Switch 2 GameCube Controller Won’t Work With Switch 2 Game
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During the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, one important detail flew under the radar — the new GameCube controller isn’t made for general Switch 2 gameplay. Instead, it’s specifically designed just for the upcoming Nintendo GameCube Classics collection on Switch 2.
You can see the small detail towards the end of the video below. (The disclaimer text can be seen at the top of the video at the 2:14 mark).
The disclaimer reads: “The controller is only compatible with Nintendo GameCube—Nintendo Classics.“
This has frustrated some fans, especially since other retro controllers released for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can be used with most Switch games. While those retro controllers have layout limitations, they’re still usable across a wide range of Switch titles. A Reddit user even pointed out the limitations of the N64 controller if used for specific Switch games highlighting how Nintendo typically allows cross-compatibility despite the odd layout.
With the GameCube controller, theoretically, you can use the controller for any Switch game as most of the key Switch buttons are present in the retro controller compared to the others. The only major limitation is the lack of clickable left and right sticks, which some modern games rely on for certain functions.
Why didn’t Nintendo make this retro controller more functional for regular Switch 2 games? Your guess is as good as mine, but with how much information was thrown at us during the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, this bit of detail has slipped through everyone’s radar. Thankfully, Videogameschronicle pointed it out in one of their recent Switch 2 reports.
The Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics is the next library of classic games now part of the Nintendo Online subscription plan. When the GameCube collection goes live on the same day the Switch 2 goes on sale (June 5 for most, July-Sept for select SEA regions), it will feature three games: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur 2, and F-Zero GX. Other titles are planned but will be released and announced at a later date.
It’s been a slow burn for Nintendo since they fully revealed the Switch 2. The initial reception of the new console has been positive, but as more analyze and realize the full picture, many are left disappointed or frustrated at Nintendo’s choices. For one, some Switch 2 games will just be Game Key Cards - cartridges that will not hold the full game but a download key, and people can’t grasp spending as high as $80 for a Switch 2 game, just to name a few.
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