Curtis Wheat
So, like many others purchasing this, I intended to use this as my main controller for Smash. Let me just get it out of the way right now: if you're looking for a controller to use through tournaments, this isn't it. What this IS though, is a really really good alternative to using the wired Game Cube controller and/or Pro Controller. I used the pro controller, the original Game Cube controller, and this. Out of all three, this is by far my favorite. One of the main critiques I've seen people give about the controller, is that the shoulder buttons are digital, not analog. Yes, this will create a bit of a delay when shielding or dodging, but as a remedy for this, PowerA reduced the travel time for the button to actuate. This reduces the delay, while also keeping some of the travel time that the traditional controllers have. Another issue some people have mentioned, is that it runs on AA batteries rather than being charged. I personally don't mind this, as I use rechargeable AA batteries, so the controller never needs to be tethered by using a charger or costing more money by purchasing AA batteries constantly. I highly recommend getting rechargeable AA batteries! Even with it using batteries, I've used it for nearly two weeks now with constant use since we're in quarantine right now, and it's not died once. Compared to the Pro Controller which needed to be charged after around three days of use. The controller itself is a really nice weight, the build is pretty sturdy, and best of all, it supports motion controls AND has all the button functionalities of the Pro Controller (yes, I'm looking at you Nintendo, why would you leave out necessary buttons for the Switch on your updated Game Cube controllers!?) so gone is the issue of needing your joycon near you to access the home screen. It's also capable of powering on the Switch from sleep mode, a really nice touch. So in conclusion, this is a really nice controller for dedicated Smash players. I would go as far as to say it's usable in tournament, but the Analog shoulder buttons would provide a slight advantage on the original Game Cube controllers. I think anyone who enjoys being wireless, while also having a good Smash controller, NEEDS this. It's definitely worth it. Especially if you get it on sale (currently $36).
M
This is a good, functional controller for the Switch. The only thing I had to get used to was that a few button are in slightly different places than the controller I regularly use... but that's GameCube for you. Overall, I love it.
Brian
I still play my GameCube regularly and the GameCube controller has always been one of my favorite designs. This controller is the same shape and size and almost feels the same to hold. The big difference in feel is the PowerA controller is made from a matte plastic where the original is made from a glossy smooth plastic. To make this a fully compatible Switch pro controller some things needed to change. This controller has a L and R shoulder button where the Original only had a Z button on the right. The L and R are bigger than the original Z button which I feel is a nice change. Both sticks are also clickable and home, share, and minus (select) buttons were added. It also has Gyro so motion control games (like Splatoon 2 aiming) work as it should. The D-Pad is actually bigger than the Original Gamecube controller, which is great as that was one of its biggest flaws. It might eve be better than the Pro Controller D-pad. This controller isn't perfect, there is no rumble and there is no NFC. The triggers are Digital unlike the Original, and they have travel as they were analogue. That means you need to press them all the way down to activate. I wish they would have made the triggers digital and a quick click instead. This is the GameCube design so you will find many games don't have the buttons configured in a way that works well with this controller, and many games don't have the option for customizing controls. I have played tons on Mario Kart, Mario tennis and Mario Kart on the GameCube, this controller feels natural with those games on the Switch as with Smash Bros of course. One more thing some people might not like is that it takes 2 AA batteries instead of having a rechargeable battery built in. Personally I prefer this, I don't have to worry about built in batteries going bad in the future. I love the purchase, I might get another one to have different colors (I wish they had Spice Orange), and for my son to use. My only true gripe is the shoulder buttons, I wish they didn't have the large travel and were a quick click like the Switch Pro Controllers. I would have liked rumble and NFC, but I have to remember this is $30 cheaper than the Switch Pro controller and fully licensed, so I think the price is fair for what you get. One more thing, this controller will wake your Switch from sleep (I assume because it is officially licensed), many other 3rd party controllers wont. That's a huge plus in my book.
Isaiah Bautista
What can I say? It's a wireless GameCube Controller. It's a dream come true. Everything you can enjoy about a GameCube Controller, you'll find here. It reminds me of the controller I played back in 2002. It's truly satisfying to hold and use. It does have drawbacks. You will need to buy AA Batteries. Rechargable AA's aren't the end of the world, and this controller doesn't drain batteries too quickly, even when you spend hours mashing a button to skip dialogues My biggest complaint is just the placement of the start, select, home, and photo buttons. They're all in the middle, and let me tell you. You will press the wrong button so many times. Most pro controllers don't have this issue, and some games are just easier on pro controller than GameCube. Games like Legends of Arceus for instance. In terms of the material, the feel, the faithfulness to GameCube controller form factor, this controller feels just like Nintendo quality controllers. If you want a good general purpose controller, you can trust this controller, but it isn't the best. If you don't want to buy an adapter, or want a controller that connects quick and easy when you're visiting friends, this is the best GameCube style controller you can buy on this site for the money. Give it a try.
