GameCube Fans Excited for Switch 2: New Nintendo Filings Revealed

Excitement is brewing among Nintendo fans following new filings that hint at a potential revival of the beloved GameCube controller for use with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The buzz started with an FCC filing for a "game controller" that matches the specifications of the Switch 2, leading to speculation that it could be a wireless Bluetooth controller reminiscent of the iconic GameCube design.

Online communities, particularly Famiboards, delved deeper into the filing and discovered that one of the images showed a label location similar to that on the back of a GameCube controller, specifically behind the C-Stick. This has sparked speculation that the new controller could be used to play GameCube classics through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service on the Switch 2.

While some believe this could be a new version of the Switch Pro Controller, the prevailing theory suggests it's more likely tied to the Switch Online service, which already supports wireless classic controllers for retro gaming. This has led to heightened anticipation for a potential GameCube library on Nintendo Switch Online, a long-standing request from fans. To date, Nintendo has focused on re-releasing games from the NES, SNES, N64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy eras on its subscription service, but could the GameCube finally make a grand entrance with the Switch 2?

Nintendo Consoles

The Switch 2 was introduced in January with a brief trailer that confirmed its backwards compatibility features and the addition of a second USB-C port. However, many details, including the purpose of a new mysterious button on the Joy-Con and other potential games, remain undisclosed. The Joy-Con mouse theory has been circulating, adding to the intrigue.

Last month, a Nintendo patent suggested that the Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers could be attached upside down, utilizing gyro mechanics similar to those in smartphones. Unlike the original Switch, which used rails to secure Joy-Cons, the new controllers feature magnets for versatile attachment options. This could allow players to customize the placement of buttons and the headphone port, and might introduce innovative gameplay mechanics if implemented in the final product.

Top 25 Nintendo GameCube Games

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Analysts predict that the Switch 2 might be priced around $400, though some speculate it could reach up to $500. June has been floated as a potential release month. While much remains unknown, Nintendo has scheduled a Direct for April 2, where more information about the console is expected to be unveiled.

In the meantime, fans can enjoy a taste of GameCube nostalgia with Metroid Prime Remastered on the current Nintendo Switch.