The GameCube controller is the standard
game controller
A game controller, gaming controller, or simply controller, is an input device or Input/Output Device, input/output device used with video games or entertainment systems to provide input to a video game. Input devices that have been classified as ...
for the
GameCube
The is a PowerPC-based home video game console developed and marketed by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on September 14, 2001, in North America on November 18, 2001, in Europe on May 3, 2002, and in Australia on May 17, 2002. It is the suc ...
video game console
A video game console is an electronic device that Input/output, outputs a video signal or image to display a video game that can typically be played with a game controller. These may be home video game console, home consoles, which are generally ...
, manufactured by
Nintendo
is a Japanese Multinational corporation, multinational video game company headquartered in Kyoto. It develops, publishes, and releases both video games and video game consoles.
The history of Nintendo began when craftsman Fusajiro Yamauchi ...
and launched in 2001. As the successor to the
Nintendo 64 controller
The Nintendo 64 controller (model number: NUS-005) is the standard game controller for the Nintendo 64 home console. Manufactured and released by Nintendo, it debuted alongside the console in Japan on June 23, 1996, followed by North America on ...
, it is the progression of Nintendo's controller design in numerous ways. The M-shaped design of its predecessor was replaced with a more conventional handlebar style controller shape; a second analog stick was added, replacing the C buttons with a C stick and the X and Y face buttons, last seen on the
Super Nintendo controller, were reintroduced; the shoulder buttons were changed to hybrid analog triggers. A wireless variant of the GameCube controller known as the
WaveBird
The WaveBird Wireless Controller (stylized as WAVEBIRD, commonly shortened to WaveBird or WaveBird controller) is a radio frequency-based wireless controller manufactured by Nintendo for use with the GameCube home video game console. Its name is ...
was released in 2002.
Though many elements of the GameCube controller's unique design were not embraced by many future twin-stick gamepads (such as the pressure-sensitive shoulder buttons and a face button layout that emphasizes one button over three others), some controllers adopted its staggered
analog stick
An analog stick (analogue stick in British English), also known as a control stick, thumbstick or joystick, is an input method designed for video games that translates thumb movement into directional control. It consists of a protruding stick mo ...
layout. The GameCube controller continued to endure even beyond its system's launch cycle, gaining varying levels of support from its subsequent successor consoles.
Years after the GameCube's discontinuation, Nintendo officially re-released the controller, with the international launch of the fourth and fifth installments of the ''
Super Smash Bros.'' series, ''
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' and ''
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,'' due to the persisting popularity of the GameCube controller in the
''Super Smash Bros.'' community after the release of the critically acclaimed ''
Super Smash Bros. Melee'' in 2001. The controller also got a re-release in Japan in 2008 for ''
Super Smash Bros. Brawl''. A redesigned iteration of the controller for use with the
Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) is an online subscription service operated by Nintendo for its video game consoles, the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The service is Nintendo's third-generation online service after Nintendo Wi-Fi Connect ...
service on
Nintendo Switch 2
The is a hybrid video game console developed by Nintendo, released in most regions on June5, 2025. Like the original Nintendo Switch, Switch, it can be used as a Handheld game console, handheld, as a Tablet computer, tablet, or connected via ...
released with the console in June 2025.
Overview

Released alongside the
GameCube
The is a PowerPC-based home video game console developed and marketed by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on September 14, 2001, in North America on November 18, 2001, in Europe on May 3, 2002, and in Australia on May 17, 2002. It is the suc ...
console, the standard GameCube controller has a wing grip design. This controller was bundled with all new GameCube systems throughout the console's life cycle and was also available separately. It connects to the console's controller ports via a cable.
