A rather clever strategy that has proven effective in boosting Nintendo’s revenue is the distribution of classic products for modern audiences. In addition to selling classic games, Nintendo has been using this opportunity to reintroduce new products based on their older accessory designs. However, there’s something rather peculiar and unique about the GameCube controller designed for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
Alongside the announcement that classic GameCube games will be made available for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers on the Nintendo Switch 2, the company has also announced the re-release of the iconic GameCube controller tailored for the new generation console. But it may not function the way fans expect.
As reported by VGC, this new GameCube controller will only work with Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics titles. This means it won’t be compatible with modern games released for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Yet, if this is the case, it marks a significant departure from how Nintendo approached the preceding console. In that case, the re-released classic controllers were still recognized by the system as Pro Controllers, even if their limited button layouts meant they could only be used with specific titles.
With this new GameCube controller, however, Nintendo appears to have restricted its usage to specific retro titles, which is an unusual design choice considering its US$65 price tag. Similar warnings are in place for the other controllers, so there might still be hope that the Gamecube controller will be the same.
Nintendo has already announced that three flagship GameCube games — The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Soul Calibur II, and F-ZERO GX — will be available on the first day of the Switch 2’s launch, which is set to happen on June 5 for major markets, and later in the year for Southeast Asia.
While the nostalgia-driven design may appeal to longtime fans, the limited compatibility could be a sticking point, potentially raising questions among consumers looking for broader controller functionality. Nonetheless, it’s clear that Nintendo is committed to retro appeal as a central pillar of its next-generation strategy.
