Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • Videos
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
    • G+RLS Podcast
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • Home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Videos
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
    • G+RLS Podcast
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Fall Preview
  • Join our monthly RPG Club
  • GTA 6
  • Game of the Week
  • G+RLS Podcast
  • Pre-order GTA 6
  • Countdown to GTA 6
  • Best gaming tech
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
Want more Switch 2 news?

Sign up to our Switch 2 newsletter to make sure you get the very latest news on Nintendo's new console and its games every week


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Hardware

Nintendo corrects itself, says the Switch 2 GameCube controller will work with games outside the Online Classics library but "there may be some issues"

News
By Catherine Lewis
Published 23 April 2025

It won't have "all the buttons and features found in other controllers"

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Hand holding the Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller
(Image credit: Future)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
7
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

Nintendo has cleared up some confusion surrounding its upcoming Switch 2 GameCube controller, which apparently will be compatible with non-GameCube games after all, although "there may be some issues" if you choose to use it this way.

The Switch 2 GameCube controller was announced during the flurry of Nintendo Switch 2 news earlier this month, as an optional controller to use with the upcoming classic GameCube titles being added to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. However, fans were quick to spot a line of fine print in the controller's trailer that made the deal seem a little less sweet.

"The controller is only compatible with Nintendo GameCube - Nintendo Classics," it reads, seemingly confirming that its overall use would be very limited. However, in a statement sent to Nintendo Life, it now appears that this isn't quite the case.

Latest Videos FromGamesRadar+
Watch full video here:

Asked if the controller will work on games outside of the GameCube Classics, Nintendo notes that it's "designed for use" with those in particular, but adds: "Since it doesn't have all the buttons and features found in other controllers that can be used with the Nintendo Switch 2 system, there may be some issues when playing other games."

That sounds like it'll be in the same situation as the other Classic controllers, like the Switch SNES one.

You may like
  • Best 3DS games - Kid Icarus: Uprising Nintendo boss reportedly teases more classics from DS and 3DS on Switch 2
  • Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller on a wooden desk with blue backlighting I've avoided picking up the Switch 2 Pro Controller, but the arrival of a Legend of Zelda model could change that
  • Image of the front of the Tears of the Kingdom Switch Pro Controller on a green GamesRadar+ background. The leaked Zelda Switch 2 Pro controller is stunning, but the OG is still around if you're not fussed about new gamepad perks

GameCube games are only coming to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on Switch 2, but despite the controller apparently having greater functionality beyond these retro titles, it "can only be used on Nintendo Switch 2 and is not compatible with Nintendo Switch."

Therefore, anyone who wants to use a GameCube controller on the OG Switch will have to continue to use an adapter to connect them.

Want more Switch 2 news?

Sign up to our Switch 2 Spotlight newsletter to make sure you get the very latest news on Nintendo's new console and its games every week

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Be sure to check out our roundup of upcoming Switch 2 games to see what's headed to Nintendo's new console.

TOPICS
Nintendo eShop
CATEGORIES
Nintendo Switch 2 Platforms Nintendo
Catherine Lewis
Catherine Lewis
Social Links Navigation
Deputy News Editor

I'm GamesRadar+'s Deputy News Editor, working alongside the rest of the news team to deliver cool gaming stories that we love. After spending more hours than I can count filling The University of Sheffield's student newspaper with Pokemon and indie game content, and picking up a degree in Journalism Studies, I started my career at GAMINGbible where I worked as a journalist for over a year and a half. I then became TechRadar Gaming's news writer, where I sourced stories and wrote about all sorts of intriguing topics. In my spare time, you're sure to find me on my Nintendo Switch or PS5 playing through story-driven RPGs like Xenoblade Chronicles and Persona 5 Royal, nuzlocking old Pokemon games, or going for a Victory Royale in Fortnite.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Read more
Best 3DS games - Kid Icarus: Uprising
Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo boss reportedly teases more classics from DS and 3DS on Switch 2
 
