Wireless play is generally the best choice for old and new video gaming. If you love retro gaming and particularly retro Nintendo consoles, you’re probably interested in the best wireless GameCube controllers.
The Nintendo GameCube was first released more than 20 years ago. For some fans, it feels like only yesterday that Nintendo’s underrated entrant in the sixth generation of home consoles came out. While the GameCube fared poorly in direct competition with the juggernaut PlayStation 2, and didn’t quite surpass the original Xbox, it still attracted millions of dedicated fans, and saw some of the best games of the era released.
One thing many GameCube fans continue to celebrate about the system to this very day is the controller. While Nintendo itself doesn’t sell a brand new wireless controller for the GameCube, there are still some excellent choices out there. Let’s take a closer look at what’s available to you.
Given that the GameCube controller is widely considered to be one of the best controller designs of all time, you’ll want to be sure you’re buying a wireless option that will accurately recreate the experience. Let’s cover a few quick questions you should ask yourself, as you start shopping around for the best wireless GameCube controller:
With this in mind, let’s take a look at the best wireless GameCube controllers.
Price: $39.99
One of the most affordable options out there, the VTone Wireless GameCube controller is available in a 2-pack. This gives the purchase even more value, allowing you and a friend to start playing right out of the box. External parenthesis cross keys and auto/manual shooting functions make the controller a good choice for those who play a lot of arcade, sports, or fighting games. It can even come in handy for Mario Party.
Supporting both a digital and analog mode for gameplay, these controllers utilize an RF signal with a 2.4G wireless connection. The controllers promise to work as far from the console as 33ft, and all you need to get started are two AA batteries.
The VTone Wireless GameCube Controller looks and feels quite good, with comfortable buttons and an impressive overall degree of durability. It’s also compatible with the Wii.
Price: $49.95
Technically, there are two different versions of this controller from Retro Fighters. At first glance, the BattlerGC and BladeGC are exactly the same. They use the same batteries, carry the same charge, and essentially function in the exact same way. Except for one key different, which would be the placement of the analog stick. We’re focusing on the BattlerGC specifically because the placement of that analog stick is ideal for games like Super Smash Bros Melee. It’s the ideal controller choice for those who plan to primarily play GameCube games.
However, if you want to also play Game Boy games, which this controller is compatible with (it also works with the Switch and even PCs), the BladeGC might be a better choice.
Regardless of the one you ultimately choose, this is a fantastic wireless GameCube controller. The BattlerGC offers comfort, a range of up to 30 feet, and the ability to hold a charge with fresh AA batteries for up to ten hours.
Price: $20+
The MadCatz Wireless GameCube Controller is a little harder to track down than the others we’ve mentioned. This is particularly true if you want a controller that comes with the dongle (an adapter that converts WiFi signals to a USB signal). However, eBay tends to have a number of them for sale. Just make certain you’re purchasing from a reliable seller, and you’ll also want to be sure your purchase includes the dongle.
MadCatz at one time was one of the most well-known third-party manufacturers of peripherals for every console under the sun. While not as popular as they used to be, the MadCatz Wireless GameCube Controller is still an affordable option for those who just want to play wireless on their GameCube. The plastic of the controller is lightweight and reasonably comfortable, but the buttons are a little frustrating in their responsiveness at times.
Price: $99.00
While not a cheap controller option by any means, the GameCube Wavebird Wireless Controller is considered by many to be the best wireless GC controller out there. It’s at least the most nostalgic, as many GameCube fans will tell you. Many rank the GameCube Wavebird above all the rest for the simple fact that it feels the most like a traditional GameCube controller, which would make sense considering it was officially produced by Nintendo.
Play games from up to twenty feet away from your TV with two AA batteries that can last for up to 10 hours. Just bear in mind that batteries are not included with these controllers.
The Wavebird might feel just a little heavier than a GameCube controller, but a lot of GameCube fans would say that’s a good thing. The buttons and analog stick both feel comfortable and responsive. It may prove to be difficult to find one for less than a hundred dollars (check eBay), but there’s no question that this is a classic wireless GC controller for a reason. From performance to durability, the GC Wavebird Wireless Controller performs very well.
Price: $24.99
For price and availability alone, the Falcon Wireless Controller for GameCube is arguably at the top of the heap. If you really need to get an actual Wavebird controller for your GameCube, fair enough, but it’s worth mentioning that the Falcon Wireless Controller for GameCube was designed as basically a Wavebird copycat. In other words, it looks and performs almost exactly as a Wavebird might, but you aren’t going to need to spend upwards of $100 to get your hands on one.
Using an RF receiver, the Falcon Wireless for GameCube looks and feels fantastic for a third-party controller option. It can hold a charge for anywhere between 8 to 10 hours on two AA batteries. You’re also going to find that setting it up is a breeze. All you have to do is set up the receiver, put two AA batteries into the controller itself, and fire up your GameCube. These are the directions for most of the wireless controllers for GameCube still readily available.
The Falcon Wireless Controller for GameCube is an excellent choice — this is perhaps where you’re going to want to begin and end your search for the best wireless GameCube controller.
Some of the coverage you find on Cultured Vultures contains affiliate links, which provide us with small commissions based on purchases made from visiting our site.
Gabriel Ricard writes, edits, and occasionally acts. His books Love and Quarters and Bondage Night are available through Moran Press, in addition to A Ludicrous Split (Alien Buddha Press) and Clouds of Hungry Dogs (Kleft Jaw Press).
Cultured Vultures is a pop culture space established in 2013 covering all things gaming. We eat your words.
