A new FCC filing by Nintendo indicates that the company is getting ready to launch a new version of the GameCube controller. Labelled as BEE-021, the filing (caught by Famiboards user Pokemaniac) indicates that it might be for a new GameCube controller owing to the placement of the FCC label that will be present on the product.
The position of the label with respect to the rest of the diagram is in a similar position as what we saw in the previous GameCube controller release, where the label would fall on the back side of where the C-stick sits. The filing also states that it will be a wireless controller that will make use of the 2.4 GHz range for communication with the console.
The idea of it being a controller for the Switch 2 comes from its BEE-021 listing ID. The BEE prefix has been used for products related to the Switch 2, whereas the original Switch and its peripherals used the HAC prefix in its filing IDs.
While this is far from a confirmation that Nintendo will be bringing back the GameCube controller for the Switch 2, the company is likely going to bring it back at some point. The last time around, the GameCube controller was released for the Nintendo Switch to be specifically used with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Historically, fans of Smash Bros. games have preferred the GameCube controller, since one of the most popular titles in the franchise was originally also a GameCube release.
This filing could indicate one of two things: either Nintendo has been working on a new game in the Super Smash Bros. franchise, or the company is trying to make sure that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate players who want to play the title on the Switch 2 through backwards compatibility won’t have to worry about not having their preferred controller.
As noted by Nintendo Everything, the filing is likely not for a Pro Controller for the Switch 2 as the listing doesn’t make any mention of NFC capabilities. The Pro controller would need NFC along with the JoyCons to be able to properly use Nintendo’s Amiibo figurines and the digital in-game rewards they often come with.
After having officially unveiled the Switch 2 back in January, Nintendo is currently getting ready to reveal more details about its next console during a special Direct showcase dedicated to the Switch 2 on April 2. The company is expected to give us a rundown on the console’s new features, while also elaborating on its hardware upgrades over its predecessor, as well as showing off some games that might come out during the system’s launch period.
In the meantime, recent rumours have indicated that Nintendo has already been shipping the Switch 2 to retailers in US and Canada for some time. Caught by another Famiboards users, around 383,000 units of the Switch 2 have been reportedly shipped to the US and Canada between January 17 and January 22. For more details, check out our coverage of the rumours here.
