We all know how incredible the GameCube controller is, right? Heck, there's a reason so many people still prefer to use it for franchises such as Super Smash Bros.; it's awesome. If you've seen the prototype design of the controller, however, then you'll know that the early design was uhh... different? No, that's not the right word... Awful, there we go.
It's odd, because in terms of form factor, there's little that's actually changed from the prototype to the final retail product, but one glance will tell you that small changes can make a tonne of difference. Take the width, for example: you can see that the prototype controller is significantly wider than the retail model, with a more prominent gap between the d-pad and the c-stick. In addition, the handles either side are more pronounced, making the prototype look more like a boomerang than the controller we all know and love.
If you haven't seen one before, then you need to check out this beautiful collection from the Twitter page of console database ConsoleVariations. It owns not just one, but five GameCube prototype controllers, in addition to the GameCube dev kits and firmware discs.
Pretty impressive, right? If you look closely, you'll also see a prototype N64 console at the bottom of the image, showcasing a lovely colour that we kinda wish made it to retail.
Cast your mind back a few years, you might also remember that a prototype Wii Remote and Nunchuck was made for the GameCube, complete with a wire that plugged directly into the console itself and a sensor bar that plugged into the memory card slot. We're not sure which is cooler, the GameCube prototype, or the Wii prototype..! Hmm.
What do you make of this tidy little collection? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
[source twitter.com]
Comments 16
Always remember the first time I held a Gamecube controller on a display unit in a store, the way my hands fitted round it sold me on it straight away.
All look a little more suited for adult hands tbh
Want that Red ♥️ GameCube! Christmas: got a black one. Wanted a purple one at least... 😢
I kinda wish Nintendo stuck with the GameCube button colors referencing the N64. It was a nice touch
Not too far off from what what ultimately got, actually. It's a far cry from Sony's original "boomerang"/"banana" design for the PS3 controller, which was completely redesigned to resemble the DualShock controllers from the PS1 and PS2 eras due to poor reception for the original design.
@WiltonRoots And I will always remember the first time I tried to hold an N64 controller and fail miserably. Yeah, I was stupid enough to not use the middle handle.
Wow is that a Gamecube devkit in a central position? I wish I had one.
The GC controller is great but I think it's been far surpassed by Switch Pro controller, even for Smash Bros.
I think they look nice enough.
They somewhat look like recolored third-party controllers. I can't imagine how they'd feel holding them compared to the final version.
These look like Mad Catz controllers. I am extremely happy with the final design!
I’m really into the giant dev console in the middle, with its official Dolphin logo and off-the-shelf DVD drive. It warms my heart that it was already purple this early on.
Wouldn‘t call them horrific to be honest, they pretty much resemble the final design in my opinion.
im 6'3" with proportionate hands, and the gamecube controller fits me great! i get sick of the "adult sized hands" slur regarding the GC controller.
OTOH. xbox, starting with 360 (and now sony, as theyve gone the same way starting with ps4,) controllers stick the face buttons up so close to the top of the controller that its truly uncomfortable, a guaranteed hand cramp. but you dont see me popping up on xbox centric sites compaining about it!
The Duke was the worst controller ever in my book.
I still think the GameCube controller is one of the most comfortable controllers I've used. GC was my first console I didn't have to share so it'll always be one of my favourite consoles.
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