The existence of Nintendo GameCube-style wired controllers for Nintendo Switch from peripheral maker Power-A has leaked out. Reddit user Mew_The_Creator shared these box mock-ups and more from his facility that produces product layouts for stores, including big box retailer Wal-Mart. Short of an official announcement, these Power-A GameCube-style controllers are clearly a play at the upcoming Super Smash Bros. for Switch launching later this year.
These officially licensed controllers are based on Nintendo’s official GameCube pad, but look to be modified to work natively with the Switch. An extra shoulder button has been added on the left side, as have controller lights and the Switch’s Home, Capture, and Pause buttons in the center. If Power-A’s past wired controllers are to go by, their GameCube-style controller should connect to the Switch’s dock through USB (and lack relevant Switch features like gyro motion, NFC, and rumble).
Nintendo is no stranger to licensing out the GameCube’s stalwart controller to third party manufacturers. In advance of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U back in 2014, accessory maker PDP introduced their own line of “Wired Fight Pads” inspired by the GameCube pad, but sporting the insignia of various Nintendo characters. These pads, along with similar looking Hori-made controllers, connected directly to the Wii Remote rather than the console. Nintendo themselves introduced a first-party solution for Super Smash Bros. on Wii U, a USB-based adapter that allowed the use of first-party GameCube controllers.
While these pads’ existence is now outed by their boxes, there’s no telling when Power-A will officially announce them. With Nintendo showcasing the new Super Smash Bros. at E3 from June 9th through 14th, there’s a chance the hardware maker will capitalize on the game’s hype and announce their peripheral then. Stay tuned in the next few weeks for all E3 coverage, including Super Smash Bros. for Switch.
