Smash Bros Gamecube (Nintendo Switch)

The foremost choice of the overwhelming majority of competitive Smash players since Melee on the original Gamecube itself (idk the reason why, probably either button layout or just plain familiarity), the iconic Gamecube controller has proven to be the beast that can't be bested. This controller, made by Hori and licenced by Nintendo, strives to be a perfect replica of the aforementioned controller.Personally, I never used the Gamecube before and hadn't even handled its controller. Despite this, playing Ultimate with Hori's reverent re-creation quickly proved to be intuitive and felt fairly smooth. It isn't as if the new controller is enhancing my performance in the game, I'm still pretty terrible at it, but it feels leagues better than what I had going on with the Joycon setup, and possibly could even be better than the Pro controller itself. Perhaps I'll become a Gamecube controller purist myself, without ever even touching the original console.When you move away from Smash, this product still proves effective, although unfamiliarity on my part with the controller takes root in a problematic way. Firstly, the ZR/ZL and R/L are flipped in order to retain recognition to the original design, so people (me. I'm people.) used to the Joycon/ Pro Controller layout may find themselves pressing the wrong buttons often. Most games allow for controller reconfiguration, so this is easily remedied anyway. I also got mixed up with the X and Y buttons regularly (I never use these buttons in Smash so I get muddled when other games require their use), but this is obviously due to my lack of experience, and not some design flaw.What I was trying to convey in the title and the previous paragraph was that for people who've never used this type of controller before, it may take getting used to, especially comparing to most other Switch controllers. However, for people well versed in the arcane arts of the original Gamecube controller, I can only assume it will all come naturally. Although, in the rough month I've had this, it has only become more comfortable in my clumsy hands.This also lands in a relatively low spot on the spectrum of price for Switch controllers, especially considering it's officially licensed too. However, certain factors are a clear indication why. No rumble, no tilt sensitivity or aiming and no ability to scan Amiibo will be an immediate hazard for some, but I can live without them. The plastic casing isn't top quality, but it's not as if it'll hurt your hands if you're using it for hours on end. Finally, although this may be obvious it's still important to note that this is a wired controller, so you will only be able to use it while the switch is docked. You will not be able to use this if you are playing in handheld mode. The USB cable accompanying it is still quite lengthy, but this lack of major portability may also be a deal breaker for some people.Many reviews have complained with technical difficulties like sticks drifting, buttons not registering inputs or the controller as a whole not working, but I've encountered nothing so far and hopefully this is a statement I won't have to amend in the future.All in all, this proves to be a perfectly affordable and applicable option for the Switch, especially in regards to Smash. It may take some time to foster familiarity in people uninitiated in the Gamecube, but it's no difficult commitment to educate ourselves. The lower cost comes at the price of some certain features, but they are far from essential components. I would recommend this to all.

I really like this controller. It feels great to hold, is super comfortable, and works with most games on PC and Nintendo switch. Doesn't have motion control or rumble though, which brings down the price I guess.The only thing i did NOT like about it was the left stick felt uncomfortable. I found it hard to fox trot or fastfall properly, and it didn't grip my finger well, but i fixed that by sticking a piece of styrofoam to it.It also took a while to get used to the button placement. I'd used an xbox 360 controller prior to this and the switch was tough, but after a few days i got used to it.The octagonal stick gate is slightly tilted to the right so sometimes i flick the stick the wrong way. Practice will fix that though.The markings on the shoulder buttons are flipped, though the positions are correct, i.e the L button is marked as zL on the controller but functions as L ant not zL.Overall, I LOVE this controller. The design is cool, the color is the best, the triggers feel SUPER nice to press, and they have tiny travel distance unlike the OG gamecube controller.Plus the box looks so beautiful that I'll always use it when carrying this thing around.Good job HORI, i would recommend this to anyone.

I do not have a Nintendo Switch yet, I've been buying games and accessories ahead of when i actually get the console as most people know the games and accessories are rather expensive.That being said i brought the controller as well the game Super Smash Bros ahead of time so i'm ready for when i finally get the console, but due to some of the recent reviews i decided to take my controller out and try it on some other consoles just to make sure it works ahead of time.I tried it on my Retropie and my PC and it works 100%.Throughout this review i will be mostly comparing this controller to the original Gamecube controller (the design that it is based on).Upon taking the controller out of the box, you immediately feel a few differences between this and the offical controller. The first thing that you feel is that this version is slightly wider with a thicker part around the shoulder button area (this doesn't change much, just the way you hold the controller in general).The handles are now covered in a grip, this is to prevent sweat building up and making you lose grip on games like Smash Bros.The second thing you would notice is the size of the D-pad, it is longer than the one on the GameCube, it doesn't add much, just allows quicker access to the buttons.Apart from that the control stick is the same as well as the C-stick.There are plenty of buttons in the middle now instead of the usual start button, i assume this is exclusive buttons for the switch.Instead of one z button you have one on both sides and the pressure triggers at the back have been replaced with buttons, which honestly feel good.The downsides are the apparent amount of nonfunctional versions of this controller, the lightweight feel of this and the cheap plastic it is made of, due to this the the A,B,Y and X buttons now have a low thud sound when pressed instead of the original quiet click; but apart from that it is a great cheap controller