Nintendo has confirmed that the GameCube controller that it is releasing for the Switch 2 will only work with GameCube titles available through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service. As caught by VGC, this was confirmed by Nintendo through a small line of text added to the GameCube games announcement video on the Nintendo UK YouTube channel.
“The controller is only compatible with Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics,” reads a statement by Nintendo that can be spotted in small print at the tail end of the video below. Interestingly, the GameCube controller being released for the Switch 2 isn’t really missing any of the buttons or features that would make it impossible to use as any other Pro Controller for the console. In fact, the controller even sports a ZL button that wasn’t present on the original GameCube controller.
It is worth noting that, when connected to the Switch 2, the GameCube controller will be seen by the console as any other Pro Controller. The statement is likely to be just Nintendo’s way of covering its bases just in case the controller isn’t compatible with other games released for the console.
The GameCube controller has traditionally also been a favourite of fans of the Super Smash Bros. games, especially with titles like GameCube’s Super Smash Bros. Melee and the Switch’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The GameCube controller being released for the Switch 2 will also likely see some use in that niche market as well, along with being picked up by fans of the GameCube titles coming to the console.
GameCube games coming to the Switch 2 as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription was announced earlier this month alongside other details about the console. Games coming to the service will have quite a few new features, including the ability to play multiplayer over the Internet, as well as the ability to use save states and even rewind.
At launch, the GameCube titles available on the Switch 2 will be The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soul Calibur 2, and F-Zero GX. The version of Soul Calibur 2 coming to the Switch 2 will include Link as a playable member of its roster. F-Zero GX will also allow for local and online multiplayer racing for up to four players.
More titles will be coming to the Switch 2’s collection of GameCube titles. In its announcement video, Nintendo has stated that heavy hitters like Super Mario Sunshine and Luigi’s Mansion will be added down the line. Smaller titles like Super Mario Strikers, Chibi-Robo: Plug Into Adventure, and even Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness will also be joining the service.
The decision to bring GameCube games to the subscription service was likely made owing to the extra horsepower that Switch 2 has over its predecessor. It is worth noting that these GameCube games will not be available through the subscription on the original Switch.
Both the GameCube collection, as well as the controller, will be available alongside the Switch 2’s June 5 launch.