GameCube Fans Excited by New Nintendo Filings for Switch 2

If recent Nintendo filings are anything to go by, the gaming community is buzzing with speculation about a potential new GameCube controller designed for use with the upcoming Switch 2 and the Nintendo Switch Online service. As first highlighted by Nintendo Life, an FCC filing from Nintendo references a "game controller" that appears to align with the Switch 2, possibly indicating a Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller.

Following this discovery, Famiboards users conducted further analysis and noted that one of the images in the filing shows a label positioned in a location consistent with the back of a GameCube controller—specifically where the label appears behind the C-Stick.

Barebones image of the label location on the mystery controller.The label location overlayed on the back of a GameCube controller. Image credit: Pokemaniac / Famiboards.While it’s possible the device could simply be the rumored Switch 2 Pro Controller, many believe it may serve a more nostalgic purpose—acting as a modernized GameCube controller for use with Nintendo Switch Online's retro library. This has reignited hopes among fans that Nintendo may finally be preparing to bring GameCube classics to the Switch platform via its subscription service.

So far, Nintendo Switch Online has offered access to NES, SNES, N64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy titles, but the clamor for GameCube support has never been louder. Could the arrival of the Switch 2 mark the long-awaited return of the GameCube era? Fans can only hope.

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Earlier this January, Nintendo gave the world a brief glimpse of the Switch 2 through a short trailer confirming key features such as backwards compatibility and the inclusion of a second USB-C port. However, several details—including specifics about games and [ttpp]the function of a mysterious new Joy-Con button[/ttpp]—remain under wraps. That said, the Joy-Con mouse theory has gained considerable attention.

In other news, a recent Nintendo patent hinted at Joy-Con controllers capable of being attached upside down. Unlike the original Switch, which used locking rails for the Joy-Cons, the new model reportedly uses magnets—allowing for attachment on either side. This would enable players to customize placement of buttons, the headphone jack, and more, potentially opening up new gameplay mechanics if the feature makes it into the final release.

Top 25 Nintendo GameCube Games

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Industry analysts project the Switch 2 will likely retail for around $400, though some speculate it could reach up to $500. A June release date has also been floated as a possibility.

While many details remain unknown, Nintendo has confirmed plans to host a Direct presentation on April 2, where more information about the console—and perhaps those long-rumored GameCube additions—will be revealed.

Until then, Metroid Prime Remastered offers a satisfying taste of GameCube-era brilliance on the Nintendo Switch.