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Gamecube controllers. Three console generations later, Nintendo keeps re-releasing them. I'm not sure why they don't lean in harder and embrace the design as

Gamecube controllers. Three console generations later, Nintendo keeps re-releasing them. I'm not sure why they don't lean in harder and embrace the design as the standard Nintendo controller. It is the most ergonomic and intuitive game controller I've ever used. The asymmetric layout and shape of the A, B, X, and Y buttons make it impossible to forget which is which. All the controller needs for a 2020 refresh is a ZL button, a true analog for the C-Stick, and a slightly larger D-Pad. The electronics underneath are rock solid--a favorite for modders. Nothing has really changed except the cord length and the omission of metal braces in the triggers.

dawnerd 6y ago
They need to make an exact replica on all their controllers that are wireless. The ones available now are slightly smaller and not even made by Nintendo. The quality just isn't there.
- kendallpark 6y ago
  100% agree. The 3rd party imitation controllers are not just not there yet. Best bet for now is to mod the GC controller with a Bluetooth adapter. Bluetooth adapter mod kit: https://hackaday.io/project/165060-bluecubemod-bluetooth-gamecube-controller-mod-kit https://hackaday.io/project/165060-bluecubemod-bluetooth-gam... Made my own "SwitchBird" using an 8bitdo gbros adapter: https://imgur.com/a/e3OwU3I https://imgur.com/a/e3OwU3I
qqssccfftt 6y ago
>I'm not sure why they don't lean in harder and embrace the design as the standard Nintendo controller. I hope not; I've used it and a Switch Pro Controller and I much prefer the pro controller.
- sorahn 6y ago
  I have so many hours in smash bros for the gamecube, I just can't play it on a different controller. My fingers get lost in the buttons. That doesn't happen for any other game, but there is just so much muscle memory for that specific game. Also I still have a wavebird that is alive and kicking, shame it lacks rumble.
  - fl0wenol 6y ago
    Your post made it click for me that Nintendo's platforms make it where there's legitimate reasons to use different controllers regularly. I use the Pro controller, a Gamecube controller, and the joycons/wiimote all for different game types, and sometimes switch between two in the same game. If you were to ask me whether I thought this was a good design concept, having never played any games on a Gamecube>>>Switch I'd say no, that seems wasteful and a cash grab on peripherals. But I love it. Give me more ergonomic plastic things with buttons and games that use them.
- kendallpark 6y ago
  The Pro Controller is a fine controller and sees a decent amount of competitive use in the Smash scene. The octagon gate on the GC controller is advantagous for Smash and other games that benefit from precise directional inputs... It's to the point where there are Pro Controller mods to add an octagon gate. The Pro Controller analog seems to wear out faster than that of the GC controller and it's a tricky replacement to perform (on an already expensive controller).
  - qqssccfftt 6y ago
    > The Pro Controller analog seems to wear out faster than that of the GC controller That's just because Nintendo ruined the design of their newer analogue sticks, though.
    - timw4mail 6y ago
      Or the GameCube was the only console with decent analog sticks.
  - adelrune 6y ago
    The octagon gate is actually a hindrance for some techniques in melee, notably wavedashes and shield drops.
    - kendallpark 6y ago
      How would having a octagon gate be worse than a round gate for wavedashing? For shield drops you take it a step further and notch the gate. Octagon gate also provides good reference point for MSDI.
Krns 6y ago
quick question, do you use it since the GameCube era?
- kendallpark 6y ago
  Yup. It is the best controller for Smash (which is why Nintendo keeps re-issuing it). Ultimate and Melee scenes are still alive and well. And even the 64 scene will cannibalize the analog sticks from GC controllers to replace the N64 controller sticks.
Causality1 6y ago
No other controller has come close to the GC triggers. Big swoopy buttons that cradle your finger and have both an analog measurement and a click at the end.
- huffmsa 6y ago
  Probably primed a bunch of people to like mechanical keyboards when they got older. It did for me.
  - kendallpark 6y ago
    Alternatively, the best (worst?) of both worlds: https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/ASCII_Keyboard_Controller https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/ASCII_Keyboard_Controller
huffmsa 6y ago
I forgot about how tactile and audible metal trigger braces are until you reminded me. Those were so satisfying to actuate. The PS2s felt like trash by comparison (and we're easier to jam / break)
AdmiralAsshat 6y ago
Much as I love the Gamecube controller, it's kinda crap for any fighting game that's not Smash Bros. The 6-button Street Fighter II layout from which all fighting games are descended simply does not lend itself well to the giant, single button in the middle of the controller.
Vrondi 6y ago
I have an original NES, and an original NES controller that still work. Also, the zapper gun works, but I have not CRT to use it on.

