Switch 2’s GameCube controller somehow has less functionality than the Switch one

This week, Nintendo fans received two important pieces of information about GameCube controller functionality on the Switch 2, both of which suggest the original Switch could have better GameCube controller support.

Here’s the first one: The Switch 2 GameCube controller will only work with games in the upcoming console’s GameCube library for the Switch Online service. Video Games Chronicle spotted this piece of information in the fine print of the UK version of an advertisement for the controller, but it’s not in other versions of the ad; we’ve reached out to Nintendo to clarify the situation and have yet to hear back. Secondly, the original Switch’s GameCube controller adapter — which plugs in via USB port — will still be compatible with the Switch 2.

Keep in mind, we have yet to hear any information about a Switch 2 update for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a game for which many people prefer to use the GameCube controller over Joy-Cons. The game will still work on Switch 2 without an official update, but in terms of GameCube controller functionality, you’d probably have to use the original Switch’s adapter. Furthermore, the GameCube’s Super Smash Bros. Melee — which remains popular and has its own competitive scene to this day, despite the game’s age and lack of support from Nintendo — has yet to be confirmed to be included in the Switch 2 GameCube lineup, but that does seem at least somewhat plausible to this author. That would be one way for Nintendo to make the Switch 2 GameCube controller seem quite useful, actually.

Regardless, it seems that Switch 2 Smash fans may be in a bit of a bind this upcoming console cycle when it comes to organizing their GameCube controller accessories. There will be a new Switch 2 controller, but it’s not going to work on Smash Ultimate; you’re going to have to keep your GameCube adapter close at hand for that purpose. As for whether the Switch 2 GameCube controllers will even work with that adapter, that’s also not clear (again, Nintendo has yet to respond to Polygon’s questions about this). One could only hope the adapter would work with the new controllers, though.

All that said, Smash fans are an enterprising bunch, and they’ve been keeping the GameCube controller alive for years despite the hurdles along the way. So I’m sure they’ll put up with this. It does seem a bit strange to not just have a Switch 2 GameCube controller that works for games outside of the GameCube library, though, and to require an original Switch accessory in order to allow for that, but at least there still appears to be a way to use GameCube controllers across the new system.