Best GameCube controllers for Switch & PC in 2024

❘ Published: 2024-02-28T16:59:23

Looking for the best GameCube controller in 2024? If you want to find the best controller out there, we’ve got a list of the best options.

If you ask most Super Smash Bros players what the best controller is, the majority of them will answer that their ideal tool is the Nintendo GameCube controller. Nintendo’s purple lunchbox console might be out of date by most standards now, but its legacy lives on.

The release of Smash Bros on the Wii U reignited interest in the GameCube controller, leading to the release of the GameCube to WiiU controller adaptor. To this day, Super Smash Bros Ultimate players will generally swear by a GameCube controller.

Frustratingly, that though that WiiU adaptor would work even on the Nintendo Switch, it didn’t sell well on the original release, and lacked any support for PC. The community came to the rescue, creating Windows drivers that let GameCube fans use their beloved controllers on PC games.

Those who are not confident in their knowledge of retro gaming devices do not need to fear. Our list includes controllers that are compatible with both PC and Nintendo Switch, so there are options here for everyone.

1. Nintendo GameCube controller

While there are plenty of alternatives on the market, nothing beats that original GameCube feel. Nintendo might not have been great at restocking GameCube controllers, but that hasn’t stopped them from drip-feeding them into stock channels.

Over on Amazon US, there are two options you can take. Either you go for the Japanese one without a manual and a potential additional wait time for delivery, or you can pick up a Smash Bros.-themed one from the US for an additional few extra dollars. They have good sticks, and you know that you’re getting that Nintendo stamp of quality, no matter what you pick.

Analog triggers on Switch and PC

These are official Nintendo products, with the right weight, a non-mushy directional pad, and true, analog triggers.

Most off-brand GameCube controllers tend to forget that the console had these analog triggers that provided – in supported games – a way to get a lighter or heavier shield in Smash Bros.

A personal favorite includes the GameCube version of Super Mario Sunshine’s analog support for emptying FLUDD, which would then sputter for a big backflip drenching.

The main thing to consider here is that you will need to invest in a much more expensive official GameCube to Switch adapter. To get the full actuation of the analog triggers on the GameCube controller, it seems to be hit and miss between adapters.

We do know for a fact that the official Nintendo GameCube to Switch controller adapter does support it. It is, however, $80 on Amazon – after a reduction of 11%.

On PC, your mileage might vary. For retro gaming and even using it in certain games, the USB adapter might not recognize the analog control of the triggers, causing any press to simply be a full trigger press.

Where to buy:

Pre-owned GameCube controllers

Getting hold of a pre-owned GameCube controller is incredibly easy. It’s just getting more and more expensive, the more time soldiers forward. However, on inspection of eBay listings, it’s really easy to spot the fakes and dive into the real controllers.

You might even find yourself with a luxurious Spice Orange controller, or one of those nasty Teal Emerald ones, exclusive to Japan. There are also a lot of our recommended alternatives dotted about the place too.

This particular listing has sold over 5000 units straight out of Japan, with an estimated $10 shipping tacked on. They appear to have a wide variety, including a clear and Panasonic one from the Panasonic Q.

Deal	Price
GameCube controllers	Starting at $29.99
Seller refurbished official GameCube controllers	Starting at $44.99
Used official GameCube controllers	Starting at $34.99
Used official GameCube controllers (22 variants)	Starting at $38.90
Used official GameCube controllers (Save up to 15% when buying multiple)	Starting at $38.00

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

Buy PowerA GameCube controllers on Amazon US starting at $25

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 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.

While the Wavebird might be dead as a dodo, within the same selection of controllers, PowerA does have a wireless option. It takes AA batteries, so you better stock up on those as well.

The PowerA GameCube Style Wired Controller does not support analog triggers.

3. Nyxi Wizard Joycons

Weight: 248g
Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth), Wired (Connect to the console)
Compatibility: Switch
Price: $69.99
Features: NYXI Hall joystick, mechanical triggers, adjustable illuminated ABXY buttons, removable joysticks, adjustable Turbo and mapping

Buy the Nyxi Wizard with 10% off direct from Nyxi

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 in the shell of one of the best controllers of all time.

We have an exclusive 10% discount if you use the code “dexerto” at checkout.

4. PowerA GameCube wireless controller

The PowerA Gamecube controller in purple

Connectivity: USB-C, wireless
Compatibility: Switch & PC
Price: $60
Features: Shoulder buttons, AA Battery powered, Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility, large d-pad

Buy the PowerA Wireless GameCube controller

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.

Check out our full review for all of the details about why this is our budget wireless pick for Switch & PC.

5. Retro Fighters BattlerGC

Weight: 0.32kg
Connectivity: USB-C, wireless
Compatibility: GameCube, 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

Buy the Retro Fighters BattlerGC

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.

Retro Fighters made the logical step to place the left analog stick at the top-left position on the controller, to make the BattlerGC one of the best controllers for Super Smash Bros players.

Best adapter for Nintendo GameCube controllers on Switch and PC: 8BitDo G Bros.

8BitDo G Bros. Gamecube to Switch/PC adapter

Buy the 8BitDo G Bros. GameCube adaptor

If you already have a GameCube controller lying around and just looking for an easy way to hook it up to your Switch or PC, but aren’t entirely fussed about analog triggers and the like, we recommend you go with the 8BitDo adapter.

This small, wireless Bluetooth adapter can support either a GameCube controller or a Wii-connector controller. It’s a fantastic alternative to go all in on the GameCube adapter from Nintendo but does require a little bit of remapping on Switch to get it to function properly.

For whatever reason, the X and Y buttons will flip, so be sure to keep an eye on that if you’re jumping into a game straight out of the box.

It also has a suite of buttons to take screenshots, get you back to the home menu, and can be easily toggled to X-input for PC use.

We recommend that you purchase this on Amazon UK if you’re in the US. This is due to the US site selling them for far too much. It’s currently £14 on Amazon and can be shipped stateside.

CLOUDREAM Adapter

There’s also the CLOUDREAM adapter, which follows the same design and purpose as the official Nintendo one, allowing up to four controllers to be played with on either PC or Switch.

Get the CLOUDREAM Adapter for $16 on Amazon US.

Also, make sure to check out our other guides

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