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Nintendo switch 2 gamecube controller: one-minute review
After about 15 hours with the Nintendo Switch 2 gamecube controller, I can safely recommend it if you are looking for an authentic retro experience on the console. It is a PIN-Sharp, accurate entertainment of the original pad, and thus ideal if you plan to dive into those classic gamecub games as part of your nintendo switch online + expansion pack membership.
This is a loyal amendment, but does not mean that the purple surprise is not modernized in some ways. You are receiving wireless connectivity here – a major sales point of the original gamecube’s Wavebird Controller during the day. Battery life also seems incredibly impressive; After a game of about 15 hours, its battery indicator appears about half full on the ‘Controllers’ menu of Switch 2. For example, I think you will get a life of about 25-30 hours before you need to re-charge it.
Nevertheless, ‘authentic’ does not mean ‘correct’, and certainly there are some other improvements that I want to see, even if the purist will cry dishonestly. The control of the controller is still far away and away from its weakest element, incredibly small and quite muddy for the touch. And when I enjoy those pressure-sensitive triggers, they definitely feel climk compared to today’s best nintendo switch controllers.
There is only other real negative aspect to talk about availability. This is because the switch 2 gamecube controller is available only through the online store of Nintendo, requiring an Nintendo account to log in and buy products.
At the top of it, you will need a nintendo switch online subscription to be eligible for purchase. This will be a barrier to some, but if you are planning to buy a controller for its intended purpose, you may already be subscribed to the online service of the nintendo.
Nintendo Switch 2 Gamecube Controller Review: Price and Availability
- $ 64.99 / £ 58.99 / AU $ 89.95
- Especially available through Nintendo’s online store
- A nintendo switch online-vegetable account required for purchase
Nintendo Switch 2 gamecube controller released the same day as Nintendo Switch 2 Console (June 5, 2025), and is now available to buy for $ 64.99 / £ 58.99 / AU $ 89.95.
Although it is a good deal compared to Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($ 84.99 / £ 74.99 / AU $ 119.95), keep in mind that the case of use for gamecube pads is more limited, as it is mainly designed for Switch 2’s Gamecube Nintendo Classics Library.
As mentioned above, there are some hoops for yourself to jump to buy the gamecube controller. It is available only through the online store of nintendo, which you will need a nintendo account to buy. At the top of it, Nintendo is limiting purchases to those who have nintendo switch online subscriptions.
While this is a annoying limit, it makes some sense. The library of switch 2 of the gamecube title can only be accessed through the expansion pack tier of Nintendo switch online. Thus, if you are buying the controller for that reason, you probably have a subscription for online service.
Nintendo Switch 2 Gamecube Controller Review: Glasses
|
price |
$ 64.99 / £ 58.99 / AU $ 89.95 |
|
weight |
7.4oz / 210g |
|
Dimensions |
5.5 x 3.9 x 2.6in / 140 x 100 x 65 mm |
|
Adaptability |
Nintendo switch 2 |
|
connection type |
Wireless |
|
battery life |
About 25-30 hours |
Nintendo Switch 2 Gamecube Controller Review: Design and Features
After Sega Dremkast, Nintendo Gamecube was my childhood system with that sixth generation console (yes, I am old, silent). I spent those days playing a wonderful title of hundreds of hours The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Fantasy Star Online Episode 1 and 2, F-Giro GX, And Sonic Adventure 2 Battle. As a result, I am deeply familiar with the original gamecube controller, and it is one of all my favorite gamepads.
In my view, then, there was a lot to live in the switch 2 version of the gamecube controller. And I am happy to tell that it is a very controller, which is more useful as a contemporary pad with some modernities. In addition to clear wireless connectivity, including the introduction of the house, screenshots, and gameChat buttons, as well as a small ‘ZL’ button, which acts as a left trigger for a regular switch and switchs 2 game (in addition to reaching a quick menu for the gamecube classics library).
Otherwise, it is practically similar to the original controller, the wired port is being replaced with the USB-C port. Analog sticks, C-sticks, de-pads, and that iconic-until-until the until the unusaldox face button layouts are all exactly the same place where they should be, and all feel similar to that 2001 pad.
Nintendo has also corrected small details. For example, facial buttons ever feel a little loose in places, not so much that it is very luxurious, but enough that they can rock around your thumb. It is a strange thing that I have always enjoyed. In other places, the left analog stick has all the right shape, which affects the Grippy feel similar to the OG version. Not afraid if you were after authenticity, then this Is Through a gamecube controller and through.
