Find the best Switch GameCube controller can be quite a task since, if you’re in the market for one, you’ll want something that feels like the past. But that also extends to people who want retro controllers for their Switch. Fear not. Here are all the best GameCube and retro controllers for the Nintendo Switch.
Best wired Switch GameCube controllers
Wired Switch GameCube controllers are going to be cheaper and, frankly, more nostalgic. There are couple you can choose from. Nintendo’s officially licensed HORI one might be the best. It comes in an assortment of different styles from Link, Mario, Peach, and Pikachu.
- Buy the HORI Nintendo Switch Battle Pad (Zelda) GameCube Style Controller
- Buy the HORI Nintendo Switch Battle Pad (Luigi) GameCube Style Controller
- Buy the HORI Nintendo Switch Battle Pad (Pikachu) GameCube Style Controller
- Buy the HORI Nintendo Switch Battle Pad (Princess Peach) GameCube Style Controller
- Buy the HORI Nintendo Switch Battle Pad (Mario) GameCube Style Controller
But if those are a little much for you, PowerA’s wired controller is also quite great. It’s just a basic controller without all of the extra designs. There are a ton of different colors: black, purple, gold, silver, and gray. There are even two Pokemon ones with Pikachu and Umbreon that are yellow and black, respectively. Be sure to pick the color that you want.
Just be sure to get the adapter. You’ll need this if you want to use GameCube controllers on your Switch.
Best wireless Switch GameCube controllers
Wireless is going to cost more money, but it obviously comes without the hassle of wires. There are two that should work for you and they each have one key distinction.
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The first is PowerA’s wireless controller. It’s pretty standard and requires two AA batteries. It also comes in all the same colors as its wired variant and has motion controls.
The other is rather similar but can recharge via USB-C. This controller is a little more expensive but should save you money in the long run since you won’t have to buy new batteries after a few long Super Smash Bros. Ultimate sessions. This one only comes in black or purple. It also apparently works on PC and PS3 and comes with a dongle.
Best Switch NES controllers
But if you want to go back further than the GameCube, there are ways to do that. Switch NES controllers aren’t too hard to come by. Delta has a wired one that also works on PC.
There’s also a two-pack of wired NES controllers from another manufacturer if you want more bang for your buck. It works with a variety of different platforms like Raspberry Pi, PC, Mac, Linux, RetroPie, and NES Emulators.
If you want to spend some more money for a wireless one, you can do that as well. 8Bitdo has a wireless NES controller that also has a turbo button. There’s also one without turbo functionality.
- Buy the 8Bitdo N30 Bluetooth Gamepad for Switch Online Game Support Turbo and Home
- Buy the 8Bitdo N30 Wireless Controller Gamepad Classic Bluetooth Video Game Joystick for Android/PC/Mac OS/Switch
Best Switch SNES controllers
Ah, the SNES. You’ll probably want a good Switch SNES controller as that generation has aged better than its predecessor. And thankfully, there are a ton of good options to pick from.
For wired controllers, you don’t have a ton of options. 8Bitdo does make one so you at least have one. It’s fairly standard and should get the job done.
There are far more wireless options to choose from and 8Bitdo coincidentally makes a lot of them. The 8Bitdo one is a bit more expensive but it looks nicer and you can even choose between the SNES colors or the Super Famicom colors. They’ve got Bluetooth, rumble, and built-in battery.
There’s also a less traditional SNES controller, but it still retains a similar shape. It’s just a little more modern looking. It also comes in a variety of different colors: classic, red, blue, green, yellow, and SNES edition. It also has Bluetooth and a built-in battery. Be sure to pick the color that you want.
The final 8Bitdo one is a bit unorthodox. It is an SNES-like controller, but has DualShock like grips. It essentially fuses both designs. This one is slightly more pricey but has more features. It has Bluetooth, rumble, motion controls, USB-C, button mapping, adjustable hair trigger, modifiable joystick sensitivity, and battery pack (like a PSP). This one is pretty slick and be sure to pick the right color (black, classic, SNES edition).
In case you don’t want to buy from 8Bitdo for some reason, Poulep also has its own SNES controller. It’s wireless, runs on PC, has vibration and motion controls, and a built-in battery that lasts five hours, which might be short for some people. There’s also a two-pack but you don’t save anything by buying it.
- Buy the 8Poulep Wireless Pro Controller for Nintendo Switch
- Buy the Poulep Wireless Pro Controller for Nintendo Switch – Classic SNES Style (2 Packs)
The last one is only here just because. It’s going to be incredibly difficult to find and resellers are price gouging. This is the official Nintendo SNES Switch controller. It sold for $30 when it came out but is now out of stock and selling for multiple times that. Given the price differences, you probably should buy any of the other ones. But in case you really want it, you can find it in the link below.
