Looking for the best GameCube controllers for Switch? Luckily, you have happened upon the right place!
Is there any controller better than the GameCube pad? Ok, forget the PS5’s Haptic Touch; I’m talking about simple, down to earth, proper controllers.
The Sega Genesis/Mega Drive comes close, but the GameCube pad was, for me, by far the best.
It fit in your hands perfectly, the buttons were all spaced out well, and after the achy claw-hand days of the N64, it felt like a proper breath of fresh air.
So, it’s no wonder you’re here looking for the best GameCube controllers for Switch. When those tiny joycons can’t cut it, you’ve just gotta’ call in the big guns!
Let’s take a look at the best GameCube controllers for Switch and find out which one will suit you best!
1. RetroFlag Gamecube Controller
This controller was released in late 2022 by Retro Flag, and as you can tell it takes the Gamecube’s nostalgic colour combo and analogue sticks into consideration.
This is purely a controller that must be attached to your Nintendo Switch in order to work, as it takes power from the console itself and cannot work wirelessly.
It works with the original Nintendo Switch and the newer OLED model, however, please take care installing it, as it requires a snipers accuracy to get the USB-C connected at the bottom.
That aside, it’s an incredibly comfortable controller, with ergonomics targeted to adult hands and PD fast charging port to speed up charging.
The buttons are perfectly placed and feature subtle nods to the Gamecube controller, for example it features the small yellow “C-Stick”, green and red action buttons, soft long press shoulder buttons and a dark transparent purple shell.
The only thing we would add is the octagonal analogue stick on the c-stick. This would go perfectly with the hall joysticks (which stop drift).
It’s an all-round great affordable controller for the Nintendo Switch, even if you’re solely using it in handheld mode, but it’s worth it!
2. Retro Fighters BattlerGC
The BattlerGC is one of the newest controllers on this list, it’s built by Retro Fighters to give Nintendo Switch gamers a nostalgic hint of Gamecube love, all while being ergonomically comfortable.
Not only that, this controller is compatible with the Gamecube, Wii/Wii U, Steam Deck and your PC, making it an all round great purchase if you have multiple consoles.
It features pressure sensitive buttons, 2.4Ghz wireless technology, vibration feedback, a wireless range of over 30 feet and USB-C charging.
The action buttons are laid out just like the original Gamecube, and the shoulder buttons are slightly flared at the back and nice to touch.
The D-PAD is also lovely for fighting games, with each individual direction giving feedback to your fingers when pressed, allowing you to kick butt in those fighting games.
But, why I loved it the most is simply because of how comfortable it is. The buttons are located perfectly, and the roundedness matched with the nice weight makes it a good controller for long gaming sessions.
3. NYXI Wizard
NYXI Wizard is a controller that has caused a lot of hype across social media, it’s the joy-cons that everyone has wanted for a long time.
Finally, someone has had the balls to do it, even if it may attract unwanted attention by Nintendo.
These are wireless joy-cons for the Switch, designed just like the old Gamecube controller. It’s a first of its kind and keeps the original design as closely as possible.
It works best when attached to your Nintendo Switch as its a little in-accurate, uncomfortable and has low build quality when playing wirelessly.
But attached is where it performs best. The long grips give you good grip as this does add a lot of length to your Switch, making it bigger than a Steam Deck.
It features removable analogue stick caps, allowing to add the octagon or rounded effect depending on play-style, turbo functions, you can change vibration settings on each joy-con and fast triggers.
These “fast triggers” are basically buttons that sit close to the contacts, meaning a small bit of pressure activates them.
For me this is slightly annoying, but it’s aimed at those that play competitively.
Overall, it’s a great take on Gamecube joy-cons, but do be aware that the build quality isn’t the best.
4. HORI Nintendo Switch Battle Pad
First up on our list of the best GameCube controllers for Switch is my favourite pad of all time, the HORI Nintendo Switch Battle Pad.