The standard GameCube controller provides
haptic feedback by way of a built-in rumble motor rather than using an external
Rumble Pak
The is a removable device from Nintendo that provides force feedback while playing video games. Games that support the Rumble Pak cause it to vibrate in select situations, such as when firing a weapon or receiving damage, to immerse the player i ...
add-on like the
Nintendo 64 controller
The Nintendo 64 controller (model number: NUS-005) is the standard game controller for the Nintendo 64 home console. Manufactured and released by Nintendo, it debuted alongside the console in Japan on June 23, 1996, followed by North America on ...
.
[ Also unlike its predecessor, it does not feature any expansion capabilities.
The controller features a total of six digital buttons, two staggered ]analog stick
An analog stick (analogue stick in British English), also known as a control stick, thumbstick or joystick, is an input method designed for video games that translates thumb movement into directional control. It consists of a protruding stick mo ...
s, a directional pad
The D-pad (short for directional pad) is a compact input method developed for video games, designed to translate thumb movement into directional control through a flat, cross-shaped surface that rests on four internal switches. Each switch corres ...
and two hybrid analog and digital triggers. The primary analog stick is on the left, with the D-pad below it. The four face buttons are on the right side of the controller with a large green button in the center, flanked by a smaller red button to its bottom left and two kidney
In humans, the kidneys are two reddish-brown bean-shaped blood-filtering organ (anatomy), organs that are a multilobar, multipapillary form of mammalian kidneys, usually without signs of external lobulation. They are located on the left and rig ...
-shaped buttons to its right () and top (); below the face buttons is a yellow stick. A Start/Pause button is located in the middle of the controller. On the "shoulders" of the controller are two pressure-sensitive analog triggers marked and , as well as one digital button marked which sits in front of the trigger. The and triggers feature both analog and digital capabilities: each behaves as a typical analog trigger until fully depressed, at which point the button "clicks" to register an additional digital signal. This method effectively serves to provide two functions per button without actually adding two separate physical buttons.
Versions
Colors and designs
Standard editions
The GameCube controller was sold in several different colors over the console's lifespan. Standard colors included "Indigo" (dark royal purple), "Jet Black", and "Platinum" (Silver),[ which were bundled with their respective colored GameCube consoles and sold separately in many countries.] Other standard colors sold separately included "Spice" (Orange), "Indigo/Clear" (Indigo top with a clear translucent bottom), "Emerald Blue" (Turquoise), and White; the latter two colors are available exclusively in Nintendo's home country, Japan.[
]
Limited editions
Nintendo released a number of limited edition controllers in their home country, Japan, through Club Nintendo, which featured a unique color scheme and/or logo in the center. Club Nintendo controllers could be purchased for 500 points each and designs included "Mario" (red top and blue bottom), "Luigi" (green top and blue bottom), "Wario" (yellow top and purple bottom) and a "Club Nintendo" controller (white top and light blue bottom). The "Mario" design was also made available in limited quantities through the European Stars Catalogue for 5000 points.
A number of limited edition GameCube consoles have been released which included matching controllers. Colors released by Nintendo in their home country, Japan, include "Starlight Gold", "Crystal White", "Symphonic Green" (mint green), "Hanshin Tigers" (black with Hanshin Tigers
The are a Nippon Professional Baseball team playing in the Central League. The team is based in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan, next to their main stadium, Hanshin Koshien Stadium.
The Tigers are owned by Hanshin Electric Railway Co., ...
logo), "Gundam Copper" (two-tone red with ''Gundam
is a Japanese military science fiction media franchise. Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Sunrise (now Bandai Namco Filmworks), the franchise features giant robots, or mecha, with the name "Gundam". The franchise began on April 7, 1979, with ...
'' logo),[ and "Transparent" which is in the "Enjoy Plus Pack +" bundle. The "Symphonic Green" color was also released in France. "Pearl White" was released in Europe, bundled with '' Mario Smash Football''. A '']Resident Evil 4
''Resident Evil 4'' is a 2005 survival horror game developed and published by Capcom for the GameCube. Players control the special agent Leon S. Kennedy on a mission to rescue the US president's daughter, Ashley Graham (Resident Evil), Ashley ...
