UPDATE: Nintendo has revealed that the text was a mistake.
ORIGINAL STORY: The official description for the GameCube Controller Adapter – set to be released on the 5th of December this year in Europe in time with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U – has detailed how the GameCube controllers will interface with the console.
It appears that any game for the Wii U that supports the Classic Controller, the Classic Controller Pro, and/or the Wii U Pro Controller can be played using the GameCube controller.
This wide-spread functionality opens up the appeal for the peripheral to those few who aren't interested in the latest entry in the Super Smash Bros. series. Many people also have a particular fondness for the controller, so the ability to use it on other great games such as Mario Kart 8 will surely be music to many fans' collective ears.
It appears that this compatibility will extend to the Wii side of the console as well, as the description also states that the adapter will work with an original Wii. Here's the official word from the Nintendo UK website for absolute clarification:
This adapter will allow you to connect your GameCube controller to the Nintendo Wii or Wii U. Connect your GameCube controller to your Wii or Wii U console. Compatible with all games supported by the Wii Classic Controller, Wii Classic Controller Pro and Wii U Pro Controller.
What are your thoughts on this highly flexible setup? Let us know in the comments section below!
Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.
[source store.nintendo.co.uk]
Comments (152)
All of my yes. Please.
Finally I can play Sonic Colours on my Wii U with good controls!
How does it handle ZL, L3 and R3 inputs when acting as a Wii U Pro controller?
Guess I have to get the $100 bundle now. It better work in Wii Mode as well.
Yeah, yah, yeah, where are the GCN and N64 VC?
Is there any way to play Wii games like Skyward Sword with a proper controller (not the wiimote)? Wiimote not great for some games, but there are so many controllers I get confused.
"This adapter will allow you to connect your GameCube controller to the Nintendo Wii or Wii U. Connect your GameCube controller to your Wii or Wii U console. Compatible with all games supported by the Wii Classic Controller, Wii Classic Controller Pro and Wii U Pro Controller."
>> Compatible with all games supported by the Wii Classic Controller, Wii Classic Controller Pro and Wii U Pro Controller. <<
Holy poopoodoodoocacapoopledoople on a shovel!
Hallelujah!
Finally! One controller to rule them all... Well mostly.
So it works as a Pro and Classic controller? I'm interested... now just make a wireless one!
Edit: on second thought, they should just update the firmware for the Pro controller to be compatible with Classic Controller games.
Not good enough, need GCN VC.
throws Pro controller out the window
Sold
@shibbyduckegg I just realized. The gamecube has pressure triggers on the L and R buttons. Maybe it can work with that.....
Since the current Virtual Console titles already support those traditional Wii/Wii U game pads, it is very likely they will all support the GameCube controller as well. This doesn't really indicate that Nintendo will re-release GameCube games soon, but it is a step in the right direction and we will be prepared for it.
@Sakura Nintendo developed The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword to specifically work with the Wii MotionPlus technology and demonstrate its potential in a "hardcore" game, and it heavily depends on it. In fact, the gameplay style and set-up makes it impossible for the game to work with traditional controls.
@cookiex Great! Now if you play a game that requires you to use your left shoulder button, you're screwed.
What if you played Smash Bros Brawl, Sonic Unleashed, Radiant Dawn or any other Wii game that supports GCN controllers? Will this work for those games when played on Wii U?
@Dipper723 Exactly my thoughts. Probably until next year. I doubt we will be seeing those since DS was promised before. Perhaps N64 January 2015?
So if the adapter is cheaper than a U Pro, I may get one after all. I already have an old GCN controller.
The Wii compatibility for new Wii and Wii Mini is a great touch.
Maybe this is a tease about upcoming GameCube VC in 2015? One can dream!
And future GC virtual console games. Man they would make Nintendo's 2015 year extra special.
Everyone using GameCube controllers... IN 2014!! I have never imagine that haha. SOOOO AWESOME!
Yay. Now I can finally play my Dance Dance Revolution games on the WiiU with the saved data. Something I overlooked when I transfer my Wii data.
I wasn't going to buy this but now that I know this I'm definitely picking one up. I have a GameCube controller sitting around so I'll just have to buy an adaptor. I actually bought it originally to play Super Smash Bros Brawl and Mario Kart Wii when I had a Wii so it will be nice to play those games like this again.
Maybe I'll try some other games like Assassin's Creed Black Flag. THAT will be something.
Time to break out the Wavebirds
Next, I will take a USB GCN disc drive so I can finally put my old Wii away and free up an input on my TV ...
Wow, great move Nintendo!
Given the GCN controller's analog shoulder triggers, this raises a very interesting question: will games like NFS: Most Wanted U now support the analog L and R for gas/brake?
Also, there's only 3 shoulder buttons on the GCN controller.....
@HopeNForever @Sanderevers
Ah well, I gave up on Twilight Princess because I didn't really like the wiimote (and because of time constraints). Haven't tried Skyward Sword yet, but will keep the wiimote handy. The wiimote was great for Raving Rabbids etc, but for some games I'd prefer a more traditional controller. Really pleased to have the gamepad for WiiU.
@EarthboundBenjy Yes, "This adapter will allow you to connect your GameCube controller to the Nintendo Wii or Wii U." You don't even need a Wii U to use the adapter! (later Wii models ditched GameCube support)
@Dipper723
Left shoulder buttons are for the weak anyway.
Let's hope that Gamecube games will be on the Eshop soon!
I thought that a patch would come to Wind Waker for this. I believe that Wind Waker might be the first not Smash game to use this. It just seems logical.
@gatorboi352 GCN has 4 less inputs than Pro Controller... missing the ZL, L3, R3, and one +/-... It makes me skeptical of the claim that it works with any game that supports the Pro... does the system recognize it as a Pro... or will the games need patches?
I'm crying.
@Sakura I actually loved the Wiimote motion controls so much that when I played OOT and WW I found the combat incredibly boring... SS is my favourite game ever though so...
Playing Xenoblade Chronicles with a GCN controller? All of my yes!
This is good news, but...I'm not surprised. I kind of saw this coming. Still...
@Shadowkiller97 Exactly. IF anything, it would function more like the Wii Classic Controller Pro, but not the Wii U Pro.
Amazing, Nintendo.

@Sakura Twilight Princess was originally being developed for the GameCube, but apparently Nintendo left out any traces of the traditional control from the Wii version so that people were obliged to try out the newly released motion controls which drove the crazy sales of the Wii at the time. They even mirrored the whole game to make Link right-handed like the player majority. The controls were okay, but felt pretty much "thrown-in" in that case. I'm personally so glad I finished the GameCube version first - the game is so awesome, and I didn't want the awkward Wii Remote controls to ruin my first game experience.
Nintendo, however, tailored Skyward Sword specifically around Wii Remote and Nunchuk control handling, and also requiring Wii MotionPlus for the extra accuracy of movements (highly recommended to use a Wii Remote Plus instead of Wii MotionPlus attachment). When you play the game, you will realise how much different and intuitive it is from the controls of the Wii version of Twilight Princess. It takes a while to get used to it, but once you're there you will be loving the control style of this game!
I am torn. I love the gamecube controller, but I really have moved past wired controllers and I am not shelling out for a wavebird.
I really hope this means Gameacube games on the Virtual console!
I've had an adapter for one cube controller for a while and its really good for Wii Smash, Wario Kart etc.
My big question is: Will it work with the Wavebird?
If I can bring that thing out of retirement I'll be pretty happy.
@Darknyht I am 100% with you. I like the GCN controller but do not want to deal with the wires. I am still kind of hoping they release a GCN shaped Pro Controller...
unnecessary but nice
...What I don't get is, why couldn't they just make a wireless Wii U controller based on the GCN one? lol
Well then...Wouldn't it have made sense to add in the missing shoulder button, the Select and Home buttons, the clickable thumb sticks too and made it properly wireless like the Wavebird?
Then it could have been an ACTUAL alternative to the Wii U Pro Controller and if I were choosing between the two I'd actually pick it.
Otherwise it really is just ANOTHER controller to add to the convoluted mess that is the multiple Wii U controller(s) "solution".
YES, now I don't need to buy a Classic Controller to play my N64 games on Wii mode. I'm buying a Pro Controller in the future though, it's logical that not every single game will be played with the GC one.
All ready knew this. I read Bayonetta 2 would support these controllers
Woooooooooo is all I can say about this.
@Sakura
That game just used motion. It did it well enough though
This changes everything. But will the GC controller work on Xenoblade Chronicles?
It's time for Gamecube games to be supported by the Gamecube controller on the WiiU.
@EarthboundBenjy
Yes. Although where you found a copy of Radiant Dawn is beyond me. Lucky
Lol at the people complaining about the wires. Grow up. Try going to a tournament with a Wii remote or Pro Controller, and you'll notice some extremely glaring issues.
Noticed that the adapter seems to use 2 usb slots? So i can't use this with an external hardrive?
