If you’re serious about Smash Bros, you already know the GameCube controller is the gold standard. I’ve relied on the original wired GameCube controller from the Wii U era for years. It’s muscle memory at this point.
So when Nintendo announced a wireless version for the Switch 2, I was all in. This is something I’ve been waiting for—a real GameCube controller without the need for adapters, dongles, or wires. Just pick it up and play.
I’ve logged hours in matches and classic GameCube games alike. Here’s how it stacks up.
Verdict
If your focus is Smash Bros or playing GameCube classics via Nintendo Classics on Switch 2, this controller delivers authenticity, precision, and comfort. It avoids all the usual third-party compromises—even without Hall effect tech or Plus/Minus buttons. And while it only works on the Switch 2, that’s where I’ll be using it anyway.
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 4.5/5
Pros
- Feels identical to the original GameCube controller
- No noticeable input lag
- Solid wireless performance with long battery life
- Excellent fit and finish compared to third-party options
- Includes analog triggers for full compatibility with legacy games
- Integrates Switch 2 controls (Home, Screenshot, Game Chat, etc.)
- No need for dongles or adapters
Cons
- No Plus or Minus buttons (just Start)
- Doesn’t work with the original Switch or Switch Lite
- No Hall effect sensors (uses traditional potentiometers)
- Rumble is present but not especially strong or nuanced
- ZL button feels like an afterthought
Hardware & Feel
Sturdy, authentic, and feels just right.
Thumbstick and C‑stick feel perfect. Not close. Perfect. Every face button is the same height and spacing. Trigger pull? Slightly less snap at the bottom compared to the wired original, but still excellent. I couldn’t detect any difference between this and my worn-in wired one.
Technically, the wireless version is 211.9 grams, while the wired one is 200.7 grams. But in practice, I didn’t notice the difference. It doesn’t feel heavier in hand, and it’s definitely not more fatiguing to use over long sessions.
Subtle changes, welcomed improvements.
The D‑pad is lighter and more tactile; I actually prefer it now. The Z button feels a little less stiff when pressed. Not looser, not deeper—just smoother and easier to actuate, which I ended up liking. The new ZL button is small and asymmetrical, but functional if you want that extra mapping option.
Rumble is included. It’s not especially strong or nuanced, but it works. You’ll feel it in Smash and other titles, but this isn’t a standout feature—it just does the job.
One important note: this controller sticks to the original GameCube layout. That means no dedicated Plus or Minus buttons—just the single Start/Pause button. If you’re planning to use this as your main Switch 2 controller for everything, keep that in mind. For games that rely on Plus/Minus for menus or system functions, this layout is a limitation.
Works Only on Switch 2
This controller is built specifically for the Switch 2. It does not work with the original Switch or Switch Lite. If you’re toggling between systems, you’ll need to keep your wired version or another alternative around.
The controller also includes a gyro, which is useful if you’re planning on using it for Switch games.
Switch 2 Features
At the top, you’ve got the expected additions: USB‑C charging, sync button, home, screenshot, game chat button, and four LED indicators for player number and connectivity. They integrate well without getting in the way of the traditional design.
Latency Test: Passed
In Smash Ultimate, I tested latency head-to-head: one Mario using the wired GameCube controller, one using the wireless, both tapping A at the same moment. The result? Clank. Every time. No lag. Not a difference I could feel, even when playing at a high level.
Battery Life
After around 10–12 hours of play across multiple sessions, I haven’t needed to recharge. Battery life seems to match the spec, and I haven’t run into any power issues so far.
No Hall Effect
The analog sticks and triggers do not use Hall effect sensors. These are traditional potentiometer-based components, which means they can still be prone to drift over time. That said, I haven’t noticed any issues yet in my testing.
If Hall effect is a must-have, some third-party options like the NYXI Wizard offer that. But they come with tradeoffs elsewhere.
Compared to Third‑Party Alternatives
I’ve tried most of them—PowerA, NYXI, etc. And while some of them have feature lists that sound great—wireless, Hall effect, swappable parts—the fit and finish just doesn’t compare.
The official Nintendo controller feels tighter, more precise. The thumbsticks don’t wobble. Buttons don’t feel spongy. It feels like a real first-party product. It also has analog triggers, which many third-party GameCube-style controllers either fake or leave out. That matters—not just for Smash, but for old-school games like Mario Sunshine and Luigi’s Mansion, where analog trigger input is essential to gameplay.