girl
I just received this today and I got lucky enough to find this for $25! I had to check twice to make sure it was the WIRELESS edition! It's perfect because it matches my switch well, and brings back my nostalgia for the gamecube! Besides aesthetics, the controller feels well made. It is a little on the lighter side, but that is a plus for me. Be aware there is no HD rumble, IR or amiibo support, so if that is important to you, especially if you are paying full price, this probably isn't the controller for you. It doesn't bother me though. It at least has motion controls which I use occasionally in games, although I haven't tested it on this controller yet. Buttons feel good to press and are very responsive and easy to use. The c-stick took some getting used to since it is smaller than the native switch joy sticks, especially since I had thumb grips on my switch lite(as you can see in the picture). Again, I got used to it really quickly despite haven't having used a gamecube controller in over 10 years. My only gripe is the minus button is in an awkward spot. I kind of either have to stretch my right thumb pretty far out to reach it or deal with my left thumb "bumping" into the left joy stick. It's nothing big though since it's not essential to gameplay, it's just a minor inconvenience I noticed. In terms of actual playability, I want to emphasize that I do not play smash bros, but I do play competitive battle royals like fortnite! I was concerned it would dampen the playability but it actually feels better than the onboard controls once I got used to its placement differences. I am also happy it came with batteries and was easy to connect. It also wakes up the switch with any button press after you have already connected it the first time, which is a nice feature. I will update this review after a few months of play, but for $25, unless this thing were to malfunction I honestly can't complain. Definetly regret not buying another one as a backup.
Petterson valera Lopez
Para jugar smash bros Nintendo switch
ian
I bought this item before for my ex and we shared it. It felt identical to the wired GameCube controller, and I truly enjoyed playing on it for hours with Pokémon. I left the first one with him and decided to get another for myself. I love the battery option since I have a ton of rechargeable batteries and can switch them out as soon as they die. The weight is nice and it easily connects to my Switch. Smash Bros. and Mario Kart are great to get into with this controller! I’ll definitely repurchase this if it’s misplaced. It was ordered 6/11 and I chose free shipping, though it arrived 6/13 whereas confirmation stated 6/16. I’m extremely pleased.
Karl
I just got the Pikachu one for my wife. She is a Pikachu fan. She absolutely loves the controller, as for me not so much. I like everything about the controller except for the batteries. To me it would have been nice if it had the built-in rechargeable battery like the other PowerA ones have, but my wife loves it because it is lighter weight with the 2 AA batteries in it. It works as it should. I gave it 5 stars because my wife is the primary user of it and loves it. Great job PowerA on this controller.
Ceasar
As someone that has used their original GameCube controller for a long while, I can say that this thing nails the feel of the classic while updating it to be compatible with future titles on the Switch. I've played a few hours on Smash Ultimate with this thing and can give the following opinions: Pros: -Pretty much everything feels solid. The buttons have little to no wiggle and the control/C sticks feel great and sturdy. The ZR/ZL triggers have more wiggle, but from memory the original GameCube controllers had the same tolerances, so this is not a big issue for me. - Some Improvements in ergonomics and convenience. The Y button is now level with the rest of the buttons with it now being slightly raised. The D-pad isn't sticky like it was on some Gamecube controllers and feels great. -Battery indicator. This should be a given and would be unforgivable if it wasn't built in, but regardless i'm glad it's here. This brings me to... - Batteries. Now hear me out! Due to this requiring batteries, you'll need to swap them out when juice gets low. In my opinion, this is a benefit if you plan on using this for years to come. Rechargeable usb controllers will need to be taken apart and you will need to source the OEM battery after the old one starts degrading. With this setup, you can count on your controller to last as long as you have good rechargeable batteries. Panasonic Eneloop batteries are recommended as the best, so I went with these. They are ~$18 dollars right now on amazon. CONS: -No NFC, Rumble, or IR. The last two aren't really deal breakers for most smash bros or video game players, but if you are invested in the features of amiibo, this isn't the controller for you. I'm the type of person that doesn't even take the figurines out of their boxes, so none of these exclusions matter much to me. - Long term reliability. Although these are officially licensed by Nintendo, PowerA is the manufacturer of these controllers and many other licensed Switch accessories. We won't know how reliable these are until many years down the line when we start to break them in. I will make sure to update this review if anything changes. In conclusion, if you are a fan of the GameCube controller like I am, you should consider picking this up! The nostalgia hit me hard when I took it out of the box and that says something about this device.
karlo pitpiza
They aren’t as sturdy as a pro controller, nor do they feature vibrations. Despite that it’s still a good buy if you’re looking for a wireless gamecube controller, I especially like the fact that it has more than just a central pause button like an authentic wired gamecube controller you’d use with an adapter. My only “complaints” I already knew about going in so I wasn’t really disappointed. It uses batteries and isn’t rechargeable, and is a little light. But on the plus side you have home and capture buttons, a sync button, is completely wireless, and has those nice joystick notches that gamecube controllers have, also having bumpers on both sides is nice. Feel of a gamecube controller with modern functionality (minus using batteries lol).