Nintendo has announced a new GameCube controller specially designed to accompany the release of the Switch 2. But be warned: this controller can only be used for GameCube games offered via the ‘Nintendo GameCube: Nintendo Classics’ service. A surprising limitation, especially when you consider how retro controllers have worked up until now.

Until now, accessories inspired by the old consoles - NES, Super NES, or Nintendo 64 - were recognised as classic controllers. So you could use them on other Switch games, even if you didn't always have all the buttons. This will no longer be the case here: the Switch 2 version of the GameCube controller will be strictly reserved for games included in the new retro offering dedicated to the GameCube.

However, from a technical point of view, it could have worked with other games, as long as they didn't require clicks on the analogue sticks. All the other buttons are there. But Nintendo preferred to restrict its use. A surprising restriction, given that the GameCube controller has been the benchmark since Super Smash Bros Melee.

The ‘Nintendo GameCube: Nintendo Classics’ service will launch at the same time as the Switch 2, with three games at launch: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, SoulCalibur II and F-Zero GX. These versions will feature enhanced graphics, customisable control options and an online mode for multiplayer. Other titles will follow over time, as confirmed in a Treehouse: Live segment.

This choice to lock the controller may frustrate fans, particularly Super Smash Bros. players who remain very attached to this model. And even if a new episode were to be released on Switch 2, this controller would not be compatible, as Nintendo states in black and white on its site.

It remains to be seen whether this policy will change, as this restriction is technically easy to remove.

As far as Recalbox is concerned, we can't tell you right now whether or not this controller will be compatible on our system. However, Super Smash Bros Melee should soon be playable with the V10 on the Raspberry Pi 5 ;)