The BattlerGC Pro is one of the best retro gaming controllers Ive ever tested

Date:
Tue, 11 Nov 2025 22:00:00 +0000

Description:
The BattlerGC Pro is an excellent alternative to the Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller.

FULL STORY ======================================================================BattlerG C Pro: one-minute review

Ive spent this past week being seriously impressed with the BattlerGC Pro.

To me, its everything a modern take on the iconic GameCube controller should be, making it one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories to date. Compatible with Switch and Switch 2 as well as PC, its real ace in the hole
is the included wireless GameCube adapter, which works brilliantly with Nintendos sixth-generation purple wonder as well as its successor, the Wii.

While the Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller is a great recreation, its very much a case of what you see is what you get. The BattlerGC Pro takes
that template and fully modernizes it, bringing Hall effect sticks,
remappable rear buttons, and multiplatform compatibility to the table. Its d-pad and clicky triggers, especially, are a monumental improvement over Nintendos official controller.

The BattlerGC Pro is probably not going to be your go-to for many of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games , given its adoption of the GameCube controllers unorthodox face button layout. But its a dream to use with Nintendo Switch Onlines growing GameCube library. And of course, compatibility with original hardware and PC means its excellent if you still have a GameCube or Wii game collection, or you enjoy your games enhanced via emulation.

There are some slight issues to make note of here. Battery life isnt particularly impressive, and the Home button is smack in the center of the pad, meaning you really have to reach your thumbs over to press it. But these are very tiny blemishes on what is otherwise a very accomplished retro-facing controller.

In short, dont feel like you have to shell out for a second-hand WaveBird to enjoy wireless play on GameCube or Wii. The BattlerGC Pro is much more cost-effective and, ultimately, a much better controller overall. (Image credit: Future) BattlerGC Pro review: price and availability List price: $69.95 / 59.99 / AU$99.95 Available to buy now from Retro Fighters or
regional retailers Slightly pricier than the official Switch 2 GameCube controller ($64.99 / 58.99 / AU$89.95)

You can pick up the BattlerGC Pro controller today for the retail price of $69.95 / 59.99 / AU$99.95. Its available in various colors from manufacturer Retro Fighters website (Black, Purple, and a translucent Glacier color, too), or regional big box retailers.

The BattlerGC Pro actually comes in slightly more expensive than the official Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller, which retails at $64.99 / 58.99 / AU$89.95. That said, I think the features offered by the BattlerGC Pro - not to mention its multiplatform compatibility - certainly make it well worth the extra asking price. BattlerGC Pro review: Specs

Price

$69.95 / 59.99 / AU$99.95

Weight

7oz / 198g

Dimensions

6 x 3 x 2.8in / 152 x 76 x 71mm

Compatibility

Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, GameCube, Wii, Wii U (requires Wii U GameCube adapter)

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, GameCube adapter), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

Around 10 hours (Image credit: Future) BattlerGC Pro review: design and features

Like the OG Xboxs Duchess to the Duke controller, the BattlerGC Pro looks and feels like an intelligent revision of the Nintendo GameCube controller. Or more accurately - given the feature set - the wireless WaveBird variant.

Years and years of third-party controller features and refinements have clearly informed the design of the BattlerGC Pro.

First of all, the BattlerGC Pro does address some of the original GameCube controllers shortcomings. There are two shoulder buttons here as opposed to just the one, and the triggers have been completely redesigned. As has the d-pad, which is slightly bigger and offers a more satisfying press. The thumbsticks can also click inwards now, offering L3 and R3 button inputs. But for the most part, that GameCube layout remains unchanged.

The rear of the BattlerGC Pro houses two remappable buttons, as well as a switch for swapping between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connectivity options. Youll also find a small program button back here, which can be held in conjunction with other buttons to assign those remappables to your liking.

Im a huge fan of the GameCubes aesthetic, and its been successfully
replicated and modernized with the BattlerGC Pro. The color scheme is on point, from the purple casing to the green, red, and yellow of the A and B buttons and C-stick, respectively. New additions are made tastefully, and are discreet enough (like those remappable buttons) that they dont intrude on
that classic GameCube look. (Image credit: Future) BattlerGC Pro review: Performance

One look at that GameCube-style button layout should be enough to tell you that the BattlerGC Pro is not designed with modern games in mind. I confirmed as much by jumping into Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition , and had to actively look at the controller to reorient myself.