'' controller (silver top and black bottom with logo) was available in Europe as part of a limited edition ''Resident Evil 4'' console bundle.[ The Panasonic Q, a GameCube/DVD player hybrid exclusive to Nintendo and ]Panasonic
is a Japanese multinational electronics manufacturer, headquartered in Kadoma, Osaka, Kadoma, Japan. It was founded in 1918 as in Fukushima-ku, Osaka, Fukushima by Kōnosuke Matsushita. The company was incorporated in 1935 and renamed and c ...
's home country, Japan, came bundled with a grey Panasonic branded version of the controller. The controller has the Panasonic logo on it instead of the Nintendo GameCube text.[
]
WaveBird Wireless Controller
The WaveBird Wireless Controller, released in 2002, is a radio frequency
Radio frequency (RF) is the oscillation rate of an alternating electric current or voltage or of a magnetic, electric or electromagnetic field or mechanical system in the frequency range from around to around . This is roughly between the u ...
-based wireless
Wireless communication (or just wireless, when the context allows) is the transfer of information (''telecommunication'') between two or more points without the use of an electrical conductor, optical fiber or other continuous guided transm ...
controller based on the same design as the standard controller. It communicates with the GameCube console wirelessly through a receiver dongle connected to one of its controller ports. It is powered by two AA batteries
The AA battery (or double-A battery) is a standard size single cell cylindrical dry battery. ANSI and IEC battery nomenclature gives several designations for cells in this size, depending on cell features and chemistry. The IEC 60086 system c ...
. As a power-conservation measure, the WaveBird lacks the rumble function of the standard controller. The WaveBird came in two colors, gray and silver (Platinum).
LodgeNet controller
A specially designed variant of the GameCube controller was created for the LodgeNet in some North American hotels. The controller can be used for pay-per-play access to select GameCube games. In addition to the standard GameCube controller inputs, the LodgeNet controller also includes six additional buttons which are used to control the on-screen game selection interface. The controller cannot be used on regular GameCube hardware.
Development
The Nintendo 64 controller, released in 1996, received mixed impressions, being lauded for standardizing the controls for 3D movement with its analog stick and for its comfortable design, but derided for its bulkiness[ and overall layout. ]Shigeru Miyamoto
is a Japanese video game designer, video game producer, producer and Creative director#Video games, game director at Nintendo, where he has served as one of its representative directors as an executive since 2002. Widely regarded as one o ...
designed the GameCube controller in a span of at least three years—the longest he had spent on any controller at that time—with the goal being to accommodate as many people as possible, regardless of their age, the size of their hands, and whether they have any experience in playing video games with a gamepad. The controller had seen at least four or five versions during its development cycle, and each build would be radically different on a monthly basis, containing new ideas and discarding old ones.[
]
Miyamoto's first idea was to redesign the controller's four rhombus
In plane Euclidean geometry, a rhombus (: rhombi or rhombuses) is a quadrilateral whose four sides all have the same length. Another name is equilateral quadrilateral, since equilateral means that all of its sides are equal in length. The rhom ...
-positioned face buttons, a standard he had set when he designed the SNES controller. The green button was made the largest to give the holder the idea that it performs the primary function.[ That button would be surrounded by a smaller red button to the left and two colorless kidney-shaped and buttons to the top and right, respectively. The button was initially also kidney-shaped before it was made a circle.][ According to Ashida Kenichiro, one of the GameCube console's hardware designers, the controller was intended to be intuitive to the point where the player would forget they were holding it, but achieving that and adding many features proved difficult. As games transitioned to 3D graphics, Nintendo debated whether the controller needed a D-pad anymore. Ultimately, they settled on keeping it at the bottom right of the primary analog stick.][ They also settled on replacing the four buttons with a second analog stick, and placed it on the bottom left of the face buttons.][ The player's thumbs were meant to naturally rest on the primary analog stick and the button, from which the player can move them in a downward arc to reach the D-pad and secondary stick.
