RetroFlag Gamecube Nintendo Switch Controller Review
Pros
- Comfortable
- Nostalgic
- Great Build Quality
Cons
- Thin Middle Section
- No Octagon Shaped Stick
- USA & Canadian Availability Only
If you’re like me, you will have been placing far too many hours into Pokemon Scarlet & Violet since launch, and despite the fact that I play on my Nintendo Switch a good bit, I nonetheless use the usual joy-cons… i do know don’t decide me.
I typically get the prospect to assessment controllers, nevertheless it’s not one thing I feel matches the location (but) as a result of it’s probably not retro gaming associated, however one controller that acquired dropped off on the workplace just lately was this, the RetroFlag Gamecube Nintendo Switch Controller.
RetroFlag’s new Nintendo Switch controller that I simply should share with you, as a result of not solely is it one of many finest Nintendo Switch Controllers on the market, it’s additionally retro gaming themed!
RetroFlag are well-known for creating Raspberry Pi associated handhelds, with their current GPi Case 2W being formally launched, however they should have seen the spectacular customized Gamecube joy-cons by Shanks go viral on YouTube a few years in the past and determined to develop one thing for the lots.
And fortunately it’s now a actuality, though I ought to point out on the time of constructing this video, it’s solely obtainable within the US and Canada, which is a little bit of a disgrace!
Straight out of the field it’s a really mild controller coming in at round 270g. Instead of it being two separate controllers, it makes use of a slide in panel to assist dock your Nintendo Switch into.
Because it matches each the Original Switch and the OLED model I did discover it a bit awkward to line up, and at one time, i truly mis-aligned the Switch over the plastic bits on the perimeters and heard a crack… which isn’t good.
It’s seemingly simply me being an fool, however there may be so much of wiggle room for my Switch so I do advise putting in it fastidiously, particularly when lining up the USB-C slot on the backside too.
Once it’s slotted in you will get an actual sense of the way it appears to be like, and I need to say, it’s gorgeous.
The clear shell, together with the Gamecube button structure simply screams nostalgia, and I don’t assume I can ever return to the conventional joy-cons, that is now my new Switch setup.
Although on RetroFlag’s web site and advertising materials they will’t use the phrase “Gamecube” it’s apparent that is attempting to be as near it as doable, and I actually assume they’ve executed a fantastic job.
Now we simply want a extra of the finest Gamecube video games ported over!
It’s extremely snug within the hand, and after an extended gaming session I had no aches or pains, it simply feels so pure to carry.
The D-PAD used is thick, has a bit little bit of motion and gives a pleasant gentle clicky suggestions making it nice for these of you that wish to play the finest combating video games.
Above that’s the signature thumb persist with the memorable circles and since these analogue sticks are corridor joysticks they use magnets as a substitute of bodily buttons making it way more dependable, and also you’ll be glad to know they don’t drift!
I do know, try to be placing this in your basket already!
On the proper facet you’ll bit hit with much more Gamecube nostalgia, as they’ve determined to maintain the color combo, alongside a smaller C analogue stick, that once more makes use of corridor joystick expertise and may be pressed down for L3 performance.
Some of you perhaps disillusioned that it doesn’t function octagon form, and so are we nevertheless it’s seemingly this may have triggered authorized points and t’s in all probability a drawback when enjoying video games, so RetroFlag determined to not use it.
Above that you’ve some good clicky buttons that once more makes use of the signature color combo. They have a pleasant quantity of journey with them, don’t stick and are a lot greater than a standard joy-con making it that little bit extra snug to play on.
Then on high you will have your gray stacked shoulder buttons which can be once more, nice to play on. The ZL and ZR buttons are barely flared including to the spectacular comfortability of this controller.
RetroFlag added journey to them in an try and make it really feel like the unique Gamecube controller, it’s not equivalent nevertheless it’s adequate in my eyes.
On the again you get a way of how the grips feel and look, they’re extremely thick, nicely rounded and permit for excellent management of the system when travelling. I’ll say it once more, i can’t recover from how snug this factor is to carry.
Then under the USB-C dock you will have a USB-C port that has PD Fast Charger Compatibility, one other nice function that RetroFlag have added.
To set it u all it’s a must to do is slot in your change, head to controller settings and activate “Pro Controller Wired Communication”, it will then pair the controller and you’ll start enjoying.
You’ll discover a vibration from the controller, because it has vibration and movement controls inbuilt, that means you’re not lacking out on any of the unique joy-con controllers featuers, it’s a a lot wanted improve in your Switch.
The construct high quality is gret too, all the pieces from the buttons to the small plastic USB-C slot feels sturdy, nevertheless, I do assume if a toddler stood on it, or it was awkward hit in a backpack, it may doubtlessly snap it down the center, solely as a result of the plastic again panel may be very skinny, so skinny the truth is that i may fairly simply snap it little pressure with out the change put in.
Just take that into consideration when you plan on shopping for this for a kid, or somebody who likes to rage give up.
That’s all I’ve to say about this controller actually, RetroFlag have created an superior product to pays respects to top-of-the-line console controllers of all time, they usually have constructed it with nostalgia and high quality at its forefront.
I will likely be utilizing this controller for a lot of months and I simply hope they will get this to their abroad prospects over the approaching months, as a result of protecting it st a US and Canadian unique is a low blow.
But that mentioned, that is now my new favorite Nintendo Switch controller. I find it irresistible.
A 29 yr previous fella that’s had a Gameboy habit ever since he was a toddler. Brandon is the founding father of RetroDodo and created a YouTube channel with 240,000 subscribers devoted to retro gaming merchandise. He now needs to create the No.1 web site to showcase the most recent retro merchandise from across the globe.