But realistically, youre not buying the BattlerGC to enjoy the latest
releases on Switch 2 or PC with. Its specifically designed for use with GameCube titles, or other games that arent hampered by a reliance on that unorthodox button layout. On this front, the BattlerGC Pro really delivers.

I sampled games across systems that the BattlerGC Pro is compatible with. Starting with Luigis Mansion and F-Zero GX on Nintendo Switch Online, then moving onto original GameCube hardware with killer7, Tales of Symphonia, and Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 & 2, using that wireless GameCube adapter, which slots into the consoles controller ports. The pairing process was blissfully simple, too; I just had to hold in the Home button, and the
adapter recognized the controller in seconds.

The experience felt incredible across both platforms and certainly helps to breathe new life into the GameCube library. Even over a wireless connection, input latency was impressively untraceable. Theres just something so nice about revisiting an older platform with a wireless connectivity solution.

The biggest disappointment, though, is definitely with the BattlerGC Pros battery life. 10 hours is far from awful, but do expect to be topping it up a lot more often than Nintendos own Switch 2 GameCube controller, as well as
the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller . (Image credit: Future) Should I buy
the BattlerGC Pro? Buy it if...

You own original GameCube or Wii hardware
The BattlerGC Pro presents a fantastic excuse to dust off your GameCube or
Wii console and get stuck in with some classic games. Especially with its wireless connectivity options.

You want a multiplatform-capable retro-friendly controller
Compatible with both Switch consoles and PC, as well as Wii and GameCube, the BattlerGC Pro is great for arcade-style titles on more modern platforms, as well as the classics. Don't buy it if...

You hate the GameCube controller layout
The GameCube controllers weird button layout certainly isnt for everyone. And youre going to be stuck with it here.

You were hoping for more battery life
At just 10 hours, the BattlerGC Pro does falter somewhat on battery life. Consider the official Switch 2 GameCube controller or the Switch 2 Pro Controller if you want to charge your pad up less often. BattlerGC Pro
review: Also consider

If the BattlerGC Pro isnt impressing you, here are a couple of strong Switch 2-facing alternatives for you to consider as well.

BattlerGC Pro

Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

Price

$69.95 / 59.99 / AU$99.95

$64.99 / 58.99 / AU$89.95

$84.99 / 74.99 / AU$119.95

Weight

7oz / 198g

7.4oz / 210g

8.3oz / 235g

Dimensions

6 x 3 x 2.8in / 152 x 76 x 71mm

5.5 x 3.9 x 2.6in / 140 x 100 x 65mm

5.8 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 148 x 105 x 60mm

Compatibility

Switch, Switch 2, PC, GameCube, Wii, Wii U (requires Wii U GameCube adapter)

Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo Switch 2

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, GameCube adapter), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (Switch 2 native)

Wireless (Bluetooth), Wired (USB Type-C)

Battery life

Around 10 hours

Around 25-30 hours

Around 40 hours

Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Controller
Specifically designed for use with Nintendo Switch Onlines GameCube game library, the Switch 2 GameCube controller is a warts-and-all re-release of
the original. It adds gyro aiming and a GameChat button for online play, but expect a very similar-feeling pad overall. Great battery life, too.

Read our full Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Controller review

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
Easily the best controller for Switch 2. It offers impressively smooth thumbsticks, rock-solid build quality, and class-leading battery life of around 40 hours. Its pricey, but worth every penny and a massive upgrade over the Joy-Con 2 controllers.

Read our full Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review How I tested the BattlerGC Pro Tested for one week Used across Switch 2, PC, and original GameCube hardware Compared to the official Switch 2 GameCube controller and Switch 2 Pro Controller

I tested the BattlerGC Pro for this review over the course of a week. While I primarily used it to play games on Nintendo Switch 2 - including Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer , and Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S - I also had the chance to try it out with original GameCube hardware.

This is an edge the BattlerGC Pro has over the likes of the Switch 2 GameCube Controller and Switch 2 Pro Controller - its multiplatform capabilities. I
can highly recommend it to those who own an original GameCube or Wii console, thanks to its wireless connectivity solution.

First reviewed November 2025

Read more about how we test



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/gaming/nintendo/battlergc-pro-review


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