Nintendo Switch 2 Gamecube Controller Review: Performance
Keeping all that in mind, design-wise, it should be no wonder that the switch 2 gamecube controller now looks as good as it was back with my big adult hands. Its curved design is also a blessing among contemporary controllers, and while playing, my hands still comfortably relax comfortably around their grip, wrapping snuggali on the trigger with index fingers.
I tested the switch 2 gamecube controller mainly with my relevant switch online game collection. At the time of writing, it meant that a lot of gameplay F-Zero GX, Sol Calibur 2, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, And Super Mario Strikers. In addition to some little noticeable input intervals wind Waker (Which is a problem with simulation, as I have experienced the same with the switch 2 Pro Controller), Gamecube pad performed excellent through wireless play.
It is also worth noting that the controller is originally compatible with switch and switch 2 games. This means that you can use it for some best nintendo switch 2 games, including Mario Cart World, Street Fighter 6, And State Tears – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, But this does not mean that I will recommend it.
There are two layers for my argument here. The first and clearly clear is that the button of gamecube is largely on obstacles with the layout standard switch format. On the gamecube controller, you have a button in the middle with B, X, and Y, which is all orbiting. If you have a dead set on using the gamecube controller for switch 2 games, then you have to rely on the in-game controller settings to make a more comfortable layout.
Additionally, PAD’s trigger bumper inputs (l and r switch 2 pro controllers, and joy-con 2), while Z and Zl button are triggered by default. This essentially means that the placement has swapped all around, which is slightly more strange.
This is where my second point comes. Switch 2 currently does not support the gamecube controller button mapping from the home dashboard, as for other official pads. This is a bit of a strange lapse, and one I hope will be patching somewhere under the line. Ultimately, however, I am glad that Nintendo provides the gamecube control compatibility as at least one alternative.
Other control-related issues are, but these are very least heritage problems. The trigger will definitely feel a little climk for something, and the D-pad is still very small, rugged and soulful. Would I like to see some improvements in these areas? Sure, but seeing my attachment to the original gamecube controller, I am hesitant to present any comprehensive change from a pure perspective.
Finally, the controller at least seriously affects the battery life. I tested the gamecube controller for about 15 hours, and when I did not completely dry the tank, I used about half, according to the control menu of the switch 2. Keeping this in mind, I will estimate pad houses between 25–30 hours of battery life, similar to the Switch 2 Pro Controller.
Should I buy Nintendo Switch 2 Gamecube controller?
Buy it if …
Do not buy it if …
Nintendo Switch 2 Gamecube Controller Review: Consider also
The switch 2 gamecube is a very specific piece of controller kit, designed for a very specific set of sports. If you are having other views, there are some options.
| Row 0 – SAIL 0 |
2 gamecube controllers switch |
Switch 2 Pro Controller |
8bitdo ultimat 2 |
|
price |
$ 64.99 / £ 58.99 / AU $ 89.95 |
$ 84.99 / £ 74.99 / AU $ 119.95 |
$ 69.99 / £ 59.99 / AU $ 90 |
|
weight |
7.4oz / 210g |
8.3oz / 235g |
8.7oz / 246g |
|
Dimensions |
5.5 x 3.9 x 2.6in / 140 x 100 x 65 mm |
5.8 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 148 x 105 x 60 mm |
5.7 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 147 x 103 x 61 mm |
|
Adaptability |
Nintendo switch 2 |
Nintendo switch 2 |
Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC |
|
connection type |
Wireless |
Bluetooth, USB Type-C |
2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB Type-C |
|
battery life |
About 25-30 hours |
About 40 hours |
10-15 hours |
How I tested Nintendo Switch 2 Gamecube Controller
- Tested for about 15 hours
- Play a series of gamecube classics and switch 2 games
- In the context of feel, performance and battery life, compared to Switch 2 Pro Controller
I tested the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller for about 15 hours, mainly used it for her purpose of playing with the gamecube library of Nintendo Switch online. I also mixed in testing with some switch 2 games, including Mario Cart World, Street Fighter 6, And State Tears – Nintendo Switch 2 version. The results were mixed here, because the button layout of the gamecube controller is not best suited for more modern titles.
I played mainly on my LG CX OLED TV, and compared its performance with the gamecube games to the Switch 2 Pro Controller. Both are well favorable, although I found myself to get the button settings ticked for the latter, such as to suit the title control plans better F-Giro GX And Soul Calibur 2. With the gamecube controller, I did not have to worry about it because controls are all mapped as control.
First July 2025 reviewed
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