Overview of the GameCube Controller for Nintendo Switch 2
- The GameCube controller for Nintendo Switch 2 has a significant compatibility limitation, functioning solely with the GameCube Classics library.
- This restriction has disappointed fans, many of whom prefer the versatility of the Pro Controller 2.
- A community-driven wishlist for potential GameCube titles for the Switch 2 includes cherished classics such as Metal Gear Solid and Zelda series titles.
Nintendo recently announced a noteworthy constraint regarding its GameCube controller intended for the Switch 2, and the gaming community is reacting with surprise. Featured prominently in the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation, the retro controller was highlighted alongside the new console’s cutting-edge hardware and an exciting lineup of games.
The original GameCube, released in 2001, has garnered a devoted following, making it one of Nintendo’s enduring and beloved consoles. Historic titles from the GameCube era, such as Batman: Vengeance, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3, and Star Wars Rogue Squadron 2: Rogue Leader, continue to evoke nostalgia, prompting fans to hope for a comparable library of games on the Switch 2.
However, details unveiled in Nintendo’s latest promotional trailer indicate that the GameCube controller is strictly compatible only with the Nintendo GameCube Classics library. This means it cannot be utilized for other games on the Switch 2. At launch, players can look forward to classic titles like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur 2, and F-Zero GX, with assurances from Nintendo’s Treehouse livestream that a broader selection will be added in the future. The restriction on the controller is particularly frustrating for fans, especially since the button layout is compatible with a range of other games.
Nintendo’s GameCube Switch 2 Controller Restriction





The immediate reaction from the gaming community has been robust. Many Nintendo fans took to social media to express their disappointment over the restrictive nature of the GameCube controller, speculating whether this limitation might be an error by Nintendo. Notably, some fans lamented the fact that the controller could not be utilized for popular titles like Super Smash Bros. Others suggested turning to the Pro Controller 2 for a more versatile gaming experience, while a few nostalgic players recalled successfully using the N64 controller to play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
With the GameCube controller’s launch slated for June 5, 2025, coinciding with the release of the new console, gamers are eagerly compiling wish lists of potential GameCube titles they hope to see available. Suggested games include beloved classics like Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and Animal Crossing, alongside fan-favorites like Mario Kart: Double Dash and Super Smash Bros. Melee.