Switch 2 Review GameCube Controller – Classic Design with Modern Touches

Nintendo has returned the GameCube controller for the Switch 2, preserving its classic feel while adding a few modern touches. It keeps the original analog sticks, A and B buttons, and pressure-sensitive L and R triggers, but now comes wireless with USB-C charging, gyro controls, and extra buttons for Switch 2 compatibility. While it excels in replicating the GameCube experience, its limitations in modern gaming contexts show it was designed for nostalgia first, versatility second.

John Carson’s review on IGN highlights that the Switch 2 GameCube controller immediately evokes the early 2000s. Its shape, button layout, and toy-like aesthetics remain intact. The gray analog stick with its rough concentric grip and octagonal gate, the small d-pad, and the oversized A button paired with the tiny B button are all unchanged. The X and Y buttons maintain their quirky bean-like shapes. Nintendo has deliberately avoided altering the ergonomics or button layout that some found awkward in the original design. For those who loved the GameCube controller, this is a faithful reproduction; for newcomers, it may feel unusual.

The inclusion of analog L and R triggers stands out as a feature missing in most modern controllers. These triggers are fully pressure-sensitive, functioning exactly like the originals. In F-Zero GX, for instance, gripping the triggers allows precise control over the vehicle’s speed and direction. The feel is authentic, though slightly stiffer than a 20-year-worn controller. This ensures GameCube games on Switch 2 behave as intended, preserving the legacy of titles that relied on analog input.

Image: IGN

The biggest change to the classic design is the move to wireless play. Instead of a fixed cable, the controller features a USB-C port and comes with a five-foot USB-C cable for charging or docked use. Battery life is strong, similar to the Switch 2 Pro controller. Weeks of gameplay required only a few charges, eliminating concerns of running out of power mid-session. The controller surpasses the older WaveBird in convenience and performance, marking the best untethered GameCube experience yet.

Nintendo didn’t stop at wireless play. The controller gains several small buttons, including Home, Capture, ZL, and a new C button for Switch 2’s GameChat feature. These buttons are discreet, tucked around the original triggers. They work, but the placement and small size make them less comfortable than Joy-Cons or the Pro Controller. Motion controls are also included, enabling gyro-based aiming in games like Breath of the Wild or Splatoon 3. The gyro is responsive and accurate, expanding the controller’s utility beyond just GameCube titles.

Despite these upgrades, the controller is not fully adapted to Switch 2’s library. Critical features are missing: the left and right analog sticks aren’t clickable, there is no minus button, no HD rumble, and button remapping isn’t supported. While the traditional layout handles many games well, these omissions create friction for titles that rely on modern controller standards. Racing in Mario Kart feels nostalgic, but open-world gameplay highlights the missing options and accessibility limitations.

Image: IGN

Nintendo’s approach preserves the original feel but leaves questions about usability in a broader Switch 2 context. The pill-shaped ZL button could have mirrored the more ergonomic bumper-style Z button, but Nintendo prioritized aesthetic authenticity over modern ergonomics. These design choices make the controller less versatile than the Pro Controller, which remains the better option for players wanting complete functionality.

Availability is restricted to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. Each account can purchase only one controller, making it challenging to assemble multiple controllers for multiplayer sessions. The price is $69.99, just below the Switch 2 Pro Controller, which reflects both the nostalgia value and the limited functionality. For collectors and fans, the exclusivity adds appeal; for casual players, it’s a steep entry point.

Image: IGN

Overall, the Switch 2 GameCube controller succeeds as a faithful reproduction. It captures the feel of early 2000s gaming with analog triggers, classic button layout, and the tactile joy of the original design. Wireless play, gyro controls, and extra buttons enhance compatibility with the Switch 2 library but fall short of full modern functionality. It’s best suited for NSO GameCube titles, where its design shines. For these games, it remains the definitive controller.

Purchasing it is straightforward but requires an NSO subscription, limiting access to a single unit per account. Players wanting multiple controllers will need to coordinate with family or friends. Despite these hurdles, Nintendo has delivered a controller that delivers nostalgia, authenticity, and a touch of modern convenience.

For anyone focused on experiencing GameCube classics on the Switch 2, the controller is worth it. It passes the test for authentic reproduction with flying colors, keeping the analog triggers and original aesthetics intact while offering a glimpse of modern enhancements. Its limitations in broader Switch 2 gameplay are evident, but don’t overshadow the joy of returning to a familiar, beloved design.

The Switch 2 GameCube controller reminds players why Nintendo’s peripherals remain iconic. It’s a bridge between the past and present, offering wireless play and motion controls while holding on to the quirks that made the original unforgettable. While not a full Pro Controller replacement, it’s the ultimate choice for anyone diving into the NSO’s GameCube library, delivering both nostalgia and reliable gameplay.

Nintendo has delivered a mostly faithful classic with a few modern twists. Analog triggers, gyro control, and wireless capability make it practical for today, but missing clickable sticks, HD rumble, and remapping limit its full potential. Still, for GameCube games, it’s the best option, marrying the old and new in a package that evokes the console’s unique charm.

This is the Switch 2 GameCube controller: a nod to the past, slightly modernized, and perfect for those ready to revisit early 2000s gameplay without sacrificing authenticity. It’s a controller that knows what it is and delivers on that promise, making it a standout option for the NSO GameCube library moving forward.