@Xiao_Pai You can. It connects to the Wiimote
http://www.gamestop.com/wii-u/accessories/wii-u-fight-pad-controller-mario/115420?cid=fds_10000001&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=101962&gclid=CJ6sy-_Mm8ECFc1Z7AodvEgAnw
@Arngrim
I believe there's a USB port in the back of the console.
@ZenTurtle @HopeNForever @agqwestern
Thanks, guys! That was very helpful. May give the wiimote another go. 3DS is where most of my gaming times goes though. Can't get enough of those streetpasses...
Great. Now would be the perfect time to announce the GC Virtual Console to accomodate the controller.
Ha! I knew it! So the gamecube controller can be used retroactively in Wii mode.
So no reason why they can't map the gamepad buttons onto Wii classic controller and VC games....
Just got a brand new wavebird on ebay for £35! Very happy with that as got my original down from the attic a few weeks back and unforgivingly left batteries in it, all of 5 years ago, which have leaked, and alas, it doesn't work!
any game for the Wii U that supports wii u pro controller can be played using GameCube controllers from Hori? because these controllers will be connected to Wiimote
the best possible use is gamecube games on the vc
Yes now Pikmin 3 could be play more natural now.
i need to buy mario kart now
if this means i can use it for mario kart 8 and wii games, then count me in!!
@SockoMario What percentage of Smash Bros players will ever go anywhere near a tournament ?
Now THAT is what I wanted to hear!
Hopefully we'll hear how they plan on making up for the lack of GC buttons. I guess it only functions as a Pro in games where the extra buttons aren't necessary, such as Mario KArt and 3D World.
@gatorboi352 Technically, 5 since the shoulder buttons (except for Z) are pressure sensitive (they click when fully depressed but still treat partial depression as a state). The Wii U Pro Controller's shoulder buttons are digital so it has 4 max.
@unrandomsam Probably a lot if the Wii U version of the title has an online tournament mode.
@Tsurii897 Nvm, i forgot about the ones in the front. Im using the back one for my external drive. Thanks.
@Dipper723 That's not by Nintendo, and it's still wired, lol
We kinda had confirmation a while ago about Wii-mode compatibility via email, but having it compatible with the original Wii is new to me. If this were to lead to GC VC on the Wii U, then I have one request....
.......Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader........
We know Disney owns the rights to Star Wars (LucasArts), so would Nintendo need to go through them for this to be possible?
Could this be any more damn confusing? Why can't Nintendi just make one freakin controller like everyone else.
Are the USB connectors 2 diffenr colors b/c 1 needs to be in slot 1 for info and 1 has to be in slot 2 for power, or am I overthinking things as usual?
@Ernest_The_Crab Yeah but the issues with having loads of systems in close proximity don't apply to that.
Nintendo good job! I'm now less mad at you today then yesterday. Now please fix the damn wii u vc problem!! How? Simple: more systems, more game choices n variety and most important and most annoying to me: the ability to release MORE than 1 vc game a week???? Will that EVER be a reality??
For the 100th time quicken the pace!! Thx
That will be good. I can sell some of my wii classic controller pro controllers then. It would be nice if they made the wii u pro controllers compatable with wii mode
We basically already knew this for the PDP version that connects to the Wii remote. I still don't understand how it will support CCP games. It's still missing select and a second shoulder button. Oh well. I guess they'll update it or something. Activision and Namco would have to update CoD and Tekken in order for the wired ones to work.
I've got a couple of whitle gamecube controllers, the leads on them are quite long. I wonder if it will support the VC games that I transfered to my Wii-u? I think so, I also think Nintendo could do well with extending the lead that the adapter goes into and a nice long lead on the new GC controller or otherwise it's a bit pointless. I will buy one though!
I was pretty concerned about this when I saw the adapter announced. It's great to hear they've thought of everything, even going so far as to include Wii U Pro Controller support.
Next to an authentic N64 replica controller, the GC controller is hands-down the best way to play N64 games, so I'll be glad to be able to do so once again on my N64 VC titles. This also paves the way for GC VC games to come to the Wii U, and I'm all about that!
Good work, Ninty.
@SCAR392 Not sure how they'll address the missing buttons for WPC. The GC-to-Wii 3rd-party adapter I have solves it by making the Start button do triple duty as + (Start), - (Select) and Home all in one. A single-press does select (for some reason), while a double-click does Start and pressing-and-holding for a few seconds is Home. They also just ignore the existence of a ZL button completely.
For 95% of the uses people will put it to, though, I don't think it really matters.
@HopeNForever Oh BS. Skyward Sword uses the MotionPlus to do one thing well — directional sword swinging. Well, you move sword swinging to the right analog stick or simplify it or something and you've got that solved. Literally everything else that uses motion control in that game could have been done (usually BETTER) with an analog stick.
