube controller, maybe some additional elements could be added to make something for a hypothetical Wii one feel as special.

I just really appreciate how much I can do with the GameCube Switch 2 controller Nintendo released. I expected an item I’d only be using occasionally with Nintendo Switch Online GameCube Classic games or perhaps Smash Bros. I didn’t expect a peripheral that could be more useful in other situations and with other standard Switch and Switch 2 titles. It also makes me hope that, if the Nintendo Switch Online retro library expands, we could see more controllers that also could prove as versatile.

The GameCube Switch 2 controller is available for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers to order direct through Nintendo.