Nintendo Switch update adds support for GameCube controllers

If you're one of the many people who love GameCube controllers, we have some good news: GameCube controllers are now they're compatible with the Nintendo Switch.

The latest Nintendo Switch 4.00 update included a handful of new features for the seven-month-old consoles, and one mysterious Twitter user discovered a few days later that the update includes support for GameCube controllers via the Wii U adapter.

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In order to get a GameCube controller working on your Nintendo Switch, you'll need a GameCube controller adapter for the Wii U, which plugs into the Switch dock's USB ports (located next to the power and HDMI ports). You'll also need to allow wired controllers in your settings if that isn't already selected.

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The GameCube controller adapter is still sold by some retailers online for $10-20, although they may be a little harder to find now that Nintendo no longer has them in production. The adapter allows you to use up to four GameCube controllers at a time.

This is a pretty great addition to the Switch for GameCube controller fans, but it doesn't have quite the same buttons as the standard Switch controller. For instance, they only have one Z button instead of two, and they don't have a home button, minus button, or capture button.

Still, they work pretty well for game that don't demand all those buttons.

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The new GameCube controller support was one of a couple "hidden" new features in the 4.00 update. Another feature hiding in the new update is new support for USB headsets.

By adding support for GameCube controllers, this could mean that Nintendo is once again thinking about putting GameCube controllers back into production like they did for a short time in the Wii U's lifespan. When Nintendo did that, it was tied with the release of Super Smash Bros. Wii U, which could point to a possible Smash release on Switch.

This could also be evidence that the Virtual Console is coming to the Switch soon and potentially include some GameCube games in its digital lineup. Maybe even Super Smash Bros. Melee, one of Nintendo's most popular multiplayer games, which happens to go with the GameCube controller like peanut butter goes with jelly.