Just give me the GCN Virtual Console and I'll be a happy man.
Aaaaaand just like that I'm on board! Good stuff
This is great. I've been using Nyko pro controllers and they're ok, but nothing beats the feel of the cube controller.
This isn't for me. I'm ok with using either my pro controller or preferably the gamepad. I play mostly on that anyways.
YES! Thank you! Just what I was hoping for!
And just like that, I can now play Brawl again the way it was meant to be played on my Wii U...and heck didn't even need a TV with Off screen viewing.
THANK YOU Nintendo for doing what makes sense!
Deal sealed!
Just wonderful. I have a real soft spot for everything GameCube related, so I love that I'll have a lot more use of the good old GC controllers for the near future. Not to mention it's a fantastic controller all around.
Damn Nintendo, keep it up. Somebody in there knows what's up.
Got a couple of GC controllers and two wavebirds so... yeah this is looking mighty attractive. Did not expect this kind of compatibility. Still a bit skeptical regarding the use as a pro controller, though.
So... will this allow DDR pads to work on the Wii U then? If so.. I have an 8 year old kid who is gonna freak out over this.
brb using this for MH3U
This is awesome news! Now I can finally play my N64 VC games with the GC Controller on my Wii U.
I like the GC pad but the Pro Controller is so much more comfortable.
This is great news. Totally buying that adapter on day one. But when it comes to being used as a Pro controller, what will it do about L1, L3 and R3?
OoT, N64 VC? Sounds good.
NFS:MWU with analog triggers? Even better.
For racing, the digital triggers is a terrible idea.
It'd be like trying to control Super Mario 64 with a D-pad.
Not the I play many racers, but not playing with analog triggers makes it pretty much unbearable.
If only the guys that do the custom, mappable XB One / PS3 / 360 / PS4 controllers did a Wii U Pro with analog triggers.
Then again, what makes an analog and digital trigger compatible or even interchangeable?
As an aside, Nintendo should start moulding the 3DS' analog stick as a single piece.
So, basically, ANY game that supports Classic or Pro controllers will support this?
Meaning, 3D World, Rayman Legends, Hyrule Warriors, and even Sonic Colors can be played on my Wii U with a Gamecube controller???
FANGASM OF DEATH
The new GC controllers should feature a second 'Z' button. And have a larger, more comfortable thumb pad for the C-stick.
And much more durable buttons in general. My X, Y and B buttons would stick far too often.
Speculation Gamecube Virtual Console.. COMMENCE!!
also.. stupid double post.
@unrandomsam Oh, you mean that there shouldn't be any issues with interference between frequencies with online tournaments. It took me awhile to process that, man I'm really tired today.
Now can play GoldenEye Wii on the Wii U
Very nice! I can use it for SM64 when I speedrun it. w00t
GC VC announcement????
@cookiex lol... Comment had me rollin' hard...
I actually really like the Wii U pro controller though. I think it's my favorite traditional controller Nintendo has ever made, though the GameCube controller comes in a close second.
I can finally play The Wonderful 101's multiplayer now since I don't have a Pro or Classic controller.
@8bitforever Is it really confusing to you? I mean, the more choices we have the better, right?
@rjejr: That's a good question. I imagine the usb cables will not be labeled/colored. Unless I've missed something, the 4(2 per front/back) usb 2.0 ports on the WU are just that: usb 2.0 ports. As such, either port of either (front/back)pair is capable of being responsible for either data transmission, or as a limited(not-heavy) power source, while the (WU) console is on.
So awesome. 3D World is going to be awesome with a Gamecube controller. Ditto for MK8.
Does it also work with any game in Wii mode that supports the classic controller? Because I distinctly remember Xenoblade not being playable with a GC controller. Will I be able to... do that now?
So does that mean that Wii games that supported the Classic Controller but NOT the Gamecube controller can now be played with a Gamecube controller acting as a Classic Controller? Sweet, I can finally play Geometry Wars the way I originally wanted! XD
YES! Cant wait to play mario kart like in the good ol days of MKW
I'm perfectly happy with my Pro Controller for everything else. I just want this for Smash Bros. Tropical Freeze and Mario Kart 8 control just fine the way they are, thank you very much.
"Compatible with all games supported by the Wii Classic Controller, Wii Classic Controller Pro and Wii U Pro Controller."
SO MUCH YES!!! I was hoping it would support emulation of the Wii U Pro Controller! Day One buy for me!
