That 4.0.0 system update for the Nintendo Switch is full of surprises. Certainly, Nintendo advertised it as adding video capture and allowing you to transfer user data to a new console, but they’ve kept a few features under their hats, including USB headset support and GameCube controller support.
You will need an adapter of course, but Nintendo and a number of third parties produced USB GameCube adapters during the Wii U’s lifespan to bring wider pad support to the console for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.
This opens the door for more straightforward ports of GameCube games to a Switch Virtual Console, with the main distinction between the GameCube and Switch’s Joy-Con or Pro Controller being that the older console had analogue triggers, which a number of games will have used. At the very least, this just opens the door to using the original controller that the games played with.
It was reported at the start of this year that Nintendo were working on supporting GameCube titles via the Virtual Console, and this would be the first step on that path. In the meantime, however, it means you can do stuff like play Fire Emblem Warriors with a GameCube pad.
Source: GameXplain via Eurogamer
coxy1701
Awesome Nintendo is full of surprises.
I assume VC won’t be far off the if they are implementing support for older controllers.
I’m guessing it be a 2018 release along side the online service.
On a side note looking forward to Mario Odyssey. Have you had a chance to review the game yet?
ron_mcphatty
It certainly seems like this has given away imminent VC support. The sooner the better, whilst the Nintendo store’s lineup looks really good but it’s all so expensive, so some still-expensive-but-less-expensive classics will go a long way towards wider Switch happiness.
I’m also looking forward to a TSA review of Mario, although *review spoiler alert* I’ve already sneaked a peak at a leaked review that basically says the game is perfect. It does look incredible :)
james.warne.jw
Love it, I’ll be digging out the wiiU adapter when I get home. Is there information on the compatible games?