With the introduction of GameCube games to the collection of classic titles that will be available on the Nintendo Switch 2 through a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, the company will also be releasing a new GameCube controller for the console. However, previous reports have indicated that the controller might only be compatible with GameCube titles, and other games being played might face some compatibility issues.
The company has now confirmed that the GameCube controller will work with other games on the Switch 2 as well as GameCube titles. Speaking to Nintendo Life, the company has mentioned that players might face some issues when using the controller on Switch 2 titles, however.
It cites the fact that the GameCube controller doesn’t have all the buttons that are usually present on a typical Switch 2 Pro Controller or the new Joy-Con 2 controllers. The company also points out that the GameCube controller will not be compatible with the original Switch.
“The Nintendo GameCube controller is designed for use with the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics collection of games and is an optional way to play those games,” said the company in its statement.
“Since it doesn’t have all the buttons and features found in other controllers that can be used with the Nintendo Switch 2 system, there may be some issues when playing other games. The Nintendo GameCube controller can only be used on Nintendo Switch 2 and is not compatible with Nintendo Switch.”
A previous statement by Nintendo indicated that the controller would only work with GameCube games being played on the Switch 2. While the company hadn’t elaborated at the time, speculation revolved around the controller not featuring all of the Switch 2’s buttons. However, historically, classic controllers released for the Switch have also been usable on other games, albeit with some issues here and there.
The GameCube controller also tends to be of significance to fans of the Super Smash Bros. franchise. Since the GameCube title, Super Smash Bros. Melee, is widely considered to be one of the best games in the series, a GameCube controller is often preferred by players even for more modern titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch.
The GameCube controller for the Switch 2 was announced alongside the arrival of GameCube games on the console during a Nintendo Direct earlier this month. At the console’s June 5 launch day, heavy hitters from the classic console will be available to play, including The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soul Calibur 2. More games are planned to be added to the service, including Luigi’s Mansion, Super Mario Sunshine, and Chibi-Robo: Plug Into Adventure.
GameCube games on the Switch 2 will have plenty of additional quality-of-life features for players, including online multiplayer, save states, game rewind, and even an option for CRT-styled scanlines applied through a filter on top of the game’s visuals for that extra retro appeal. Back when the GameCube was Nintendo’s latest console, scanlines produced by CRT TVs would be used by artists to add an extra layer of aliasing to improve visuals in games.