So they are pretty much admitting that the Gamepad is a worthless piece of crap
Definitely going to get that bundle
YESSSSSSS!
The new Gamecube controller pricing seems alright if what I saw being 20 pounds in UK is correct. Wait what? The adapter costs only 20 dollars in USA? That must mean the price is quite low in Europe also. Ohhh niiice. I thought the adapter will cost something crazy since I saw some pre order pages on some netshops and the price was insane, more like 50€ just for the adapter, but I guess that was before the official pricing was announced.
The Gamecube controller is still nearing perfection as a controller even though it's over 10 years old already. It may look horrible and strange compared to other controllers, but when you put that sweet controller in your hands, it just feels so natural where all the button placements are.
Ok Nintendo you win!!
I kind of want to plug 8 gamecube controllers into my wii now.
@Revolution909 They basically say that some players want to play wired for lower latency.
Cool for this one , but I wonder if they can make some other options in the 3DS unit , just saying , maybe a new add on in the unit can play the game more efficiently not to mention with the lag and delay issue
Yay! Now I can use my SNES joystick to play Wii Virtual Console games again!!!
-I used a Game Cube to SNES adapter to play VC games with this:

Ooo Xenoblade...
@StarDust4Ever Impressive! Where did you get that big hulking beast?Was it custom made?
YESYESYESYESYES
This is the best news I've read all day. Yes, even the confirmations of US Smash/Toad dates.
@cookiex Bahahaha! Amazing!
@OorWullie Yes. I built it myself, from plywood and arcade parts. The marquee was cut from colored vinyl sheets. The schematic contain two CD4021 chips that act as the internal logic. The plug uses a Retrobit extension cord. No controllers harmed. I also have Atari and NES joysticks as well.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/sets/72157629736738048/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/sets/72157634800361528/
I can't wait to bust this thing out and try to play games like Splinter Cell. I want to see just how far I can push the compatibility.
@cookiex couldn't have put it better myself
@StarDust4Ever AND it lights up! They're quality mate.Streetfighter in the dark must be superb
@OorWullie Not really. The light up buttons were stiffer and less responsive than the normal Happ stuff, so I recently replaced them with standard push-buttons. Good news is my hands don't cramp up anymore.
@Pahvi According to the forum discussions, it should work in Wii mode as well (since the adapter itself works on the Wii).
They should have added a 'Waggle' button for Wii mode.
Expect wavebirds to double in price now.
Glad I got one last year
I was just looking at the Smash Bros adapter bundle in another article and rolling my eyes.
Now I read this and I'm getting one.
Just gutted I bought a Pro controller recently.
Having not played a console smash Bros before (I have the 3ds version) is there a real need for a GameCube control or will the pro control work just fine?
I'm looking forward to some Gamecube Virtual Console releases - like Super Mario Sunshine. Maybe Final Fantasy Chrystal Chronicles.
@AlexOlney Nintendo have removed a lot of the product describtion today, so maybe the GC controller won't work as a substitute for the Wii U Pro Controller after all..
Don't get too excited:
“The GameCube Controller Adapter for Wii U is compatible with Wii U and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U specifically – it is not compatible with any other Wii U software. The adapter is also not compatible with Wii and we apologise for any confusion.”
[http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-10-08-wii-u-gamecube-controller-adaptor-compatible-with-more-than-just-smash-bros?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialoomph]
Nintendo are both masters at confusing consumers and also releasing tatty peripherals that could have been avoided in the first place!
@ZenTurtle
I bought Radiant Dawn a year ago, online store, for 37e. Looked at the prices now and holy s... And cannot even find it in my country anymore (back then one store had it)
Looking at the device, it's powered by a Y-cable USB.... That isn't good news for those who currently power a USB hard drive through their Wii U this way.
@Capt_N - "I imagine the usb cables will not be labeled/colored. Unless I've missed something,"
NL changed the top photo which is why you missed it. If you look on the right hand side under "Latest News" the title still has the original picture of the adapter which has 1 black and 1 gray USB connector. So basically I was asking if there is any important reason why they are different colors.
Here's some pictures of it on the US Amazon site (I'm not hawking Amazon, it's just my go to for photos)
http://www.amazon.com/GameCube-Controller-Adapter-Wii-U/dp/B00L3LQ1FI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412774700&sr=8-1&keywords=wii+u+adapter+gamecube
@rjejr: Thanks for informing me. I appreciate it.
This was all a false rumour. Nintendo UK has confirmed the controller and adapter will only work with Smash Bros
thats more like it
thats more like it
thats more like it
thats more like it
thats more like it
Is Don Mattrick working for Nintendo now?
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