PowerA GameCube Style Wired Controller for Nintendo Switch - Black

Item reviewed: PowerA Wired Controller for Nintendo Switch: GameCube Style - Black Date reviewed: May 17, 2024 I got this to use with my PC. I am running the Dolphin emulator and playing Zelda - The Wind Waker. I was using a generic controller initially, but it just doesn't play the same. This controller is perfect. It connected immediately and I was able to map all the buttons in the Dolphin software for this controller. Now I have a perfect working controller to play my game with an I'm very happy. I have the USB version, corded.

Great product even better seller 😌

*EDIT 1 BELOW: Sunday, December 9, 2018* *EDIT 2 BELOW: Tuesday, December 11, 2018* *FINAL EDIT BELOW: Thursday, December 13, 2018* *ADDITIONAL EDIT BELOW: Sunday, December 16, 2018* I pre-ordered two of these for myself and my partner before they were even released as an alternative to the official Nintendo Gamecube controllers. A Gamecube style controller with the same amount of buttons as a JoyCon or Pro Controller sounded like a great choice for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. But then on December 7th (Smash Ultimate's released date) when they were scheduled to come in, not only did they BOTH get delayed after I ordered 1-Day Shipping, one of the controllers had a left Thumbstick that drifts to the right without any input. The controller body around the +/-, Capture, and Home button on both controllers have scratches that cannot be wiped off. The controllers themselves feel more cheap than the official ones, with the plastic around the seams sticking out and feeling noticeably scratchy. The digital triggers got tiring after a while of having to pull them in all the way every time. The original controller has analog inputs, but it would sense the trigger pull just about half way in. These do not. It isn't all bad, though. The buttons, thumbsticks, and triggers all feel "okay." The ZL/ZR buttons (triggers) are made of a glossy plastic (unlike the matte finish of the official controllers), so they can get slick with the oil from your hands after a while. The detachable cable is solid and thick, so there is no worry of it breaking at all. The controller itself is light, mainly because of the lack of rumble and motion control. The extra Switch buttons (Home, Capture, etc.) all work as they are supposed to. The controller connects instantly without any problem, however it will not wake up the system from sleep. They are just as comfortable to hold as the original controllers. The controllers both function without any issue aside from the drifting thumbstick. My review will remain at 3 stars until I can either get a refund for my 1-Day Shipping fee or I can get a replacement for my controller with the drifting thumbstick. I have already sent an email to claim the warranty on the PowerA website, so until I receive a reply and resolution, my review stands. Overall: it would have been a great purchase if it weren't for these flaws. I hope at least some of my issues will get resolved. I will return to edit this review if anything comes up. *EDIT 1: Sunday, Dec. 9*: I was successful in receiving a refund for my One-Day Shipping fee, thanks to a helpful Amazon associate (thank you again, RAM). I have just sent out my defective controller for a free exchange and I will edit my review again once it comes in around December 21st. So far, it has gone up to 4 stars now. *EDIT 2: Tuesday, Dec. 11*: The shipping time for the replacement controller was just updated to Thursday, December 13, which is a huge relief. PowerA has yet to reply to my email at all, but at this point I don't have much hope for it. Again, I will finalize this review once the controller comes in on Thursday and I can have some play time with it. *FINAL EDIT: Thursday, Dec. 13*: I can happily say that the new replacement controller does not have a drifting thumbstick issue. It works and plays without any issue, however, there are visible scratches on the casing as I've said before. Why this is on a new controller, I don't know. On the other hand, PowerA has yet to reply to my email. So if there is anything to take away from this: Amazon customer service is wonderful. *ADDITIONAL EDIT: Sunday, Dec. 16*: As some people may know, the Nintendo Switch does not have analog triggers; it uses digital triggers. Since these controllers were made with that in mind, they do not have any sort of analog input. What this means is that in order to have the triggers actually receive an input, you would need to pull the trigger all the way in until it clicks. Gamecube controllers were known for their long trigger pulls, so this would get tiring fairly fast (especially for using shields in Smash Bros). The only option I had was to open it up (with a Philips head screwdriver) and place some sort of buffer between the trigger piece and the actual rubber dome that made contact with the input switch. While this was not too much of an issue to do (I used a cut up replacement eraser for a mechanical pencil as a buffer), it is still something that I need to let you know. Final Verdict: They are solid controllers that feel just like a classic Gamecube controller with a few differences. When there aren't any issues, they are wonderful to use. However, if I had to give a suggestion for a controller, I would steer you towards buying a Switch Pro Controller if it fits in your budget. Trust me. And if you wanted a Gamecube-style controller, then this will suit you just fine... given that you don't run into any issues with drifting thumbsticks or unresponsive customer support.

