Nintendo has addressed concerns regarding the compatibility of its newly released GameCube controller with the Nintendo Switch 2. The company confirmed that while the controller is primarily designed for playing classic GameCube games available through the Nintendo Switch Online service, there could be "issues" when using it with other, more modern Nintendo Switch 2 games.
The GameCube controller was introduced during the 60-minute Nintendo Direct earlier this month. At that time, the fine print indicated that the controller was "only compatible with Nintendo GameCube" games within the Nintendo Switch Online retro library, hinting at potential limitations with other Switch 2 titles.
Nintendo has since clarified this statement, emphasizing that the retro controller is tailored for use with the GameCube games in the Nintendo Classics collection. Although players may use the GameCube controller for other Nintendo Switch 2 games, they should be aware that "some issues" might arise due to the controller lacking "all the buttons and features" present in newer controllers.
Nintendo reiterated that the GameCube controller is exclusively compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 system and not with the original Nintendo Switch. In a statement to Nintendo Life, Nintendo stated, "The Nintendo GameCube controller is designed for use with the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics collection of games and is an optional way to play those games. Since it doesn’t have all the buttons and features found in other controllers that can be used with the Nintendo Switch 2 system, there may be some issues when playing other games. The Nintendo GameCube controller can only be used on Nintendo Switch 2 and is not compatible with Nintendo Switch."
Top 25 Nintendo GameCube Games
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The GameCube collection represents a significant enhancement to the Nintendo Switch Online library, offering subscribers access to a wide array of classic titles from the early 2000s. Notable games available at launch this summer include The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soulcalibur 2. The library is set to grow in the coming years, with anticipated additions like Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi's Mansion, Super Mario Strikers, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, and more.
For those eager to pre-order a Nintendo Switch 2, the GameCube controller, or other accessories and games, be sure to check our Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order hub, which will keep you updated with the latest news and information. Additionally, you can learn more about how to increase your chances of securing a new Nintendo Switch 2 console on launch day.