The GameCube controller was released to Japan on September 14, 2001; to North America on November 18; to Europe on May 3, 2002; and to Australia on May 17. It was made available in numerous colors to boost its sales, following the same course as the Nintendo 64 due to the latter's improved performance.][
]
Availability
While unlicensed third-party GameCube controllers have been on the market, they have been criticized for generally being made of lower quality components than Nintendo's official GameCube controllers. The official controllers have become scarce at retailers, as an increased demand of the controller started due to the Wii's backward compatibility with GameCube games and the fact that several Wii games support the controller as a primary method of control. In response to the regained popularity, Nintendo re-launched the GameCube controller. These relaunched models of the controller have a cable, longer than the original models cable. These relaunched models also lack the metal braces inserted inside the controller's triggers to help push the triggers down, something that most of the original 2001-2007 manufactured GameCube controllers do have. They also have a plastic stickbox for the two control sticks, something that Nintendo did in 2003 when they switched from metal to plastic stickboxes after resuming production of the GameCube at that time.
White controller
In April 2008, Nintendo released a white GameCube controller exclusively in their home country, Japan. It differs from previous editions in that it features a white cable which is long, rather than the black cable used on standard controllers. This model also lacks the metal braces inserted inside the L and R triggers (see above). This controller has not been released outside Japan, but online retailer
Online shopping is a form of electronic commerce which allows consumers to directly buy goods or services from a seller over the Internet using a web browser or a mobile app. Consumers find a product of interest by visiting the website of t ...
s such as Amazon
Amazon most often refers to:
* Amazon River, in South America
* Amazon rainforest, a rainforest covering most of the Amazon basin
* Amazon (company), an American multinational technology company
* Amazons, a tribe of female warriors in Greek myth ...
and Play-Asia do import and sell the controller internationally.
In 2014, the manufacturing production of the white controller was resumed under the ''Super Smash Bros.'' branding, again exclusively in Nintendo's home country.
Continued production of platinum controller
Nintendo of America continued to sell wired platinum controllers up until early 2012 in North America, but have since ceased production.
''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Edition'' controller
The ''Super Smash Bros.'' edition controller was released in 2014, in conjunction with the release of '' Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''. The controller features a metallic silver ''Super Smash Bros.'' logo surrounded by flames instead of the GameCube logo. It came in black worldwide, although a white version was released in Japan. The controller has the same length cable as the 2008 re-release and also lacks the metal braces inserted inside the triggers (see above).
Along with the release of the controller, Nintendo released a GameCube controller adapter for the Wii U. The adapter supports four GameCube controllers, and all original pads are supported. A second adapter can be hooked up to a console, allowing up to eight players to use a GameCube controller. The adapter is only officially compatible with ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' and does not support any other Wii U software. Wii software running on the Wii U also does not support the adapter either.
''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Edition'' controller
During E3 2018, Nintendo confirmed it would re-issue the black GameCube controller for use with '' Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' for the Nintendo Switch
The is a video game console developed by Nintendo and released worldwide in most regions on March 3, 2017. Released in the middle of the Eighth generation of video game consoles, eighth generation of home consoles, the Switch succeeded the ...
, as, like its Wii and Wii U predecessors, the game officially supports the GameCube controller. This controller has the same length cable as the 2008 and 2014 re-releases and also lacks the metal braces inserted inside the triggers (see above). The re-issued controller was released on November 2, 2018, and features a simplified variant ''Super Smash Bros.'' emblem design.
