Following the reveal of Nintendo GameCube Online during the Switch 2 Direct, the company announced an authentic wireless controller for the service. The Nintendo GameCube Online controller joins the NSO Online family of controllers, alongside the SNES, NES, and Nintendo 64 Online Controllers. The iconic console is infamous for its unique controller.
After using it for various games on Switch 2, here’s my review of the Nintendo GameCube Online Controller.
A Familiar Grip – Initial Unboxing
Nintendo’s latest retro controller packaging mirrors the N64 Online one, with see-through plastic covering an easy-to-slide-out box. However, the controller wasn’t wrapped in plastic, which didn’t protect the sticks and buttons. Thankfully, it shipped to me from the My Nintendo Store with no issue.
Nintendo also includes a lengthy USB-C cable, making charging and setting up the controller with the console easy.
The Feel – GameCube Online Controller Build Quality
Speaking of the controller itself, the build quality is 1-to-1 with the original GC wired controller. The purple finish, a weight quality mirroring the original wired controller, and responsive buttons were noticeable upon initially holding it.
It matched the quality I felt at the Nintendo Experience Event. In many ways, the GC Online Controller is what the original Wavebird Controller wanted to be.
Another thing I noticed was the D-Pad, as it felt very responsive. Being someone who hated the original D-Pad for the GameCube, this is a huge improvement.
The Tried and True – Playing Switch 1 Games
While marketed squarely for GameCube Online, the controller has enough buttons to play Switch 1 games. The first game I tried this with was Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which registered the controller as a proper GameCube controller.
In addition, I tried out the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection. That collection featured two titles worth testing: Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy.
Super Mario Sunshine supports the GC Online Controllers’ analog triggers, making the experience 1-to-1 with the original GC release. And for Super Mario Galaxy, it fully supports the gyro controls for both aiming the star cursor and general gyro gimmicks.
Despite Switch 1 games on Switch 2 using the controller on Nintendo’s latest console, it cannot be used on Nintendo Switch 1 consoles.
Into the New Generation – Playing Switch 2 Games
Mirroring the experience of playing Switch 1 games, playing official Nintendo Switch 2 games works too. The first game I tried it with was Mario Kart World, with that game’s control scheme adapting to the GC button layout with no issue.
Pulling off tight turns, nailing sick tricks, and more were great, as the GC’s A Button and comfy L & R buttons are perfect for kart racing adventures. In addition, driving around using the main stick felt responsive.
Regarding Sonic X Shadow Generations, I noticed some interesting results, as the game’s button placements changed completely. One example is how the game translated the Joy Con 2/Pro Controller 2 button trigger inputs to the GC controller.
Instead of pressing ZL and Z to Quick Step, those inputs were placed on the L & R Buttons. I imagine similar results for other Switch 2 and Switch 1 titles, so your mileage will vary regarding button placement using the controller. Sadly, remapping buttons on the controller via System Options isn’t usable on Switch 2, similar to other NSO Controllers.
The Classics – Nintendo GameCube Online Impressions
Of course, the main selling point of the GC Online Controller is playing GameCube games. After loving my time with the controller at the Nintendo Experience event, I hoped it would mirror the home playing experience.
Thankfully, it does with flying colors. Every button press and analog input felt responsive for the three games playable on the service right now.
Starting with an arcade match in Soul Calibur 2, I was button-mashing to victory and never felt misinputs. Playing F-Zero GX next, I got through a few races with no issues. And beginning my adventure in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, the game felt just like the GameCube original using the controller.
Closing Thoughts on Nintendo GameCube Online Controller
As someone who never purchased a Nintendo Online Controller for their various emulators on NSO, I didn’t know what to expect from the GC Online Controller. Despite having a great experience at the Nintendo Experience Event, I didn’t know if that would reflect the home experience.
With the GameCube being a console I grew up with, I know if a GC controller feels great. And this one is a must-own for those who love Smash Bros. and want to play the GameCube Online titles the best way possible.
Despite some compatibility issues with Switch 1 and Switch 2 games, this is a great controller to add to your collection.
This product was purchased by the reviewer.
Score: 8.5 out of 10
Pros:
- Fantastic feeling sticks
- Buttons and Triggers feel just like the Original
- Can be used for Switch 1 & Switch 2 Games
- Weight Identical to the Original Controller
- GC Online Works Great with Controller
Cons:
- Packaging Could Use More Protection
- Compatibility with Switch 1 & Switch 2 Games Isn’t Perfect
- Cannot use the Controller on Switch 1 Consoles
- Cannot Remap Buttons via System OS
