Summary
- The Switch 2’s classic GameCube controller could only work with GameCube games.
- Nintendo’s disclaimers have been incorrect in the past, however.
- There are only 3 GameCube games coming to Switch Online at launch.
The Nintendo Switch 2’s GameCube classic controller “is only compatible with Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics.” This fine print was spotted by VGC at the end of a video announcing the controller (and the GameCube games coming to Switch 2).
If the above is true, then consumers could potentially be purchasing a controller just to play the small number of GameCube ports available on Nintendo Switch Online. So far, Nintendo has announced The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Soulcalibur 2 and F-Zero GX. It should also be noted that the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is a subscription service, meaning you’ll also need to pay to access these games. Nintendo has promised that future titles will be arriving “a bit later.”
Limited Compatability
As noted by VGC, previous classic controllers have held similar disclaimers, but in the end have been usable on all Nintendo Switch games. There’s no way of knowing if this situation will wind up being the same, but Nintendo products don’t always work in predictable ways.
Previously, classic controllers like the GameCube controller were recognised as pro controllers, allowing you to map the buttons to your heart’s content on the Switch. This could be the case with the Switch 2’s classic GameCube controller, or the disclaimer could be correct, and it may only be compatible with GameCube games. There’s no way of knowing until the hardware is released.
Fans of Wind Waker are divided, as some are just happy they’ll be able to play the classic Legend of Zelda game on the Switch after many years of waiting. However, others were hoping for the high-definition remake version of the game that released on the Wii U, rather than the GameCube port. Nintendo has since come out and said that the HD remake version of Wind Waker could still be coming to Switch 2 as “all options are on the table.”
The Nintendo Switch 2 will be released on June 5. The GameCube classic controller and Nintendo Switch Online GameCube games will release on the same day.
Nintendo Switch 2
- Brand
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Nintendo
- Operating System
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Proprietary
- Storage
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256GB internal / MicroSD
- Resolution
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1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)