An image of mockup boxes for officially licensed GameCube controllers for Nintendo Switch has appeared online.
Mockups for officially licensed GameCube controllers (for Switch) have popped up https://t.co/T5qGhtVEdb pic.twitter.com/NwutbPuDnb
— Nibel (@Nibellion) June 4, 2018
Originating on Reddit, the pictures look real enough, with the controller updated for the latest console to include two Z buttons (effectively L1 and R1) and a central Home button. The controllers shown appear to be wired as well, so there's no sign yet of a followup to the GameCube's wireless WaveBird controller. It's worth noting that these aren't Nintendo's controllers, they appear to be produced by PowerA with official licensing by Nintendo. Whether we'll see Nintendo release their own versions in future remains to be seen.
The new versions are likely to be released in tandem with the new Super Smash Bros. game on Switch which will be shown off for the first time during an invitational tournament at this year's E3.
As huge fans of Super Smash Bros. we can't wait to see the latest game in action to get an idea of just how different it'll be to the WiiU release. The news of new controllers to be released for the Switch isn't all too surprising, though it does beg the question of whether Nintendo will ever escape the GameCube controller thanks to its connection with the Smash Bros. series.
Henry Stenhouse
Associate Editor