Game Cube Wii U Controller

Following the launch of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, it quickly emerged that many were finding it hard to buy the Wii U's GameCube Controller Adapter, with stock selling out rapidly. The later suggestion from EB Games that more stock isn't imminent merely led to more frustration for those that weren't able to pick up a pre-order or find a unit.

Assessing the situation over a week later, the situation doesn't appear to have improved in North America, at least. A thread over on NeoGaf highlights that the adapter's Amazon product page is receiving low-scored reviews from those irritated that the only deals on the product listing are from unofficial vendors demanding $100 and more for the $20 product. We've checked around the major retailer websites in the US — GameStop, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, Toys "R" Us — and it still appears to be sold out everywhere, either as a standalone device or in the $99.99 bundle with the game. Naturally, eBay is flooded with listings, typically in the $70-$100 range.

There's anecdotal evidence of some decent stock available throughout Europe following its arrival on 28th November, but we've also encountered shortages here in the UK. To break into first person as I'm in the UK, my Amazon pre-order for the game and adapter bundle — along with my Smash Bros. controller — was delayed at the last moment, on the day of despatch, until 19th December; Amazon didn't even have enough stock for pre-orders, though that at least suggests more stock is planned. The GAME website is also sold out, as was my local bricks-and-mortar outlet, and these adapters and game bundles are ever-elusive online in the UK, at least in my experience. I was able to get both from the official Nintendo UK store and they have actually been despatched, but that outlet's also been cleaned out overnight; it's now only listing the GameCube controller, still in stock, with no sign of the adapter individually or bundled with the game.

While stock of the Smash Bros. GameCube controller is also short, it's the issues with the adapter — which opens up the chance to use all those old pads — that's been the most frustrating. The fact the adapter only actually works in the new Wii U game means it's very limited in its use, yet that hasn't diluted demand.

A week into the North American launch and with the game just out in Europe, it seems that this peripheral is frustratingly rare, and unless Nintendo gets more stock out to stores the device will continue to fall prey to those looking to make a fast (and unearned) buck.

Have you got the Wii U GameCube Controller Adapter, or have you been unable to get hold of one? Let us know in the comments below.

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