Nintendo has confirmed that its newly announced GameCube-style controller for the Nintendo Switch 2 may experience compatibility issues with certain games, due to missing modern features and buttons found in current-generation controllers.
The retro-inspired controller, designed specifically for use with the upcoming Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics collection, was revealed during the latest Nintendo Direct presentation. While it will offer full functionality for classic GameCube titles on the Switch 2, Nintendo says users should expect limitations when using it for non-GameCube games.
In a statement shared with Nintendo Life, the company said:
“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.”
This includes the absence of certain modern inputs like dual analog sticks, capture buttons, and motion sensors, which are increasingly standard across Switch-era games.
Additionally, Nintendo clarified that the new GameCube controller will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 and not compatible with the original Nintendo Switch.
The announcement comes as anticipation builds for the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch worldwide in June 2025. Demand is already far outpacing supply. According to Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa, more than 2.2 million users in Japan have applied to purchase the console via the My Nintendo Store’s lottery system. That number, he admitted, “far exceeds the number of Nintendo Switch 2 consoles that can be delivered” at launch.
Furukawa posted an apology on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging the shortage:
“We deeply apologise for not being able to meet your expectations despite our prior preparations. With the cooperation of retailers, we will continue to ship the console and make efforts to get as many Nintendo Switch 2 consoles as possible into your hands.”
Despite the minor hiccup regarding controller compatibility, fan excitement around the Switch 2 remains sky-high. The system is expected to bring a performance leap from its predecessor, new classic collections, and a fresh batch of hardware accessories.
The GameCube controller, beloved for its ergonomic design and Smash Bros. legacy, remains a nostalgic favorite, but Nintendo is making it clear: it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution for the next-gen console.
Gamers planning to use it beyond retro titles may want to stick with a modern Switch 2 controller for the best experience.
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