Looking forward to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate? Me too. Anyone who’s ever played Smash using a GameCube controller knows that that is the controller to use. Smash 4 on Wii U re-introduced the GC controller along with a USB adapter. You can now pre-order both. The GC controller for Smash Ultimate features a new Smash logo on the face of the controller, different than the flaming fireball logo from the Wii U version. The adapter has a similar cosmetic change in that the Nintendo logo now sits where the Wii U logo was.
And see, this is one of the reasons why I admire Nintendo. They are making controllers from a 17-year-old console still usable. Because there are no doubt Smash die-hards that have a particular controller they use and love.
Just to be clear: you don’t need the GC controller to play Smash utlimate. You can also use joy-cons or the Pro controller. But if you are going to get the GC controller, you absolutely need the adapter:
- Pre-order the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate GameCube controller $29.99: Amazon | Best Buy
- Pre-order the controller adapter $19.99: Amazon | Best Buy
- I’d be remiss if I didn’t include a pre-order link for the game itself. It’s $59.99 for a physical copy but if you’re a Prime or GCU member, your checkout price is $47.99. Best Buy GCU members even get a $10 rewards certificate making it an even sweeter deal: Amazon | Best Buy
And GameStop is being stupid again and only offering a bundle that includes a physical copy of the game, a GameCube controller, and the adapter for $109.99. There’s no savings by buying this bundle as their asking price is the sum of all those individual items at MSRP. You’re better off buying them individually from Amazon and/or Best Buy so you can take advantage of a member discount.
The GameCube controller isn’t the only new controller on the block. The Poké Ball Plus controller for Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu! and Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee! is also pre-orderable. We’ve posted the bundle before, but if you wanted extra Poké Ball Pluses, this is the way to do it. It’s a bit pricey at $49.99 but you can store pokémon you caught with it and take it with you. It also comes with Mew:
The best deal has got to be getting the bundle though. The games by themselves are $59.99 so you’re saving ten bucks right off the top by getting the bundle. And if you’re a GCU member, you’ll save $20 off that bringing the game and a Poké Ball Plus controller down to just $80 for both.
- Pokémon Let’s Go, Eevee! + Controller from Best Buy
- Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! + Controller from Best Buy
