Many retro fans hail the GameCube controller as the finest ever made. If you are also a fan, we have a handy list of the best options for Switch and PC
If you ask any Super Smash Bros player what the best controller is, the answer will be instantaneous – the Nintendo GameCube controller. Nintendo’s purple lunchbox may be several generations out of date now, but its legacy lives on.
Those who want to keep the past alive with a GameCube-style controller on Nintendo Switch or PC, but don’t know where to start, then worry not. Our guide will give you all the best options so you can choose what works for you.
1. Nintendo GameCube controller
- Weight: 203g
- Connectivity: Wired
- Compatibility: GameCube, Wii (PC or Switch with adaptor)
- Price: $39.99 to $69.99
- Features: Analog triggers, original GC design
| Pros | Cons |
| The original version | Only available second-hand |
| Analogue triggers | Needs an adaptor to work with modern hardware |
| Still works excellently |
Sometimes, nothing quite beats the original.
The GameCube layout was revolutionary for its time, and for some people, it remains the best option. The official hardware has an advantage over many third-party options, such as the analog triggers. These triggers can be used to activate light or heavy shields in Super Smash Bros, but many third-party controllers do not support the option.
2. PowerA GameCube Style Wired Controller
- Weight: 0.3kg
- Connectivity: Wired
- Compatibility: Switch
- Price: $25
- Features: Classic GameCube design, larger D-pad, added left shoulder button, detachable 10ft USB cable
| Pros | Cons |
| Cable is detachable | Only works with Nintendo Switch |
| Very close to original GC design | No Hall Effect |
| Inexpensive | No analogue triggers |
Outside of Nintendo’s official controller, the only one we can – in good conscience – recommend is from PowerA. While not a perfect recreation, the ability to use a USB-C cable and simply plug it straight into your chosen device is a convenience you won’t find from the big N themselves.
PowerA’s controllers are also themed around either different Nintendo characters or come in that classic, all-black aesthetic. The upside to using the PowerA GameCube controller is that it’ll simply just work on a PC too.
PowerA also has an additional Z shoulder button and a full suite of Share, Home, and Plus/Minus buttons, making it entirely useable by itself without the need to reach for your Joycon or Pro Controller.
3. Nyxi Wizard Joycons
- Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
- Weight: 248g
- Compatibility: Nintendo Switch
- Price: $69.99
- Features: Hall Effect sticks, mappable rear buttons
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable retro design | Bulky when attached in handheld mode |
| Hall Effect Sticks | Expensive |
| Backlit face buttons | Only compatible with Switch |
The Nyxi Wizard is already a cool design, taking direct inspiration from one of Nintendo’s best controllers. However, the GameCube-themed Joycons split and work on the handheld Switch, and while it’s docked over wireless connections.
There’s also the fact that the sticks shouldn’t develop drift, unlike Nintendo’s own controllers. It’s a Joycon that takes strong design cues from the Wavebird. Thus combining past and present in one great package.
4. Nintendo WaveBird
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless RF
- Weight: 208g
- Compatibility: GameCube, Wii (without adapter)
- Price: $60 – $80
- Features: Analogue triggers, channel selection wheel, power and connection LED
| Pros | Cons |
| Amazing retro style | Needs AA batteries |
| Very collectable | Rare and hard to find |
| No rumble feature |
The WaveBird was the first official wireless controller released by Nintendo. It set the standard for pretty much every wireless controller that followed and is still coveted by retro gaming fans to this day.
The WaveBird has a nostalgic appeal, but it also boasts a subtle and understated style. The only problem is that they can be fairly hard to get hold of now, as collectors are often reluctant to part with them.
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If you manage to get one though, you will have earned yourself some retro street cred.
5. Nyxi Warrior
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4G Wireless, USB-C Wired
- Weight: 260g
- Compatibility: PC, GameCube, Switch, Wii
- Price: $68.99
- Features: GameCube-style layout, Hall Effect Sticks, HD rumble, Optical microswitches, customizable back paddles, Gyroscope sensor, 8-way D-pad
| Pros | Cons |
| Hall effect sticks | D-pad feels weird |
| Microswitched face buttons | Adaptive triggers don’t always work |
| Can switch between modern and retro gaming |
The Nyxi Warrior is not quite as focused as its Wizard teammate, but it makes up for that in versatility. The Warrior is much more customizable than the Wizard and has an additional advantage of being able to work on PC as well as Switch and GameCube.
Not every player will be happy with the shield-type D-Pad, but plenty of people will enjoy the drift-proof analog sticks and adaptive triggers. Being able to play in proper retro style on PC is also a big bonus.
6. PowerA GameCube wireless controller
- Connectivity: USB-C, wireless
- Weight: 204g
- Compatibility: Switch & PC
- Price: $60
- Features: Shoulder buttons, AA Battery powered, Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility, large d-pad
| Pros | Cons |
| Octagonal gated left stick | Needs AA batteries |
| Motion controls included | No Hall Effect |
| Larger D-pad |
Sporting the same iconic GameCube look with everything you come to expect from a modern Switch controller, this wireless PowerA controller has it all.
Though, you will need to equip yourself with a handful of batteries in order to use it. It pairs with your Switch effortlessly, and we were doing all manner of tilt attacks and more in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in no time at all. Like its wired variant, this is about as close as you can get to a modern GameCube controller
7. Retro Fighters BattlerGC
- Weight: 0.32kg
- Connectivity: USB-C, wireless
- Compatibility: GameCube, Wii, Game Boy Player, Switch & PC
- Price: $49.95
- Features: Pressure-sensitive analog triggers, accurate D-pad, dual “Z” shoulder buttons, 2.4 wireless GHz technology, rechargeable battery, 30-foot wireless range.
| Pros | Cons |
| Long wireless range | Works with retro and modern hardware |
| Large battery | No Hall Effect |
| Solid build quality |
The BattlerGC controller by Retro Fighters is designed with Super Smash Bros players in mind.
Unlike the original GameCube controller, the ergonomically designed BattlerGC can let you play for longer, with a 10+ hour rechargeable battery. The controller also comes decked out with wireless vibration feedback, pressure-sensitive analog triggers, a comfortable D-pad, and dual “Z” shoulder buttons.
The form factor is like someone crossed a WaveBird with a Switch Pro Controller, which unexpectedly, works very well.
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