A fresh version of Nintendo’s iconic GameCube controller looks to be in development for Switch 2, fans think.
The evidence here comes from a recent FCC filing for a Switch 2 controller with an oddly-located product label – that matches the location of the product label on a GameCube controller.
The filing, for a Switch 2 peripheral with the product code BEE-021, matches other Switch 2 components with the same BEE prefix, and does not appear to be a new Switch 2 Pro controller.
Evidence dug up by Famiboards (thanks, Nintendo Life) points to the fact this device lacks NFC support – something included in Switch 1 Pro controllers and Joy-Con – but does include wireless Bluetooth, something included in past Nintendo Switch Online pads.
The suggestion, then, is that Nintendo is prepping a GameCube controller re-release in the same way it has done for other retro controllers, such as the N64.
Take a leap of logic further, and the supposed existence of this controller could also point to GameCube support for Nintendo Switch Online… but one thing at a time.
Nintendo’s brilliant GameCube controller and its wonderful Wavebird counterpart are now nearly two decades old, but are still beloved by many fans – indeed, the pads are still a preferred method of control for many hardcore Super Smash Bros players.
Just a few weeks remain until Nintendo properly lifts the lid on its Switch 2 plans at the start of April. Could we see GameCube Switch Online support announced at the same time?