Enhance your Nintendo gaming setup with a lightweight yet durable vinyl decal skin from Skinit. Our gaming skins are guaranteed to keep your Nintendo GameCube Controller looking slick and trendy while keeping it guarded from everyday dust and scratches. The GameCube controller is supported on Nintendo Switch consoles with system menu version 5.0.0 or higher. To use this controller with Nintendo Switch, the GameCube Controller Adapter is required and is sold separately. Controller vibration is available for the GameCube Controller on supported software only, such as Super Smash Bros. GameCube™ Controller Adapter. Buy now from your favorite online store below. Insert the controllers into the Nintendo GameCube controller sockets on the side of the Wii console. Player One is the controller socket nearest the front of the system. Review the instruction booklet for the game you are playing for the number and position of controllers required for that specific game. OEM replacement parts for the original Nintendo GameCube controller. Click here for updates concerning our COVID-19 response Account Login.

The Beginning

18 years ago, The Nintendo GameCube came as a successor to the N64. The GameCube controller still has its niche despite 18 years and the entire Wii and Wii-U era between the release of the Nintendo Switch and the GameCube, so you can use the Nintendo GameCube controller with the right hardware and switch. In this comprehensive guideline, we have tried to cover all the aspects for our game lovers who want to know everything about how to use the Nintendo GameCube controller on PC.

Nintendo Switch: Use GameCube controller

With the Nintendo GameCube controller adapter, it is now possible to use the GameCube controllers on the switch. The switch console will attach all 4 ports and the attached GameCube controllers as a standard USB controller. All you need is to connect the GameCube controller adapter to the switch dock via USB. Then you can use your Nintendo GameCube controller in dock mode for many Switch games. However, there are a few limitations which you will see later in the article.

The official GameCube controller adapter from Nintendo was produced in small numbers so many third-party vendors step-in and built their controller adapters, most of which you will find working fine on the switch.

Nintendo Gamecube Controller to Switch

As mentioned above that you can easily use the GameCube controllers via USB adapter with the switch in dock mode but by doing this you will miss some exciting features and buttons that switch pro controller has to offer. For example, few games are easy to play like “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” and “Mario Tennis Aces” and there are games that work after you have adjusted the controls in the settings menu like “Rocket League” unlike few PlayStation 4 games.

Below are some of the key features that you will not find in the GameCube controller.

• Missing Shoulder Button: The function of the L key is thus denied you with the GameCube controller as the GameCube controller has only three shoulder buttons.
• No clickable analgesic sticks: The GameCube does not have the L3 and R3 buttons which are frequently used for ducking, sprinting, or zooming in.
• No recording and home button: To switch between games or simply go to the home screen, you still need a right-Joy-Con or Pro controller.
• No select/minus button: Frequently used to access the map or other options.
• No NFC: The GameCube controller does not support NFC features.

Nintendo Gamecube Controller Adapter

Method of using GameCube controller with Nintendo switch GameCube controller

Do you prefer the feel of the GameCube controller over the Switch’s Pro Controller? No problem! You can still use any old custom GameCube controller you have with your Nintendo Switch, and the process is pretty simple.

Connecting the Gamecube Controller Adapter to Your Nintendo Switch

Keep in mind that to use, the adapter must always be plugged in. It will always pop up as a USB controller. Also, make sure that your Nintendo Switch consoles up to date with the latest firmware. There is support for GameCube style controllers in 5.0.0 and higher and higher versions of the system.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Plug your adapter into the USB port on the Nintendo Switch Dock.
2. Connect your GameCube controller to an available port on the GameCube controller adapter and turn the controller on.
3. Go to the Controller tab on the home screen, next to the settings.
4. Select Change Grip/Order, which is the first option to appear in the Controller Settings.
5. Click the left and right buttons on your GameCube controller to connect it to the Switch.
6. Once it connects, it shows up as a USB controller.

With this method, you will be able to play any Pro Controller-compatible Switch game with a GameCube controller instead. However, it is important to keep in mind that GameCube controllers do not have all of the same buttons as the Pro Controller, so it may not be optimal for certain games. The GameCube controller will work great with simpler games, such as Sonic or Mario Kart.

The Dolphin Emulator

It is a GameCube and Wii emulator that can easily work with most games. Dolphin is capable of launching many games with Wii and GameCube in 1080p with excellent performance on most new machines. However, if you have an old and a rather weak computer, then you should not worry, as you can launch the games you need, at least in the original console quality.

This emulator is open-source software, so you can easily download it to your computer from any proven source. Dolphin installation is pretty straight forward. And with the added feature of recording the games with the dolphin for the Wii console, you are certainly going to love it.

How to Use a GameCube Controller with Dolphin

A common drawback of emulation on PC is that using your controllers requires some extra footwork especially with custom GameCube controller Fortunately, using real GameCube controllers with Dolphin is not too tough, and we are more than happy to walk you through the process.

The Requirements

A Wii U GameCube Controller Adapter, whether it is Mayflash’s third-party or Nintendo’s official product, both will work perfectly fine for the mentioned method. One thing with the Mayflash is that it should be switched to Wii U mode.