Indeed, this controller brought back amazing memories as soon as I held it in my hands. The button layout is ideal for modern gaming design yet it is a precise replica of the original GameCube controllers, A.K.A, the beloved past. It is designed for Nintendo Switch and is perfectly compatible with all the modern games; this is partially true because of it's ideal design. Obviously, the Nintendo 64 Replica controller that is modernized for the Switch as a counter-example; would put you at a significant disadvantage in a lot of modern games due to the controller grip, shape, style, button layout, and general lack of modern and ideal structure. This controller might not be the absolute easiest to use in the new Switch library, it might lack a competitive edge in certain situations according to the limitations of the particular game design and events therein. On a more personal note, this controller brought me a ton of joy and nostalgia to be able to play with and use on my Nintendo Switch. This offers a refreshing way to experience new interactive media through the retro handheld control form. Thank you so much for selling me this wonderful technology. I appreciate the time you took to read my review.

My 16-year-old son loves this controller! He says it is great for Smash Bros. Ultimate game. The only complaint he has is he wished the cord was longer. I wouldn't say it is short, but our couch is across the room and it doesn't reach. If your kid uses a gaming chair or just sits on the floor, the 10 ft cord is more than adequate. He says the controller works well with other games as well and functions well--none of the controls are stiff or hard to use. I would recommend.

Edit 1: the first controller I received was defective and did not connect to my Switch. I returned the first and received a second, which works as expected. Edit 2: This is my new favorite controller. I play semi-competitive Smash, so I needed a high performance controller. This controller is less bulky and has smaller joysticks (making for faster inputs) than a Pro controller. However, after about a week of use, it seems like this controller has a bit more snapback than a Pro controller, which is already notorious for snapback. Snapback is when a joystick is released and it swings back in the opposite direction, inputting an errant input in the complete opposite direction. Other than that, I love this controller for its simplicity, gated analog joystick channels, and its cherished, nostalgic feel. Edit 3: after about a year of occasional use, the A button has started sticking down. I treat the controller well - the only thing that could contaminate the button housing is dust. I cleaned the controller with isopropanol, but it did not improve. The sticking button is my only substantial complaint, but it does make the controller unusable.

I love the tactile feel of the buttons, great controller for super smash brothers, please make a wireless version

Serves the purpose , one faulty connector cable so one star less

I have ordered a few GC controllers from amazon and this one is until now the best in terms of quality and I have been using it for a month now and its really good.

Super good for smash bros but the only thing is that when I plug in the the controller it sometimes does not connect but overall I think it is a good product.

Está muy cómodo para jugar a súper smash bros últimate todos los botones (incluyendo la cruceta) se sienten súper bien, lo mejor de todo es de que no solamente sirve para smash si lo quieres jugar para otro tipo de juego lo puedes jugar tranquilamente por qué tiene todo los botones de la nintendo switch y para finalizar con la seresa del pastel tiene botones para menú, el problema que yo le veo al control de Gamecube original es que no tienes acceso para menú u otras opciones y este si por lo que te lo facilita se lo recomiendo mucho a la gente que no solo busca smash 👍

Something or the other gets spoilt, this is my third one