Best Gamecube controllers for Switch and PC in 2023

Are you looking to buy the best Gamecube controller for Switch and PC?  Don’t worry. After testing some of the best ones available, we’re here to help you choose the perfect controller

Finding the perfect Gamecube controller in 2023 can be a bit tricky if you don’t know what you need and where to find it. The cute-looking Gamecube controllers are, hands-down, one of the best controllers that you can get for any console. While they are basic, they get the required job done.

The resurgence of Gamecube controllers’ popularity began with the release of Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS in 2014. However, blame Nintendo for not maintaining adequate stock or extending the adapter’s support on PC. But thanks to the efforts of the gaming community, that created a slew of fickle Windows drivers to somehow reconfigure the Wii U to Gamecube USB adapter for PC.

The demand for the classic Gamecube controller grew as the Switch gained prominence, and Smash Bros. Ultimate sparked renewed interest. This controller has long been the preferred choice for playing games in the series.

With the emergence of Smash Bros.-inspired titles like Multiversus, we took it upon ourselves to list the best Gamecube controllers compatible with Switch and PC. This way, you can avoid the frustration of returning a low-quality controller that falls apart while playing games.

Best Gamecube controller for Switch and PC: Nintendo Gamecube controller

While there are plenty of alternatives on the market, nothing beats that original Gamecube feel. Nintendo might not have been great at restocking Gamecube controllers, but that hasn’t stopped them from drip-feeding them into stock channels.

Over on Amazon US, there are two options you can take. Either you go for the Japanese one without a manual and a potential additional wait time for delivery, or you can pick up a Smash Bros.-themed one from the US for an additional few extra dollars. They have good sticks, and you know that you’re getting that Nintendo stamp of quality, no matter what you pick.

Analog triggers on Switch and PC

These are official Nintendo products, with the right weight, a non-mushy directional pad, and true, analog triggers.

Most off-brand Gamecube controllers tend to forget that the console had these analog triggers that provided – in supported games – a way to get a lighter or heavier shield in Smash Bros.

A personal favorite includes the Gamecube version of Super Mario Sunshine’s analog support for emptying FLUDD, which would then sputter for a big backflip drenching.

The main thing to consider here is that you will need to invest in a much more expensive official Gamecube to Switch adapter. To get the full actuation of the analog triggers on the Gamecube controller, it seems to be hit and miss between adapters.

We do know for a fact that the official Nintendo Gamecube to Switch controller adapter does support it. It is, however, $80 on Amazon – after a reduction of 11%.

On PC, your mileage might vary. For retro gaming and even using it in certain games, the USB adapter might not recognize the analog control of the triggers, causing any press to simply be a full trigger press.

As modern games, like Multiversus, don’t really depend on the analog input, it might not be a consideration you want to make after all.

Where to buy:

• Get the Japanese Official Nintendo Gamecube controller from Amazon US for $49
• Get the Japanese Official Nintendo Gamecube adapter from Amazon US for $40
• Get the American Official Nintendo Gamecube controller from Amazon US for $70

Pre-owned Gamecube controllers

Getting hold of a pre-owned Gamecube controller is actually incredibly easy. It’s just getting more and more expensive, the more time soldiers forward. However, on inspection of eBay listings, it’s really easy to spot the fakes and dive into the real controllers.

You might even find yourself with a luxurious Spice Orange controller, or one of those nasty Teal Emerald ones, exclusive to Japan. There are also a lot of our recommended alternatives dotted about the place too.

This particular listing actually has sold over 5000 units straight out of Japan, with an estimated $10 shipping tacked on. They appear to have a wide variety, including a clear and Panasonic one from the Panasonic Q.

Deal	Price
Gamecube controllers	Starting at $29.99
Seller refurbished official Gamecube controllers	Starting at $44.99
Used official Gamecube controllers	Starting at $34.99
Used official Gamecube controllers (22 variants)	Starting at $38.90
Used official Gamecube controllers (Save up to 15% when buying multiple)	Starting at $38.00

Best budget Gamecube controller for PC and Switch: PowerA Gamecube Style Wired Controller

Outside of Nintendo’s official controller, the only one we can – in good conscience – recommend is from PowerA. While not a perfect recreation, the ability to use a USB-C cable and simply plug it straight into your chosen device is a convenience you won’t find from the big N themselves.

PowerA’s controllers are also themed around either different Nintendo characters or come in that classic, all-black aesthetic. The upside to using the PowerA Gamecube controller is that it’ll simply just work on PC too.

PowerA also has an additional Z shoulder button and a full suite of Share, Home, and Plus/Minus buttons, making it entirely useable by itself without the need to reach for your Joycon or Pro Controller.

While the Wavebird might be dead as a dodo, within the same selection of controllers, PowerA does have a wireless option. It takes AA batteries, so you better stock up on those as well.

The PowerA Gamecube Style Wired Controller does not support analog triggers.

Best wireless Gamecube controller for Switch & PC: Nyxi Wizard Joycons

Nyxi

The Nyxi Wizard is already a cool design, taking direct inspiration from one of Nintendo’s best controllers. However, the Gamecube-themed Joycons split and work on the handheld Switch, and while it’s docked over wireless connections.

There’s also the fact that the sticks shouldn’t develop drift, unlike Nintendo’s own controllers. It’s a Joycon in the shell of one of the best controllers of all time.

We have an exclusive 10% discount if you use the code “dexerto” at checkout.

Best budget wireless Gamecube controller for Switch & PC: PowerA Gamecube wireless controller

Dexerto

Sporting the same iconic GameCube look with everything you come to expect from a modern Switch controller, this wireless PowerA controller has it all. Though, you will need to equip yourself with a handful of batteries in order to use it. It pairs with your Switch effortlessly, and we were doing all manner of tilt attacks and more in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in no time at all. Like its wired variant, this is about as close as you can get to a modern Gamecube controller. Check out our full review for all of the details about why this is our budget wireless pick for Switch & PC.

Best adapter for Nintendo Gamecube controllers on Switch and PC: 8BitDo G Bros.

8BitDo G Bros. Gamecube to Switch/PC adapter

If you already have a Gamecube controller lying around and just looking for an easy way to hook it up to your Switch or PC, but aren’t entirely fussed about analog triggers and the like, we recommend you go with the 8BitDo adapter.

This small, wireless Bluetooth adapter can support either a Gamecube controller or a Wii-connector controller. It’s a fantastic alternative to go all in on the Gamecube adapter from Nintendo but does require a little bit of remapping on Switch to get it to function properly.

For whatever reason, the X and Y buttons will flip, so be sure to keep an eye on that if you’re jumping into a game straight out of the box.

It also has a suite of buttons to take screenshots, get you back to the home menu, and can be easily toggled to X-input for PC use.

We recommend that you purchase this on Amazon UK if you’re in the US. This is due to the US site selling them for far too much. It’s currently £14 on Amazon and can be shipped stateside.

Get the 8BitDo G Bros. Gamecube adapter on Amazon UK for £14.

Get the 8BitDo G Bros. Gamecube adapter on Amazon US for $50.

CLOUDREAM Adapter

There’s also the CLOUDREAM adapter, which follows the same design and purpose as the official Nintendo one, allowing up to four controllers to be played with on either PC or Switch.

Get the CLOUDREAM Adapter for $16 on Amazon US.

Also, make sure to check out our other guides

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