 
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller on a wooden desk with blue backlighting
Gaming Controllers I've avoided picking up the Switch 2 Pro Controller, but the arrival of a Legend of Zelda model could change that
 
 
Image of the front of the Tears of the Kingdom Switch Pro Controller on a green GamesRadar+ background.
Gaming Controllers The leaked Zelda Switch 2 Pro controller is stunning, but the OG is still around if you're not fussed about new gamepad perks
 
 
Hands at each side of modded Virtual Boy controller with Switch 2 board on red workbench.
Retro Modder does what Nintendon't and makes a Switch 2 Virtual Boy controller
 
 
Mario
Nintendo Switch 1 isn't dead – Nintendo will "continue selling" its console worldwide in 2027, just not in EU
 
 
Biker Waluigi poses near the food stalls in Cheep Cheep Falls in Mario Kart World
Games Sudden wave of Switch 2 bans reportedly caused by a server issue within Nintendo
 
 
Latest in Hardware
3D scan of Star Trek 25th Anniversary for PC with gameplay in backdrop.
Retro GOG now lets you turn digital games into big box PC releases
 
 
Switch 2 sitting in dock in front of TV with Zelda Ocarina of Time trailer on screen featuring Link in front of Jabu-Jabu.
Handhelds Switch 2 VRR is now a thing in docked mode ahead of Ocarina of Time remake's arrival
 
 
Image of the new Smoke Black Nitro Deck 2 in the top left corner and the white Nitro Deck 2 in the bottom right corner of the image.
Accessories CRKD has finally begun shipping the Nitro Deck 2, and my handheld mode-induced wrist pain has never been happier
 
 
Hands using Retroid Pocket Duo Lite to play Mario Kart 7 with Mario using glider.
Handhelds Retroid just said "hold my DS" to Anbernic and revealed a $149 Pocket Duo Lite
 
 
An image from Framework showing a laptop being assembled
Desktop PCs "We are committed to passing on savings" - Framework rolls out laptop refunds and price reductions
 
 
White and black GTA 6 DualSense controllers on a pink background
Gaming Controllers GTA 6 DualSense pre-orders are live, all the latest stock of your new Vice City controller
 
 
Latest in News
Peter Parker and Miles Morales talk in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, with the former in the Iron Spider suit and the latter in the Spider-Cat suit
Spider Man Marvel's Spider-Man 2 earned 35% of its $1.2 billion on disc, analyst says
 
 
Large monster stands in field of purple flowers
Action Games The AA games industry needs "a few more Expedition 33s," says Valor Mortis director
 
 
Paul Bettany as Vision in VisionQuest
Marvel TV Shows VisionQuest showrunner says Ultron appearing in human form in the show isn't "a budget thing"
 
 
Asa Germann as Sam Riordan in Gen V season 2
Marvel Movies Gen V star tapped to play Angel in MCU X-Men movie in an absolutely perfect casting move by Marvel
 
 
A screenshot from the Switch 2 version of Stellar Blade
Action Games Stellar Blade devs say the game is "100% on cartridge" for Switch 2
 
 
King Solomon in Terrific Tales
DC TV Shows DC fans think the ape on set of The People v. Gorilla Grodd is a different character altogether
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Peter Parker and Miles Morales talk in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, with the former in the Iron Spider suit and the latter in the Spider-Cat suit
    1
    Marvel's Spider-Man 2 earned 35% of its $1.2 billion on disc, analyst says, but PlayStation is more interested in "control" of the market
  2. 2
    The AA games industry needs "a few more Expedition 33s" before publishers stop seeing smaller games as a major financial risk, says Valor Mortis director
  3. 3
    Sony has topped a generational run of self-owns: abandoning Hideo Kojima's next Metal Gear right as Marvel's Wolverine falls flat
  4. 4
    VisionQuest showrunner says Ultron appearing in human form in the Marvel show isn't "a budget thing": "You'll get plenty of robot action in the show"
  5. 5
    Gen V star tapped to play Angel in MCU X-Men movie in an absolutely perfect casting move by Marvel

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...