The rollout of information surrounding Nintendo Switch 2 has sometimes, in true Nintendo fashion, left us with more questions than answers. Whether you’re talking about the pricing structure of individual games, the delayed pre-order date, or how specific console components will work, there has been quite a bit of grey area in the messaging surrounding the successor to Nintendo’s best-selling home console. The Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller, which is designed for use with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack GameCube library, has been one area where Nintendo has lacked clarity.
The team at Nintendo Life contacted Nintendo to clarify some points regarding the GameCube controller. While their question about whether the triggers are analog went unanswered, Nintendo responded to the outlet’s question about compatibility with Switch and Switch 2 games outside of the GameCube catalog. “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,” the statement Nintendo provided to Nintendo Life reads. “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.”
If you simply want to play GameCube games with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack GameCube catalog, the good news is it will work with compatible Switch and Switch 2 controllers; there is no need to buy this to access the GameCube catalog. Additionally, Nintendo has confirmed that the USB GameCube Controller Adapter, which the company released so players could play Super Smash Bros. using the beloved gamepad, will work on Switch 2. However, you won’t be able to access features like HD Rumble and access to the GameChat menu from the controller using the legacy controllers.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack’s GameCube collection arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 the day the system arrives on store shelves, June 5. For more Nintendo Switch 2 coverage, check out our hands-on preview of the console here.