Ok, so wireless controllers are all well and good, but sometimes you just can’t beat the old school tethered vibes that you get from a wired cable.
Shipping with a variety of designs from Pikachu to Zelda, these controllers are made for Smash Bros multiplayer action. With a 10 ft cable, you don’t have to crouch right in front of your TV anymore either!
Featuring an anti-snapback analog stick design for both the main directional stick and the C-stick, this controller is as quick as your reactions.
Use the turbo setting for button-mashing madness, or whip out throws with the lightening fast L/R and ZL/ZL buttons.
And what’s more, the HORI pad has received the seal of approval from Nintendo and is an officially licensed product!
5. PowerA Wireless GameCube Controller
Looking so much like the original GameCube controller that it’s hard to tell them apart, the PowerA Wireless GameCube Controller is a wireless gaming solution that gives gamers old-school gaming feels on the Switch.
Utilising Bluetooth 5.0, this controller allows gamers to play from the kitchen, the stairs, or their favourite chair at the other side of the living room.
And what’s more, it’s jam-packed with motion controls too for all of your twisty-turny gameplay action.
Where this controller differs from the original GC pad is the native Switch buttons for home, +, -, and capture.
Apart from that, the design is pretty much the same, complete with D-pad and C-stick.
Keep an eye on the low battery warning LED too. Unfortunately, it takes 2x AA batteries, but you do get 30 hours of gameplay from these, so get yourself some rechargeable ones and go green!
6. Retro Fighters Duelist
If there was ever a controller specifically designed to pummel your mates in Smash Bros, it’s the Retro Fighters Duelist.
Ok, so it might not look exactly like a GameCube controller, but it’s purple with the same coloured buttons and general set up…
… think of it as the GameCube pad 2.0.
Note two new buttons; the S button, and the Punch icon. Instead of pulling off complicated combos to pull of smash attacks, players can just hit the S button to knock out killer moves. By pressing the punch button, they can swap between smash attacks and short hops whenever they press S.
That’s some revolutionary stuff right there!
Oh, and the A button is way bigger, making it more comfortable when you get trigger happy.
Speaking of trickers, the dual Z triggers are extremely comfortable to use. Heck, every button is perfectly in reach, and the controller feels so comfortable even when playing for a couple of hours.
Charge up the Li-Ion battery via USB cable and make the most of 30 ft of wireless range. Just pick up your controller, turn on the switch with it, and start playing. Simples!
7. GameCube Controller Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Edition
Next up in our list of the best GameCube controllers for Switch is the super official GameCube Controller Super Smash Bros pad.
Ok, so I think we’re all realising now that the main reason people want to buy these GameCube controllers is to play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with them…
… I mean, it is the best way to play the game, after all.
This wired controller has zero differences from the original remote. For all intense and purposes, it’s the exact same thing, just compatible with the Nintendo Switch.
This official Nintendo Super Smash Bros pad costs a pretty penny though; it’s probably the most expensive remote on our list. But come on, it looks fantastic!
8. Exlene Wireless Gamecube Controller Switch
And finally, the Exlene Wireless Gamecube Controller Switch completes our list of the best GameCube controllers for Switch.
Boasting the same shape and design as the original GC pad, this controller works on the Nintendo Switch, PC, and Mac systems.
It’s the perfect GameCube controller to use on all Switch games, not just Super Smash Bros, and comes with motion controls, rumba, turbo features, and more.
Plus, with a rechargeable battery housed safely inside, you never need to worry about buying AAs ever again.
Just connect up via a USB-C cable to sync, and away you go. Plus, with a 30 day money back guarantee and one-year warranty, you can buy and game with confidence!
Seb Santabarbara has bought every Nintendo console that has ever been released in his 31 years on Planet Earth. His favourite game franchise is Zelda, and he’s patiently waiting for Banjo-Kazooie to come back to the fold. When he’s not playing games, he’s travelling the world in his self-converted camper van.
