Guide: How To Use A GameCube Controller With Your Nintendo Switch

Okay that is pretty damn cool.

If Smash for Switch comes out, i'm getting one

@Bunkerneath Bro, Smash is overrated.

So basically, I'd be as well using firmware to play my switch using say, a wiimote, or a carrot?

What about the Virtual Boy controller?

Unfortunately it's limited in its use as it is because it's emulating the Pokken controller but it shows what we already know, that Nintendo could patch this for proper use of the Gamecube controller if they wanted.

@Azooooz Perhaps iff you aren't a big fan of fighting multiplayer, but I'm pretty sure the enormous Smash community and dedicated competitive scene begs to differ with you.

Myself, I don't mind Smash, but Im probably like yourself, the genre just doesn't excite me much. More of an explorer.

@HappyMaskedGuy I don't hate Smash. In fact, I love playing this game. It's just that its community annoys me so much that I like to tease them.

Nice

@Bunkerneath It wouldn't work with Smash unfortunately as the analogue just replicates a D-pad.

It's not even going to be any good for playing games that use the D-pad as the proper one on the GC was rubbish and I can't imagine the analogue being a good replacement for one.

@Azooooz Maybe you should learn a thing or two about the community and you'll stop being annoyed?

@Azooooz That's actually makes you a time wasting numpty then. I'm done with you.

@Grandpa_Pixel How is this cool? It barely functions!

@HappyMaskedGuy Suit yourself, then.

@TromboneGamer Bro, been into that community ever since Wii version of Smash Bros., and I tell you what: They're always against your ideas, and never get satisfied no matter what you throw at them.

If they do bring Smash to the Switch, then they would have to include GC controller compatibility, and as they already have the adapter for the Wii U, it would make sense for them to just reuse that... and this basically confirms that it would work... it would just need Nintendo to add the option to the Switch as they have done with the Pokken controller.

I'm guessing the reason they haven't done it already is because the GameCube controller is far more similar to a pro controller, making it a viable alternative controller, and much cheaper than getting a pro controller or an extra set of joy-cons.

@RupeeClock It added wired support for the Switch Pro controller, but I haven't seen anything about it adding support for the Wii U Pro controller as well... I'll definitely need to try that out later to check, as that could be really handy.

Don't see the point when the pro controller exists.

@SLIGEACH_EIRE plus it's a port of old hardware so who wants it on Switch? Especially you what with how much you hate ports... Minus anything ported to Wii U as those for whatever reason are ok.

@Alikan Because the Gamecube controller feels better than a pro controller. Never did like those. Reminded me of PlayStation style controller.

@TenEighty the pro controller reminds me of an xbox one controller, because it practically is. Try holding a Switch pro controller, it's pretty comfy. My comment was an unexplained dissatisfaction of the gamecube controller's very limited functuinality with this method. If it can't work fully, what's the point?

This is another thing that I do not like about Nintendo. They have way too many different controllers, you can never get used to one, they never feel comfortable, and they seem to progressively get worse over time.

@Bengals76 IDK, the Joy-Cons are about as close to perfect.

@Bengals76 At least this time they aren't a requirement. And the JoyCons/Pro Controller are functionally the same (Albeit, the odd game here or there that doesn't support the pro) so you can just choose the one you like best.

Was excited by the title of the article but once I read the details I'm excited no longer.

Hopefully we'll be able to use GC controllers with GC virtual console games if they come out on Switch - make it happen Nintendo!

@Ersatz
I'm glad you think the joy cons are perfect. But, I bet you're near alone in your thinking.

@roadrunner343
I wonder why they changed the layout of the pro controller from the Wii-U to the Switch?

@Bengals76 I'm definitely glad they did. Personally, I think they were just being stubborn with the Wii U and used that layout to be different. It's a great layout for FPS or anything that requires constant camera control, but for everything else, I much prefer the offset sticks. So personally, I'm very glad they switch layouts. What I find a little perplexing, is why they skipped analogue triggers...

Couldn't they try emulating the USB Pro Controller inputs? Not only are there 3rd party controllers, but the official one now has USB inputs too.

@Bengals76 I made a Strawpoll! I'll share it around.

http://www.strawpoll.me/13247011/r

Well, it's progress at least. If they could get it fully functional and able to recognize other controller slots, you would have a cheap alternative to joycons and pro controllers.

THANKS!!! Now I have an 8th controller for Bomberman multiplayer!

I got the 8bitdo pro controller and it is superb, with no attachements needed. I'd highly recommend it. This is a cool solution though for those who loved the GCN controller. Too bad we can't sync the Wavebird.

I always hated the gamecube controllers, I know its not a popular opinion, but they just are weird to use for me......my switch pro controller though is almost perfect so I'll pass on this weird barely functioning fix

Can't wait for the 3.0.1 update:

"Improves controller stability." (By blocking 3rd party controllers and adapters.)

well hopefully we will get GC games on switch

Of course, nintendo should support the GCN adapter from the Wii U if a Smash for switch ever comes out.

I guess I just prefer wired over wireless to avoid degrading the battery life of the controllers.

Cool little bonus for those who have the adapter, but pretty pointless for almost any game that'll come out for switch. Definitely not going to tempt any purchase from me

@TromboneGamer The more I learn about the community, the less I want anything to do with them. They're among the most prescriptivist, insular communities out there.

To me enabling the Pokken controller shows Ninty can do it with other controllers but chooses not to.
Suppose its good business sense if a little mean.

@Azooooz What kind of ideas are you talking about exactly? If you're talking in terms of adding things to the meta of any particular game of course it's going to be hard to convince someone you have a good idea.

@Exy In terms of the competitive scene I'd say it's generally like any other community. Followers of the scene have favorite players, characters, and the kids probably troll tournament streams and videos spouting insults at anyone/anything they don't like. Of course each smash game is a lot different from it's successor/predecessor. A lot of the "prescriptivism" probably stems from that fact. Discussion about adding characters/items/modes for future games probably doesn't happen as much as it used to. I don't know how much/if you care for the game(s) or not so it's hard to tell if that has anything to do with what you've seen from the community.

For those who just can't let go of 2001.

jesus christ let that darn controll go! it wasn't that great!

So you can do this but not use a Wii-U pro controller.........hmmm

@Windy I wonder if someone can come up with an unofficial patch to get it to work?I bet there's someone trying to.