Excitement is brewing among Nintendo fans as new filings hint at the possibility of a new GameCube controller designed for use with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This development comes with the potential for players to enjoy GameCube classics through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service, adding a nostalgic twist to the next-gen console experience.
As reported by Nintendo Life, a recent FCC filing from Nintendo for a "game controller" aligns with the specifications of the Switch 2, suggesting it may be a wireless Bluetooth controller. The internet community, particularly on Famiboards, has delved into the details and believes that one of the images in the filing shows a label location that closely matches the positioning on the back of a GameCube controller, right behind the C-Stick.
While some speculate that this could be a new version of the Switch 2 Pro Controller, the prevailing theory is that it's intended for use with Nintendo’s Switch Online service, which already supports wireless classic controllers for playing retro games. This has led to speculation about a potential GameCube library being added to the service, fulfilling long-standing fan requests for GameCube classics on the Switch platform.
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The Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled earlier in January with a teaser trailer that confirmed features such as backwards compatibility and an additional USB-C port. Details about other games and the function of a mysterious new button on the Joy-Con were not disclosed, though theories about its use as a mouse-like input have gained some traction.
Last month, a patent hinted that the Switch 2’s Joy-Con controllers could be attached upside down, utilizing gyro mechanics similar to those in smartphones without screen locks. Unlike the original Switch, which used rails to secure Joy-Cons, the new design reportedly uses magnets, allowing for versatile attachment options. This could lead to innovative gameplay mechanics by allowing players to customize the placement of buttons and ports.
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Analysts predict that the Switch 2 could be priced between $400 and $500, with a potential release in June. There's still much to learn about the Switch 2, but Nintendo has scheduled a Direct for April 2, where they plan to reveal more about the console.
In the meantime, fans can enjoy a taste of GameCube nostalgia with Metroid Prime Remastered available on the current Nintendo Switch, keeping the excitement alive as we await further developments on the Switch 2.