On the same day, Nintendo also re-released the official USB GameCube controller adapter, with a generic Nintendo embossed branding (unlike the first edition that featured the Wii U logo). It is identical to the one released for Wii U, and both adapters will work on either console. The Switch itself and its games are capable of supporting the GameCube controller in both docked and handheld mode after a system update issued in October 2017. Most Switch games recognize GameCube controllers as Pro Controllers. However, due to the lack of a minus button, the ZL button, clickable analogue sticks and motion sensors, players may have trouble playing games that use these features using a GameCube controller. The adapter will also be compatible with GameCube games re-released via the Nintendo Classics
Nintendo Classics is a line of Video game console emulator, emulated retro games distributed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch family of systems and Nintendo Switch 2. Subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online service have access to games for ...
service on Nintendo Switch 2
The is a hybrid video game console developed by Nintendo, released in most regions on June5, 2025. Like the original Nintendo Switch, Switch, it can be used as a Handheld game console, handheld, as a Tablet computer, tablet, or connected via ...
.
Though the controller and the adapter were discontinued in North America shortly after release, a second wave continued to be made for Japan.
Use on subsequent consoles
Due to the Wii's ability to use GameCube controller input, all official GameCube controllers can be used on the Wii. GameCube software played on the Wii requires the use of a GameCube controller. Wii software can be programmed to make full use of GameCube controllers. Nearly all Virtual Console
The Virtual Console was a line of downloadable retro video games for Nintendo's Wii and Wii U home video game consoles and the Nintendo 3DS family of handheld systems. The Virtual Console lineup consisted of titles originally released on pa ...
games and certain Wii and WiiWare
WiiWare was a digital media entertainment service operated by Nintendo that allowed the download of games and applications developed for the Wii video game console. These games and applications could only be purchased and downloaded from the W ...
games have been designed to support GameCube controllers as input. However, some later Wii models, such as the Wii Family Edition and Wii Mini, lack support for GameCube software and accessories.
Although the subsequent console, the Wii U
The Wii U ( ) is a home video game console developed by Nintendo as the successor to the Wii. Released in late 2012, it is the first eighth-generation video game console and competed with Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4.
The W ...
, omits compatibility with GameCube software and hardware, Nintendo announced that an official adapter would be released that allows the use of up to four GameCube controllers on the Wii U via USB
Universal Serial Bus (USB) is an industry standard, developed by USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), for digital data transmission and power delivery between many types of electronics. It specifies the architecture, in particular the physical ...
. Though its initial product listing stated it would be compatible with any Wii U game that supports the Wii U Pro Controller, Nintendo since corrected the listing, stating the adapter can only be used with '' Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' and would not be compatible with other Wii U or Wii software. The adapter launched alongside the game in November 2014, both separately and as part of a bundle with the game.
Support for the adapter on Nintendo Switch
The is a video game console developed by Nintendo and released worldwide in most regions on March 3, 2017. Released in the middle of the Eighth generation of video game consoles, eighth generation of home consoles, the Switch succeeded the ...
was introduced via its 4.0 firmware update. Though the Switch itself only supports it in docked mode, there are third-party accessories that allow it to connect in tabletop mode. Unlike the Wii U, it is supported by any game, although the Switch recognizes it as a Pro Controller and functionality may be affected if a game utilizes buttons not found on the GameCube controller.[ '' Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', '']Super Mario Sunshine
is a 2002 platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube. It is the second 3D computer graphics, 3D game in the Super Mario, ''Super Mario'' series, following ''Super Mario 64'' (1996). The game was directed by Yoshiaki Ko ...
'' (via '' Super Mario 3D All-Stars''), and '' Grid Autosport'' are among the Switch games that recognizes them as a GameCube controller in-game. Additionally, the adapter is compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2
The is a hybrid video game console developed by Nintendo, released in most regions on June5, 2025. Like the original Nintendo Switch, Switch, it can be used as a Handheld game console, handheld, as a Tablet computer, tablet, or connected via ...
for use with the Nintendo Classics
Nintendo Classics is a line of Video game console emulator, emulated retro games distributed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch family of systems and Nintendo Switch 2. Subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online service have access to games for ...
GameCube app, which gives customers access to a catalog of GameCube games.