dawnerd 6y ago

They need to make an exact replica on all their controllers that are wireless. The ones available now are slightly smaller and not even made by Nintendo. The quality just isn't there.

kendallpark 6y ago
100% agree. The 3rd party imitation controllers are not just not there yet. Best bet for now is to mod the GC controller with a Bluetooth adapter. Bluetooth adapter mod kit: https://hackaday.io/project/165060-bluecubemod-bluetooth-gamecube-controller-mod-kit https://hackaday.io/project/165060-bluecubemod-bluetooth-gam... Made my own "SwitchBird" using an 8bitdo gbros adapter: https://imgur.com/a/e3OwU3I https://imgur.com/a/e3OwU3I

qqssccfftt 6y ago

>I'm not sure why they don't lean in harder and embrace the design as the standard Nintendo controller. I hope not; I've used it and a Switch Pro Controller and I much prefer the pro controller.

sorahn 6y ago
I have so many hours in smash bros for the gamecube, I just can't play it on a different controller. My fingers get lost in the buttons. That doesn't happen for any other game, but there is just so much muscle memory for that specific game. Also I still have a wavebird that is alive and kicking, shame it lacks rumble.
- fl0wenol 6y ago
  Your post made it click for me that Nintendo's platforms make it where there's legitimate reasons to use different controllers regularly. I use the Pro controller, a Gamecube controller, and the joycons/wiimote all for different game types, and sometimes switch between two in the same game. If you were to ask me whether I thought this was a good design concept, having never played any games on a Gamecube>>>Switch I'd say no, that seems wasteful and a cash grab on peripherals. But I love it. Give me more ergonomic plastic things with buttons and games that use them.
kendallpark 6y ago
The Pro Controller is a fine controller and sees a decent amount of competitive use in the Smash scene. The octagon gate on the GC controller is advantagous for Smash and other games that benefit from precise directional inputs... It's to the point where there are Pro Controller mods to add an octagon gate. The Pro Controller analog seems to wear out faster than that of the GC controller and it's a tricky replacement to perform (on an already expensive controller).
- qqssccfftt 6y ago
  > The Pro Controller analog seems to wear out faster than that of the GC controller That's just because Nintendo ruined the design of their newer analogue sticks, though.
  - timw4mail 6y ago
    Or the GameCube was the only console with decent analog sticks.
- adelrune 6y ago
  The octagon gate is actually a hindrance for some techniques in melee, notably wavedashes and shield drops.
  - kendallpark 6y ago
    How would having a octagon gate be worse than a round gate for wavedashing? For shield drops you take it a step further and notch the gate. Octagon gate also provides good reference point for MSDI.

Krns 6y ago

quick question, do you use it since the GameCube era?

kendallpark 6y ago
Yup. It is the best controller for Smash (which is why Nintendo keeps re-issuing it). Ultimate and Melee scenes are still alive and well. And even the 64 scene will cannibalize the analog sticks from GC controllers to replace the N64 controller sticks.

Causality1 6y ago

No other controller has come close to the GC triggers. Big swoopy buttons that cradle your finger and have both an analog measurement and a click at the end.

huffmsa 6y ago
Probably primed a bunch of people to like mechanical keyboards when they got older. It did for me.
- kendallpark 6y ago
  Alternatively, the best (worst?) of both worlds: https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/ASCII_Keyboard_Controller https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/ASCII_Keyboard_Controller

huffmsa 6y ago

I forgot about how tactile and audible metal trigger braces are until you reminded me. Those were so satisfying to actuate. The PS2s felt like trash by comparison (and we're easier to jam / break)

AdmiralAsshat 6y ago

Much as I love the Gamecube controller, it's kinda crap for any fighting game that's not Smash Bros. The 6-button Street Fighter II layout from which all fighting games are descended simply does not lend itself well to the giant, single button in the middle of the controller.

Vrondi 6y ago

I have an original NES, and an original NES controller that still work. Also, the zapper gun works, but I have not CRT to use it on.