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Nintendo Switch 2 Might Be Getting a GameCube Controller
March 15, 2025Nintendo loves keeping secrets, but every now and then, something slips through the cracks. This time, a new FCC filing has ignited fan theories about a potential GameCube-style controller for the Nintendo Switch 2—and if you’ve ever played Super Smash Bros. Melee, you already know why this is a big deal.
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The FCC listing, which just went live, doesn’t outright say, “Hey, we’re making a new GameCube controller!” (because that would be too easy). Instead, the clues lie in the device’s label placement and model number prefix, which appears to match the back of a wired GameCube controller.
Could this be a wireless Bluetooth version of the iconic GameCube controller? It’s looking likely.
The Clues Point to a Wireless GameCube Controller
While the filing is light on details, fans have been doing what they do best—analyzing every tiny detail like detectives in a conspiracy thriller.
The key piece of evidence? The position of the label on the back of the device which closely aligns with the label placement on the GameCube controller’s C-Stick area.
Additionally, the controller uses the Nintendo Switch 2 model number prefix (BEE) instead of the Switch 1’s prefix (HAC), meaning this isn’t just a repackaged Switch Pro Controller or a random third-party peripheral.
One other interesting detail is that the device doesn’t seem to have NFC functionality—a feature present in the Pro Controller for amiibo support. This suggests that whatever this is, it’s not meant to replace the Pro Controller. Instead, it could be a nostalgic throwback built specifically for GameCube fans.
What Does This Mean for GameCube Games on Switch 2?
Naturally, as soon as the GameCube controller rumors surfaced, fans jumped to the next logical question: Does this mean GameCube games are coming to Nintendo Switch Online?
At this point, there’s no confirmation that Nintendo is planning to add GameCube titles to its online subscription service, but the existence of a new GameCube-style controller definitely raises some interesting possibilities.
We already know that Nintendo has been expanding its retro game lineup on Switch, with NES, SNES, N64, and Game Boy Advance titles available through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Adding GameCube to the mix wouldn’t just be exciting—it would be a huge win for fans who have been begging for it for years.
Could we finally get Super Mario Sunshine, Metroid Prime, F-Zero GX, and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door as part of a GameCube classics collection? It’s hard to say, but a new GameCube controller would certainly make those games feel right at home.
Why Would Nintendo Make a New GameCube Controller Now?
Nintendo has a history of reviving old hardware designs when there’s a demand for them, and if there’s one group that’s never stopped using GameCube controllers, it’s Smash Bros. players.
Ever since Super Smash Bros. Melee launched in 2001, the GameCube controller has remained the preferred choice for competitive players. Nintendo has acknowledged this time and time again, re-releasing wired GameCube controllers for Smash Bros. on Wii U and Switch. But here’s the catch—those controllers still require an adapter.
A wireless version for the Nintendo Switch 2 would finally give players a seamless, lag-free way to use the controller they love without extra accessories. Of course, it’s possible that this controller could also work on the current Switch, but that remains speculation for now.
What Else Did the FCC Filing Reveal?
Interestingly, this isn’t the only Switch 2-related leak from recent FCC filings. Previous reports have also hinted at the Nintendo Switch 2 featuring Wi-Fi 6 and NFC support, suggesting that the next-gen console is getting some much-needed online and connectivity upgrades.
If the GameCube controller filing is accurate, it could be just one part of Nintendo’s larger plan for the Switch 2’s hardware ecosystem. With the Switch 2 rumored to launch in 2025, we might not have to wait too long to see what else Nintendo has up its sleeve.
While games are fun, it’s highly important to note that there’s more to life than sitting countless hours playing video games – there’s a purpose and more to life; seek out that purpose more often!