Replications
Accessory maker Performance Designed Products (PDP) began releasing a line of officially licensed "Wired Fight Pad" controllers for the Wii and Wii U in 2014, with color schemes based on various Nintendo characters. They are based on the design and layout of the GameCube controller, but are connected via the Wii Remote's expansion port and act identically to a Classic Controller Pro (thus supporting any Wii and Wii U game that supports the Classic Controller Pro, but not GameCube games). To provide parity with the Classic Controller Pro, these controllers feature dual shoulder buttons, as well as the "+", "−", and "Home" buttons standard on Wii controllers. The smaller C-stick is also replaced with a more standard analog stick. Hori released a similar product line known as the "Battle Pad". Unlike PDP, Hori's controllers look identical to real GameCube controllers while also including the same features of the PDP controllers. Both the PDP "Wired Fight Pad" and the Hori "Battle Pad" will work on the NES Classic and the SNES Classic.
In anticipation of ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', both Hori and PDP unveiled similar replications as USB gamepads for Nintendo Switch, both officially licensed. As with their Wii U counterparts, they maintain similar designs and appearance to the standard GameCube controllers, but updated to include dual shoulder buttons and Switch system buttons.
PowerA released a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller with the GameCube controller layout but with additional inputs standard on Switch controllers, allowing it to be used in all Switch games. This controller was officially licensed by Nintendo and is available wireless and wired.
Nintendo Switch 2 version
A wireless version of the controller for the Nintendo Switch 2
The is a hybrid video game console developed by Nintendo, released in most regions on June5, 2025. Like the original Nintendo Switch, Switch, it can be used as a Handheld game console, handheld, as a Tablet computer, tablet, or connected via ...
launched simultaneously with the console on June 5, 2025. It is designed for use with the ''Nintendo GameCube - Nintendo Classics
Nintendo Classics is a line of Video game console emulator, emulated retro games distributed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch family of systems and Nintendo Switch 2. Subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online service have access to games for ...
'' app for Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) is an online subscription service operated by Nintendo for its video game consoles, the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The service is Nintendo's third-generation online service after Nintendo Wi-Fi Connect ...
subscribers. It is also compatible with Nintendo Switch games running via backwards compatibility that supported the original GameCube controller via the USB adapter. The Switch 2 GameCube controller features additional buttons to allow players access to the ZL, home and capture buttons that correspond with Switch functionality that was not available on GameCube; along with the console's new "C" button which launches GameChat to communicate with other players. The controller is only available in the indigo color and does not work on the Nintendo Switch
The is a video game console developed by Nintendo and released worldwide in most regions on March 3, 2017. Released in the middle of the Eighth generation of video game consoles, eighth generation of home consoles, the Switch succeeded the ...
or the Nintendo GameCube
The is a PowerPC-based home video game console developed and marketed by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on September 14, 2001, in North America on November 18, 2001, in Europe on May 3, 2002, and in Australia on May 17, 2002. It is the su ...
.
Legal issues
Anascape Ltd, a Texas
Texas ( , ; or ) is the most populous U.S. state, state in the South Central United States, South Central region of the United States. It borders Louisiana to the east, Arkansas to the northeast, Oklahoma to the north, New Mexico to the we ...
-based firm, filed a lawsuit against Nintendo for patent infringements regarding many of Nintendo's controllers. A July 2008 verdict found that a ban would be issued preventing Nintendo from selling the regular GameCube and WaveBird controllers in the United States. Nintendo was free to continue selling the controllers pending an appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (in case citations, Fed. Cir. or C.A.F.C.) is one of the 13 United States courts of appeals. It has special appellate jurisdiction over certain categories of cases in the U.S. federa ...
. On April 13, 2010, Nintendo successfully appealed and the previous court decision was reversed.
See also
* List of Nintendo controllers
References
{{Nintendo hardware, GameCube
GameCube accessories
Nintendo controllers
Gamepads
Products introduced in 2001