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How to Connect GameCube Controllers to the Nintendo Switch
Give your old Nintendo controllers a new life
By Brad Stephenson Brad Stephenson Freelance Contributor Western Sydney University Brad Stephenson is a freelance tech and geek culture writer with 12+ years' experience. He writes about Windows 10, Xbox One, and cryptocurrency. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 29, 2022 Tweet Share Email luzastudios/iStockUnreleased/GettyImages Tweet Share Email Consoles & PCs Xbox Buyer's Guide What to Know
Adapter: Plug adapter cables into Switch dock > connect controller to adapter > push controller button to sync.Third-party controller: Designed to work with Switch. Can plug in or connect via Bluetooth directly. This article explains how to use an original Nintendo GameCube controller or a third-party approximation with a Nintendo Switch. How to Use GameCube Controllers on Switch
Official and third-party GameCube controllers can connect to a Nintendo Switch, but the method can vary depending on the model of the controller. The Nintendo Switch requires the latest version of its operating system to use GameCube controllers. Using the GameCube Adapter for Switch
A GameCube controller Switch adapter is the easiest and best way to connect both original controllers that came out with the GameCube, and newer GameCube controller models designed for use on the Wii U. While original GameCube controllers can be used on the Nintendo Switch, they do lack some controls, such as the Home and Screenshot buttons, that are needed to navigate the Switch operating system. However, you can use a Joy-Con for performing these tasks. Nintendo has produced its own official GameCube controller Switch adapter and there are also several third-party options that can be easily found in video game stores and on online stores such as Amazon. All versions of the adapter support up to four GameCube controllers at a time. Ponkor, inc. Once you have a GameCube controller adapter, do the following to connect your controllers. Turn your TV and Nintendo Switch on and place the console in its dock. It’s impossible to connect GameCube controllers to the Switch while it’s in handheld mode. Plug the two USB cables from the GameCube controller adapter into the two USB ports on the front of the Nintendo Switch dock. Connect a GameCube controller to the adapter using one of the available ports. Press any button on the GameCube controller for the Nintendo Switch to recognize it. You can now use your controller on your Switch as you would any other controller. Using a Third-Party GameCube Controller for Switch
Several companies have produced their own third-party GameCube controllers that can connect to a Nintendo Switch via Bluetooth or a USB cable. No adapter is needed for these controllers. They can be connected to a Nintendo Switch straight out of the box. HORI, inc. HORI’s GameCube controllers are one example of third-party controllers that can be plugged directly into Nintendo Switch consoles via its the USB ports. The GameCube controllers made by Exlene are an example of some that can connect via a USB cable and wirelessly using Bluetooth. Exlene, inc. The packaging for all GameCube controllers will usually mention if they use USB or Bluetooth to connect to a Nintendo Switch console. If you no longer have the packaging for the controller, you can also inspect the end of its cable to determine how it connects. If it has a rectangular USB tip, then it can connect to the Switch using one of the console's USB ports. If the connection at the end of the cable is circular, it needs to plug into a GameCube controller adapter. Which Nintendo Switch Games Use GameCube Controllers
While original GameCube controllers can be used for playing most video games on the Nintendo Switch, they’re not always recommended due to their lack of buttons that can leave the player unable to perform certain actions. However, modern GameCube controllers feature all of the buttons needed to properly play Nintendo Switch games, so most gamers shouldn’t have any problem using these at all. The only Nintendo Switch video games that don’t support old or new GameCube controllers are those that require the Joy-Con controllers, such as Just Dance, Snipperclips, and Fitness Boxing. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Connect a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to a PC How to Connect Nintendo Switch to Bluetooth Headphones How to Connect PS4 or Xbox Controllers to Switch How to Use Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons on PC How to Use External Controllers on Steam Deck How to Use a PS5 Controller on Your PC or Mac How to Connect the Nintendo Switch to Your Laptop How to Fix It When a PS5 Controller Won't Sync How to Set up and Use a Nintendo Switch Microphone How to Connect AirPods to PS4 The 5 Best Nintendo Switch Controllers of 2022 How to Transfer Save Data Between Users on the Switch How to Sync a PS4 Controller How to Use Nintendo Switch With a Keyboard and Mouse How to Connect Your Phone to Your TV With USB Can You Connect AirPods to a Nintendo Switch? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies