The design of the GameCube controller fits Super Smash Bros. like a glove, and Nintendo knows that many fans won’t play Smash any other way. The Switch doesn’t have any GameCube controller ports, so Nintendo released a GameCube controller-to-USB adapter that plugs into the side of the Switch dock. The official Nintendo model is a bit hard to come by, but there are plenty of third-party options that get the job done. Despite being an all-time classic and fitting the game perfectly, the original GameCube controller isn’t without its flaws. First of all, the GameCube pad lacks a few buttons that can be found on modern Switch controllers, most notably the home button and share button. This can make it a little bit cumbersome to take screenshots or back out of the game when using the GameCube controller, but this is only a minor annoyance. Playing with the GameCube controller undocked is also difficult, as you’ll need an additional wireless adapter or a USB-C adapter to plug your GameCube port hub into. But, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever need to use a GameCube controller in handheld mode. However, if you’re willing to jump through these hoops, the GameCube controller is hands-down the best controller for Smash. A feature unique to the PDP Wired Fight Pad Pro is its swappable C-stick. Each controller comes with a standard, yellow GameCube C-stick and a duplicate of the gray control stick, which easily snap on and off of the right analog stick slot on the controller. If you want a more traditional GameCube experience, you can go with the yellow nub, or you can snap the gray stick on if you need something a bit larger. Nintendo fans will likely gravitate towards the Fight Pad Pro thanks to its many character-themed color varieties. You can get a controller inspired by Mario, Link, Sonic, and Pikachu, just to name a few. The color of the controller and the logo on the front reflect your character of choice, making the Fight Pad Pro the most expressive controller for Smash Bros. The themed controllers are a fun way to express your love for Smash and Nintendo, even if the controller itself doesn’t feel as great as the GameCube pad it’s trying to replicate. The face buttons are a bit too clicky, the stick tension is a bit too low, and the shoulder buttons don’t give the best feedback. But, if price point and customization are important to you, the PDP Wired Fight Pad Pro is the best way to go. The Switch Pro Controller is extremely comfortable, and button-mashers should appreciate the large face buttons that make it difficult to mess up your move inputs. From a quality of life perspective, the Switch Pro’s long battery life is a huge plus, and the wireless connection will please gamers playing on their Switch Lites. For Smash players who also enjoy other games on Switch, motion controls can enhance the experience across a variety of other Switch titles. Finally, amiibo support rounds out the suite of features, which is crucial for putting all those adorable Nintendo figures to use. If you’re into Pokemon, you’ll love the color options that showcase characters like Pikachu, Umbreon, and Espeon. If Pokemon isn’t your thing, you’ll have to settle for a more basic color scheme. The wireless nature of this PowerA controller is its most appealing quality, and the layout perfectly captures the essence of the classic GameCube layout without sacrificing modern conveniences like motion controls and a full set of buttons. This wired controller comes with a detachable 10 foot USB cable for easy storage and travel when not in use. While this is definitely one of the cheaper options out there, you may not want to rely on it as your primary Smash controller. But, if you need a couple extra controllers for Smash Bros. nights with your buddies, this is a great budget option to consider.
