GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.
Nintendo’s official GameCube controller for Nintendo Switch 2 is a stellar recreation of the unique gamepad that has thrived for two decades, largely because of the Super Smash Bros. community. Though Nintendo’s new wireless controller is great for Switch Online GameCube games, its dedication to authenticity makes it less ideal for modern games. If you’re interested in a GameCube-style controller with modern flourishes and customization features that make it as usable for Tears of the Kingdom as The Wind Waker, check out the the new NYXI Warrior Lite, a $50 wireless controller with pro-style features.
NYXI Warrior Lite Wireless Controller for Switch 2
$50
Key Features
- Bluetooth Wireless: Switch 2, Switch, PC, Mobile
- Hall Effect sticks and triggers
- Modern trigger and bumper design
- Adjustable trigger locks
- Two remappable back buttons
- Swappable back button module
- Swappable sticks and gates
- Microswitch face buttons
- 8-way microswitch D-pad
- 6-axis gyroscope for motion controls
- Adjustable dual-rumble motors
- Up to 5 hours of battery life
The Warrior Lite replicates the general shape, layout, and color scheme of the original GameCube controller. It’s a bit chunkier and wider than the real thing, so it doesn’t have the same exact form factor, but it adds several compelling features that make it a versatile option for GameCube games on Switch Online as well as modern Nintendo games.
Beyond offering conventional bumpers and triggers, the Warrior Lite has two remappable back buttons. The right and left back buttons have a one-piece panel design that can be removed and switched with an alternate panel inside the box. The main difference between the two styles of back buttons is that one of them is textured and slightly raised for increased tactile feedback.
The Warrior Lite is equipped with anti-drift Hall Effect sticks. The right stick mimics the GameCube’s yellow C-stick, but you can swap it out for a yellow stick with a more conventional, larger grip. Similarly, you can switch between octagonal stick gates inspired by the GameCube controller and regular stick gates with a circular range of motion.
Face buttons, the 8-way D-pad, and shoulder bumpers are actuated by microswitches, giving them a mouse-click feel. Like the sticks, the triggers are activated with Hall Effect sensors, and can be set at two different stopping points with the locking switches on the back. Other core features include built-in, adjustable rumble and 6-axis motion controls.
The main downside is battery life, as the Lite version has a smaller battery that only runs for up to five hours on a full charge. Like many Bluetooth controllers for Switch 2 and Switch, you can use the Warrior Lite on PC, mobile, Steam Deck, and other devices.
NYXI Warrior Wireless Controller for Switch 2
$69 | Adds support for original GameCube hardware
Key Features:
- Bluetooth Wireless: Switch 2, Switch, PC, Mobile
- 2.4GHz Wireless: GameCube, Wii, PC
- Connects wirelessly via Bluetooth
- Hall Effect sticks and triggers
- Modern trigger and bumper design
- Adjustable trigger locks
- Two remappable back buttons
- Swappable back button module
- Swappable sticks and gates
- Microswitch face buttons
- 8-way microswitch D-pad
- 6-axis gyroscope for motion controls
- Adjustable dual-rumble motors
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
NYXI released the original Warrior controller last year. The Warrior has the added benefit of working as a wireless controller on actual GameCube and Wii hardware. The included 2.4GHz receiver plugs into the GameCube’s controller port and can also be used on PC with the included USB adapter. The Warrior also has a larger battery that can run for up to 10 hours between charges, which is a nice perk.
The Warrior comes in three different colors–purple, orange, and black–though only purple is still in stock at Amazon.
Gallery
GameCube-style Controllers for Switch 2 & Switch
- PowerA GameCube Style Wireless Controller (Toad) — $39 (
$60) - Hori GameCube Style Wireless Controller (Zelda) — $48
- Official Nintendo GameCube Controller (Switch 2) — $65
- NYXI Warrior Lite — $50
- NYXI Warrior — $69
- NYXI Wizard 2 — $80 (
$90)
From a customization perspective, the Warrior lineup is the most impressive GameCube-style controller we’ve tried, but there are other GameCube controllers for Switch 2 that offer a more authentic experience. As mentioned, Nintendo’s new wireless GameCube controller for Switch 2 is as close to the original as you’ll find. It feels almost exactly like the original, just without the cable and with a few extra small buttons on the top: C button for GameChat, home/menu buttons, and a small ZL button to make up for the fact the GameCube controller only had one shoulder button. But while this is best option for GameCube games on Switch Online, the aforementioned tiny ZL button makes it less than ideal for modern games.
Officially licensed GameCube-style controllers from PowerA and Hori add Nintendo-inspired designs and have modernized shoulder and trigger layouts. The form factor of these controllers is closer to the original GameCube controller, as they have slimmer profiles compared to the NYXI Warrior.
NYXI is also soon releasing an updated version of its Wizard controller with TMR electromagnetic sticks. The Wizard replaces the Joy-Con controllers on the original Switch and Switch OLED in handheld mode, but the left and right sides can connect together as a wireless controller in docked mode. It’s important to note, however, that the Wizard 2 will only work in handheld mode on original Switch consoles. It’s not available on Amazon yet, but you can preorder the upcoming controller for $80 directly from NYXI. The original Wizard controller is no longer available to purchase.
Looking for a conventional Switch 2 controller? Check out our roundup of 8BitDo Switch 2 controllers. And if you’ll frequently be playing in handheld mode, consider the GameSir G8 Plus Galileo, which is a compelling alternative to the Joy-Con 2 Controllers that also offers support for mobile devices. NYXI also makes a conventional wireless controller with customization features, which you can check out below.
NYXI Master P1 Wireless Controller
$40 (was $50)
Key features
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections
- Supports PC, Switch 2, iOS, Android
- Hall Effect sticks
- Adjustable trigger locks
- Two remappable back buttons
- Rated for up to 3 million clicks
- Mute and volume controls
- Adjustable RGB lights
The Master P1 is currently on sale for just $40 (was $50). Compatible with Switch 2, PC, and mobile, it’s equipped with Hall Effect sticks for added durability and drift resistance, two back buttons, trigger locks, and built-in mute and volume controls. It looks pretty slick too, with adjustable RGB lights and an all-black design. Check it out if you need an affordable controller that works across both Switch 2 and PC.
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
