Best GameCube Controller You Can Buy in 2023

If you’re looking for the best GameCube controller, you likely already know how awesome the console is. While not every game holds up these days in terms of visual appearance and performance, they’re still so fun to play and bring back some seriously nostalgic feelings. The Nintendo GameCube is a console that was revolutionary for its time.

Yes, the 3D graphics were amazing at the time and felt truly groundbreaking, but the GameCube controller featured buttons and a setup that we had never seen before. Some parts of the original controller are great, but as with all things, as time goes on innovations are made and tech is improved. We’re lucky to live in an age where even retro controllers are being revamped and given the R&D they truly deserve.

We’ve compiled a list of the best GameCube controllers you can purchase to take your GameCube gaming to a whole new level. Whether you’re looking for a GameCube controller to use on the original GC console or you’re looking for a Nintendo Switch GameCube controller to use while playing Super Smash Bros, we’ll be breaking down all the best wireless and wired controller options below.

What Are The Best GameCube Controllers?

	Gamecube Wavebird Wireless Controller	Buy Here
	Retro Fighters BattlerGC Wireless Controller	Buy Here
	PowerA Wireless GameCube Style Controller	Buy Here
	Cipon Gamecube Controller Wired	Buy Here

Best Wireless Controllers

Nintendo WaveBird GameCube Controller

It goes without saying that WaveBird is by far the best Nintendo GameCube controller you can buy. Not only is this thing iconic, but it was revolutionary for its time. This thing was originally released back in the GameCube era of gaming and at that time, wireless controllers just weren’t commonplace.

Even aside from breaking ground and cutting the cord on controllers, the WaveBird has a very iconic design aesthetic as well. It has the form factor of the original GameCube controller, with a bit more junk in the trunk for the battery slot. It also comes with a controller port that connects to the GameCube controller slot.

Back in the day, when playing with friends, it’d always be a race to see who could claim the WaveBird during play sessions. Being able to pick up the controller and walk to the other side of the room without being chained to the console by a cord was incredible and still is today.

The WaveBirdAA batteries and is a bit of a chonky boi, but this beast is a true classic and one that you absolutely need to add to your GameCube collection if you don’t already have one. Because the GameCube can connect 4 controllers at once, we recommend getting up to four controllers so that everyone in your party can get down using a WaveBird at the same time.

Retro Fighters BattlerGC Wireless Controller

This wireless GameCube controller by Retro Fighters is actually compatible with multiple different consoles and systems. It obviously works with the original GameCube console, but also can be used with the Game Boy Player that connects to the GameCube, the Wii, Wii U, the Nintendo Switch console, and will work with PC as well.

It’s been ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hands and comes in 3 different color options:

• Black
• Purple
• Orange

Each controller has its own controller adapter that you will use to connect the controller to the console or system of your choice. What we love about the Retro Fighters BattlerGC controller is that it looks and feels like a next-gen controller while still maintaining both the aesthetic and form factor of an original GameCube controller.

While the controller itself is certainly more new-age than the original GC controller, the button, joystick, and D-pad layouts all mimic the original very well. When it comes to charging this thing, it has a USB-C charging port and the battery will last for roughly 10 hours or so of gameplay.

It has pressure-sensitive analog triggers, wireless vibration, an accurate D-pad, a responsive analog stick, dual Z shoulder buttons, a rechargeable battery, and a 30-foot wireless range.

If you’re looking to purchase a brand-new controller for GameCube games, the Retro Fighters BattlerGC is the obvious choice. It’s a high-end GameCube controller that feels premium quality and has an affordable price tag.

PowerA GameCube Controller

These GC controllers by PowerA work with the Nintendo Switch and have been used by many to play Super Smash Bros Ultimate. The controller uses Bluetooth 5.0, has the option to use motion controls, can be used across all Nintendo Switch games, and very heavily resembles the original GameCube controller design.

It uses 2 AA batteries and can last for up to 30 hours at a time. This product is officially licensed and includes the Nintendo Switch official logo on it. That’s how you know its a quality product. If Nintendo is backing it and willing to put their stamp of approval, it’s been put through the wringer and tested thoroughly first.

It has a solid 4.5 stars on Amazon and mostly positive reviews overall. It comes in two color variants, either the Black option or the purple one. It’s a solid controller that definitely gets the job done and is great for Smash Bros sessions with friends.

Best Wired Controllers

Cipon GameCube Controller

The Cipon GC controller is a more budget-friendly option that still has very solid ratings and reviews.

While it is significantly cheaper than the other options on this list, part of the reason for that is that this controller is wired. By default, it’s compatible with and can be used on the Nintendo GameCube and Wii consoles, however, if you use a GameCube controller adapter, it can also be used on the Wii U, Switch, and PC.

It’s not quite as premium as what you’d expect with an original Nintendo GameCube controller, but it doesn’t feel particularly cheap. It certainly will get the job done and should suffice perfectly fine for any GameCube titles.

Summary

Depending on your play style and what you’re looking for in a controller, all of the options on this list should help you find the perfect N64 controller to play with. Some of these wired controllers have USB out and will work with more modern consoles and computers, allowing you to use them with N64 emulation. Others are meant solely to be used with original hardware and will only work with the Nintendo GameCube console.

The wireless options also include the necessary adapters that you’ll need to connect to the controller ports of the consoles.

Either way, all the options on this list are great choices and you won’t be disappointed no matter which you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Budget GameCube Controller for Switch?

Without a doubt, the best budget GameCube controller for the Nintendo Switch is the PowerA GameCube controller. It’s reasonably priced, high quality, and is officially licensed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It’s used by a lot of players in the Smash community for a reason. It’s highly accurate and works very well.

Is The GameCube controller Actually Good?

There’s a reason why every single new Smash Bros game that is released by Nintendo has GameCube controllers released for the system as well. The GameCube controller is the epitome of a classic controller that was done right. It was revolutionary for its time and to this day, many modern controllers that we see mimic is standard design layout for a reason. The buttons, joysticks, and D-pad are all well places and ergonomically designed for comfort.

It’s a tactical controller that is still relevant today, and yes it’s a great controller to use.

Are Cheap GameCube Controllers Worth It?

The obvious answer to this question is that it depends. It depends what you’re looking to get from the controller you’re buying.

That being said, price can often dictate quality in terms of the controller you’re purchasing. I’ve bought my fair share of cheaper controller options in the past and have been burnt many times. Most of the cheaper controllers I’ve bought have felt extremely cheap and the joysticks were nearly unusable because they were very stiff and the movement was off significantly.

It’s highly recommended that you spend a little bit of extra money on a quality controller to ensure that it’s at least good enough for playing games, otherwise it can really sour the entire game’s experience and that’s not what you want. Anything that removes that extra layer of immersion detracts from the gameplay.

This is why often times cheaper controllers aren’t really worth wasting money on and spending a bit more for a quality controller is usually the better choice.

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