• A real Nintendo GameCube controller
• A 64-bit version of Windows
• Two open USB 2.0+ ports

When Smash Brothers were launch, Wii U introduced a Wii U GameCube Controller Adapter, which was made compatible with their emulator by the dolphin team. Before you move any further, be sure that you have met the above-mentioned requirements.

Important – Using GameCube Controller on PC

Use Zadig to Replace the Driver: Download and install Zadig first. Zadig modifies the drivers for the USB devices that you are using on your system. In this case, we will be replacing Windows’ default driver for our GameCube controller adapter with one that Dolphin can read properly. What this will do is changes how your PC recognizes the adapter, and it will still work fine with the Wii U.

• Once you launch Zadig, you will see a blank screen.
• Click “Options,” then select “List All Devices.”
• Now, click the dropdown and select WUP-028.
• After you have selected WUP-028, verify that your USB ID is “057E 0337”. If it is not, you may need to restart your PC and re-connect your device in a different USB port.
• Once all is ok, make sure you have the WinUSB driver selected, then click “Replace Driver”. Now your Wii U GameCube Controller Adapter will be compatible with Dolphin!

Using the GameCube Controller in Dolphin

• Open Dolphin.
• Click Controllers.
• Under GameCube Controllers click the Port 1 dropdown.
• Select “GameCube Adapter For Wii U.”

Please note that this will communicate to the port like your original controller is plugged into the adapter.

A relatively fast way to verify that Dolphin is working fine is to click the “Configure” button presented to the right of the dropdown menu. If you get a popup that says “Adapter Detected,” you are successful. Your controller should work fine now! If you do not get this confirmation, you did not follow this guide properly. Kindly read again and see if you have missed any of the steps.

Getting the Best Performance from Dolphin

The graphic setting is very important before you try to run the game on the Dolphin emulator, you need to go into the Graphics settings and dig into them to achieve the best graphics and the ultimate speed of the games.

If you have a mid-range office computer, always choose 480p resolution for better performance. If you even have a budget gaming computer, choose 1080p resolution or even 4K.

Here are a few things that you might need to tweak before starting.

General: In this tab, you can choose your graphics accelerator, your full-screen resolution, aspect ratio, and several other equally useful options. In case of slow gameplay, try disabling Vertical Sync.

Nintendo Gamecube Controller Usb

Extended: This is where additional graphical options for the emulator can be seen. Most users use crop options and the Full Screen without Frames and on this tab.

Improvements: This allows you to add some cool effects to the original game if your computer is powerful enough.

Khaki: The options in this tab are used to improve performance in certain games. If you face any issues in the game, then you must use the options in this tab.

Once you are done with the graphic parameters you need for emulation, try to run any game and test its performance. If you do not observe a low frame rate, any graphic artifacts, or sound distortion, then you have set the optimal parameters for your gameplay.

Using GameCube Controller on PC

Playing console games with any controller available is one of the major advantages of the Dolphin emulator. If you don’t own a controller, then you have to configure the keyboard and mouse controller which will allow the Nintendo GameCube games to run smoothly, but you may face few issues in Wii games.

For your Wii controller, you can always connect it via Bluetooth. Custom GameCube controllers will require you to purchase a USB adapter.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Use Gamecube Controller on PC

Does GameCube controller adapter work on PC?

Yes, you can. And you can also use it on the Dolphin emulator with no extra drivers needed.

How do I get my GameCube controller to work on steam?

First, you need to set the Mayflash adapter to the “PC” setting. Enter Big Picture mode in steam and then go to Settings -> Controller Settings. Here you will find 4 “unregistered” controllers mentioned under “Detected Controllers”. Select the first option and set your preferred keys for gameplay.

How do I use a GameCube controller on Windows 10?

To be used with Windows, the GameCube controller adapter will require a specific driver for the error-free working of the Dolphin emulator. If you are using 5.0-2472 or newer, you need to either install Zadig or install UsbDk. If you are not sure which one to pick, use Zadig.

How do I connect my GameCube controller to my PC dolphin?

GameCube controller will require you to purchase a USB adapter. For Wii, the dolphin has built-in support for the Nintendo GameCube controller Adapter.

Important

• The GameCube controller is supported on Nintendo Switch consoles with system menu version 5.0.0 or higher.
• To use this controller with Nintendo Switch, the GameCube Controller Adapter is required and is sold separately.

Note

• Controller vibration is available for the GameCube Controller on supported software only, such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
• This controller is compatible in TV mode only as the GameCube Controller Adapter plugs into the Nintendo Switch dock.

Complete these steps

Nintendo Gamecube Controller Ebay

1. Ensure your console has the latest system update.
2. Set up the Nintendo Switch in TV mode and connect both USB plugs from the GameCube Controller Adapter to the Nintendo Switch dock.
3. Connect the GameCube Controller to an available port on the GameCube Controller Adapter.
4. Once connected, press any button on the GameCube Controller for it to register on the console.
   • While used with Nintendo Switch, the GameCube controller is recognized as a standard USB controller.