Nintendo announces Switch 2 GameCube controller that’ll play only classic titles, so why buy it?

Nintendo Switch 2 is making all the news since its unveiling last week. After a lull of more than five years, Nintendo wanted to give the most popular gaming handheld a good dose of upgrades to entice existing Switch users, as well as new gamers. The highly anticipated console will be coming out on June 5 (unless US tariffs mess plans and the price too), and along comes an assortment of accessories for the gaming handheld. Already, a couple have been announced – the Genki’s Switch 2 cases and the Piranha Plant Camera that bring unique functionality and uses for the handheld.

Now, Nintendo has officially announced the GameCube controller for Switch 2 that looks eerily similar to the original one released in 2001. The classic wireless controller will arrive alongside the Switch 2, so that’s exciting news for Nintendo fans. This controller will only be compatible with GameCube and Nintendo Classics, so don’t expect to play Hades 2 or Mario Kart World with this controller. The only thing we can expect is that the existing GameCube adapters should work with the new GameCube controller.

Designer: Nintendo

The nostalgic element of this game controller is real, but when it comes to functionality, it is limited to just a handful of titles accessible via the Switch Online + Expansion library. This would deter gamers who want to test the capabilities of the Switch 2 with the newer, more graphics and resource-intensive titles. That said, Nintendo will bring USB-C charging and Bluetooth connectivity to the GameCube controller. Added to the mix will be some extra buttons, including the newer C button that activates the GameChat features. There will be Home, Screenshot and ZL buttons for players who are content with the classic titles that this old school boy can play.

The GameCube controller will be available only to Switch Online subscribers, exclusively through Nintendo online stores. This to prevent scalping and black marketing of the controller bought by scalpers who want to make easy profits by selling the accessory at inflated prices in markets where the controller will be less accessible. Nintendo is creating this retro-modern controller to keep their retro credentials strongly intact, and in the memories of gamers. For a game fan, this means the impulsive urge to go and buy this accessory will be a lingering compulsion, even though you might have the other Nintendo controllers in possession.

The price of the GameCube controller is still unknown, and we hope it doesn’t get affected by President Trump’s tariff threats that are looming large on the world. On a positive note, the original wired GameCube controller Adapter, compatible with the Wii U and Switch, works with the Switch 2. That means you can play the newer Switch 2 games on your TV with the old controller.

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