You’ve been asking yourself how to buy a Gamecube controller, but you’re not sure what type of controller you need, if it works with your console, or whether or not it’s wireless.
This short and easy guide will take you through what to look for when buying a Gamecube controller and if there’s anything better or newer on the market that may tickle your fancy.
The Gamecube was released in Japan on September 14th, 2001 and November 18th in the USA and Europe. It was Nintendo’s fourth game console and one that would still be loved to this day. It sold over 22 million units worldwide, so you can imagine how many controllers there still are floating around… lots.
But we’re going to discuss with you why it’s probably a good reason to look at newer controllers that have been released over the last couple of years that come with new, better features or mint condition ones from that past.
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Where Can I Buy A Gamecube Controller?
It’s a great question, and in all honesty, there’s a wide number of places you can buy them. The most popular would be looking at Gamecube controllers on eBay. Here you will find a lot of listings showing second hand controllers that have been used in the past that are now selling for “cheap”.
How Much Does A Gamecube Controller Cost?
The average Gamecube controller costs between $10 to $50 depending on condition, if its boxed or whether or not it is a limited edition controller.
What Condition Gamecube Controller Should I Buy?
This comes down to your budget, a mint condition controller is always nice to buy as you know that it hasn’t be used much and it gets delivered like its brand new. But a “used” controller will have discolouration, will have scratches, and may break within a few weeks due to the quality.
We recommend buying one that hasn’t been used much and that states it’s in “very good” condition, this will then keep for a long time, so you don’t have to go out and buy a new one anytime soon.
Should You Buy A Branded Or Non-Branded Gamecube Controller?
Again this comes down to budget. A non-branded Gamecube controller will be much cheaper, but also much lower build quality. If you’re looking for something that you don’t use often and that’s just going to be chucked in your wardrobe for months on end, then this will be fine.
But, buying a branded Nintendo controller has its benefits. Firstly, its better build quality and is less likely to break, secondly it feels nostalgic, and makes you feel like you’re back in 2001. And then finally, if you keep a controller in good condition it can sell for the same, if not more further down the line, because many collectors will want it.
Or if you want to go all in, there’s custom Gamecube controllers that you can buy that has been customised by members of the community, these are expensive, but look so dang cool!
What Is The Best Gamecube Controller?
This may come by surprise but the best Gamecube controller is the original, it’s build like a brick, feels great, and has that old nostalgic feeling.
It works without any problems because… well it’s made by Nintendo and you can use it with a Nintendo switch using a 8Bit Wireless Adapter, so if did ever want to play some of the best Gamecube games on the Nintendo Switch, then this is the best way to do it.
Best Gamecube Controller For Nintendo Switch?
Some of you maybe looking for a Gamecube Controller for the Nintendo Switch, which is possible. Many third parties have released Wireless Gamecube controllers that sync perfectly with the Nintendo Switch, all while keeping the nostalgic form factor.
One of the best out there is from a company called PowerA, and they’re very affordable too! Usually wireless controllers cost a pretty penny, but the PowerA Gamecube Controller comes in at just $39, making it more affordable than a normal Switch controller!
This Gamecube controller comes with a slightly larger D-PAD because the original was quite small making it hard to play fighting games. They have also added in a extra shoulder button to make it compatible with Switch games.
This is by far, the best Gamecube controller for the Nintendo Switch.
So there you have it, a quick guide showcasing how to buy a Gamecube controller in 2020, eBay may be your first thought, but there’s plenty of other, potentially newer options out there.
eBay, is still the most popular place to buy a Gamecube controller, if you’re on the market for a cheap, second hand used product, but Amazon have some newer options that are slightly more expensive, but worth the investment in the long term!
A 29 year old fella that’s had a Gameboy addiction ever since he was a child. Brandon is the founder of RetroDodo and created a YouTube channel with 240,000 subscribers dedicated to retro gaming products. He now wants to create the No.1 site to showcase the latest retro products from around the globe.
