The GameCube Controller Adapter Now Works With Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch 4.0.0 update brought (and somewhat botched) some highly requested features, such as video capture, profile transfers and even support for wireless headsets. But Nintendo slipped in a surprise feature: Utilizing the USB adapter designed for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Switch owners can use GameCube controllers, as Twitter user @MasterMewking first discovered and GameXplain then investigated.

THEY WORK! THESE ARE GAMECUBE CONTROLLERS #NintendoSwitchpic.twitter.com/IUpiL9XvBm

— Master Mewking (@MasterMewking) October 23, 2017

GameCube controllers appear as “USB controllers,” and GameXplain demonstrates that users are able to navigate the system menu and even play games like Fire Emblem Warriors with the old controller. But with the GameCube controller lacking a “ZL,” “Home” or “Select/-” button, using it will bring some limitations.

We can only speculate as to why this stealthily added feature has arrived—the main two predictions that can come out of this are a possible Smash Bros. installment for Nintendo Switch (Melee purists love their GameCube controllers), or classic GameCube games arriving on the console, perhaps through a (still non-existent) Virtual Console service for Switch. Until then, enjoy trying to wrestle with the GameCube controller’s weird button placement during your Splatoon 2 sessions.