One of the big announcements to come out of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was that, after some time worth of asking, Nintendo fans will now be getting a Gamecube Classic library added to their Nintendo Switch Online, though only for the new console. Alongside this, as Nintendo is want to do, a Gamecube controller was announced that will work with the system alongside these, though some fine print now indicates it will be very limited in its functions.
Spotted in the details of the UK version of the trailer for the Switch 2 GameCube Controller, thanks to VGC, is a statement concerning this peripheral that reads:
The controller is only compatible with Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics.
This indicates that the controller will only function with the Gamecube Classics Collection that will be offered as an expansion to the Nintendo Switch online, and not with other Switch 2 games. VGC, however, did note that several other controllers from Nintendo have bore similar disclaimers have not been fully limited in their functionality as implied, and that Nintendo has not added the same disclaimer for the US market. This wouldn’t be uncommon for Nintendo either, previously released a pair of NES-themed Joy-Cons that worked predominantly with the NES collection on Online and not with other games.
Similarly, the Nintendo Switch has seen an influx of controllers made to feel like GameCube controllers but act in place of the pro controller from companies such as PowerA and Hori that managed to match the look and feel while still being accessible. For their part, Nintendo has released actual GameCube controllers again for the likes of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but with the release of GameCube classics, it felt like a great time for the company that actually created the controller to dip into the success the third-party manufacturers were having with them.
Nintendo has additionally confirmed that the Gamecube adaptor, made available with the re-released controllers for Super Smash Bros., will remain compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 as well, allowing player to actually use the classic controllers rather than needing this new version, if you feel you already have everything you need to start enjoying your trip down memory lane. The adaptor can be connected to the console’s 2 USB ports on the new and improved Dock.
The biggest missed opportunity here is that the GameCube classics collection will only include three games, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soul Calibur 2, and F-Zero GX at launch. While any of these games is a great case for why you might want to play them the way they were intended, Nintendo has been slow in the past to add more games to these collections. Players can look forward to the likes of Super Mario Sunshine, Pokemon Colosseum, and Luigi’s Mansion, to name a few that are coming, but a timeframe on when has yet to be given. Personally, I’m hoping the original Animal Crossing, which blew my little child mind, gets announced for the platform at some point in the future.
Originally, all of this was supposed to go pre-order on April 9th, when the Nintendo Switch 2 would also be made available for preorder. This, however was delayed by Nintendo due in part to tariffs imposed by President Trump on nearly every nation, including Japan, Vietnam, China, and Korea, impacting Nintendo’s supply chain heavily. We are still waiting to get more information on when pre-orders will officially begin, but the Nintendo Switch 2 is still set to release worldwide on June 5th. We will attempt to keep gamers up to date with any changes as information becomes available.
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