How the GameCube Controller Works on Nintendo Switch 2—and How You Can Get One

WIRED

05-04-2025

One of Nintendo's best and most influential controllers is making a comeback on Switch 2, alongside a host of classic games. Photograph: Julian Chokkatu
After months of silence, Nintendo has finally confirmed that the Switch 2 is coming soon, launching worldwide on June 5 (even if preorders are delayed for the US). But what accompanied that announcement was the confirmation that GameCube games will be coming to the new console, along with a dedicated controller to play them with.
Although the GameCube never achieved the success of rival PS2—selling approximately 22 million units worldwide, far short of the Sony juggernaut's 160 million—it became a fan favorite. A strong library of first-party titles, including Super Mario Sunshine, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and Metroid Prime , alongside some key third-party releases such as Resident Evil Zero and SoulCalibur II , earned it a loyal following.
It was the controller that earned it a spot in gaming history though, in large part because of its compatibility with Super Smash Bros. Melee. So perfect was the symbiosis of game and controller that custom GameCube controllers have launched alongside every Smash Bros game since.
A GameCube revival on Switch 2 had felt like an open secret for months. Rumors of the classic console's controller making a return had been swirling, and reports of parts involved in its manufacture seeing a surge in shipments only lent credence to the idea. Similarly, speculation was rife that GameCube games would be joining the Switch Online lineup for the Switch 2 launch.
Given that Nintendo had produced wireless replica controllers for the NES, SNES, N64, and even Sega Mega Drive/Genesis to support games from those classic consoles played through Nintendo's subscription service, it was only logical that the GameCube would get the same treatment. However, it's not without a few updates and changes to the original model. So, What's Different?
The biggest difference in the GameCube controller coming to the Switch 2 is that it's cordless—keeping the same overall aesthetic of the original without requiring a bulky battery pack or receiver.
Front on, it looks exactly the same as the 2001 pad, right down to the signature purple hue. Face buttons sit on two 'islands' either side of the curved controller. The central green A button, smaller red B, curved X and Y satellites, and the iconic, nub-like C-stick are all present and accounted for on the right side. Then there's the D-pad on the left, and the eight-way thumbstick return, while the singular Start button sits in the middle.
Looking at the top of the pad though, the differences become clearer. While the gray left and right triggers and dark purple Z shoulder button on the right hand side return, they're joined by a smaller ZL shoulder button on the left. This is presumably to maintain compatibility with any non-GameCube games users may want to play with this revised controller, though it does appear significantly smaller than a typical shoulder button. It may not make for the most comfortable of play sessions.
Also visible are the Home and Screenshot buttons of the Switch, a small pairing button, four LEDs that will indicate connection to the console and which player is which, a USB-C charging port, and the brand-new C button that's coming to the Switch 2. This brings up the new system's GameChat features, activating the console's built-in mic and the menu that governs voice controls, screen sharing, and other social features. All told, it looks like the features required for the Switch 2 have been neatly integrated into the shell of the classic GameCube controller, without sacrificing the original look and feel. How to Get the Gamecube Controller for Switch 2
At present, it seems as though the official Nintendo GameCube controller for Switch 2 will only be available to purchase through Nintendo's own My Nintendo Store site. A price hasn't been announced for it yet, but as far as release date goes, Nintendo says it will be available 'the same day as Nintendo Switch 2'—so June 5.
However, like the replica pads for other retro consoles, sales of the GameCube controller will be restricted to those subscribing to the Nintendo Switch Online service. That's likely Nintendo's way of preventing scalpers, but we wouldn't be surprised if supplies are stretched thin anyway, at least at launch.
While a GameCube controller is going to be the most authentic way to play GameCube games on Switch 2, you won't be left out if you can't snag one. All titles will be playable on the Switch 2's own Joy-Con 2 controller duo (most likely when paired as a single controller on the updated Joy-Con 2 grip) or the new Switch 2 Pro Controller.
The Switch Pro 2 Controller. Photograph: Julian Chokkatu
Nintendo has also confirmed that players will be able to check controls for each game using a system menu, and even remap them according to preference. Remapping looks to be supported on both the Joy-Con 2s and the GameCube controller, which is a nice extra. How to Play GameCube Games On Switch 2
Unlike classic games getting a digital rerelease on, say, Steam, retro titles on Switch typically can't be purchased individually. Instead, access to a curated library of select titles is a benefit for subscribers to the Nintendo Switch Online service, Nintendo's answer to PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass. That looks set to be the case with GameCube games too.
However, Nintendo Switch Online itself has two tiers. The basic tier, which costs $20/£18 per year, and the "Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack" tier, which costs $50/£35 per year. You'll need to be a member of the latter to access the new GameCube games, which is where they will live alongside retro libraries for N64, Game Boy Advance and Sega Mega Drive/Genesis.
The important distinction is, unlike those other games, they will also only be playable on Switch 2. Even if you subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack at present, GameCube titles won't be accessible on the current Switch.
It's also worth noting that the classic game libraries will be renamed to simply 'Nintendo Classics'—which should be interesting when it comes to those Sega titles … What Games Are Coming?
Now we're into the fun stuff. Nintendo has confirmed that the first GameCube titles to be added to the library will be some of the classics— The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, SoulCalibur II, and F-Zero GX . All three will be available at the Switch 2 launch on June 5.
It's a strong trio to kick things off— The Wind Waker remains one of the most beloved Zelda adventures, SoulCalibur II still holds up as a fighting game, and we haven't seen a new F-Zero , Nintendo's high-speed sci-fi racer, since GX itself.
Still from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Courtesy of Nintendo
Other GameCube classics confirmed to be coming to Switch Online subscribers include Super Mario Sunshine, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Pokémon Colosseum and its sequel XD: Gale of Darkness, Mario Smash Football (aka Super Mario Strikers), Chibi Robo , and Luigi's Mansion . The arrival of these games is undated at time of writing.
Still from F-Zero GX. Courtesy of Nintendo
Still from SoulCaliber II. Courtesy of Nintendo
It appears all GameCube games will be joining the service essentially as-is (or as-was, technically), without any remastering. Nintendo does say that the games will have 'clearer image quality and higher resolution than the original releases,' but it's unclear at present if this is simply due to upscaling. One modern benefit however is that 'in games that support multiplayer, up to four can play together locally, or online.'