Nintendo Implementing Restrictions on Compatibility for Lower-Priced Switch 2 Accessories
Whew, the Switch 2 mania's here! So, folks are going ham over the new handheld from Nintendo, shelling out big bucks for the successor to the original Switch. But what about the added costs? Yep, you can kiss $70 - $80 goodbye for games, and upwards of $100 for extra controllers if you stick with Nintendo's first-party accessories.
If you manage to score a device, you might wonder about peripherals like the returning GameCube controller. Steeled on nostalgia, many were pumped, but Nintendo dropped a curveball: it'll only work with GameCube titles available through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription.
It works with other Switch 2 games, but there's a catch – the controller lacks a left bumper button and a nipple-shaped right analog stick. Yes, you heard that right. Even with these limitations, the controller will still only work on the Switch 2 and not the original Switch.
When quizzed for clarity, Nintendo told Nintendo Life, "The Nintendo GameCube controller is designed for use with the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics collection of games and is an optional way to play those games. Since it doesn't have all the buttons and features found in other controllers that can be used with the Nintendo Switch 2 system, there may be some issues when playing other games."
Initially listed at $65, the GameCube controller's price is now a mystery as it hasn't been confirmed yet. But one thing's for sure—it's cheaper than the new $85 Pro controller and $95 Joy-Con 2, both of which come with a hefty price tag for a pricey Switch 2.
There are other not-so-reassuring oddities with Switch 2 accessories. For example, Hori's Piranha Plant camera, a licensed Nintendo product, costs $60 but delivers 480p resolution—that's lower than standard definition! While it's more affordable, its low resolution might lead to less lag and negligible image quality on the Switch 2's screen.
Before you splurge on any Switch 2 accessories, remember: know exactly what you're getting. Why didn't Nintendo change the GameCube controller to function like a modern gamepad? Why is Hori skimping on camera quality? The answers remain elusive. So, tread carefully!
- Despite the excitement surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2, the return of the GameCube controller has raised questions about its compatibility and functionality.
- It's fascinating to note that the new GameCube controller, initially listed at $65, still doesn't match the price tags of the new Pro controller and Joy-Con 2.
- The tech world, including reputable sources like Gizmodo, is abuzz with discussions about the oddities in the future of technology, like the questionable resolution of Hori's Piranha Plant camera and the limitations of the GameCube controller.
- The future of data-and-cloud-computing, gadgets, and smartphones is one thing, but understanding the reasoning behind decisions like the functionality of the GameCube controller or the resolution of a licensed Nintendo product is another challenge entirely.
