FINALLY The GameCube Has A GOOD Wireless Controller Thats Not The WAVEBIRD!

Retro Fighters NEW Wireless Nintendo GameCube Controllers just released, the BattlerGC & BladeGC. Teardown and first impressions.
Available here: retrofighters.com/
Become a Madlittlepixel member, it helps out a lot. Thanks!: bit.ly/3m1H8R0
Buy Genesis Mini 2: amzn.to/3Ruenvw
Recommended Amazon Products: amzn.to/2yUs8MX
Follow me on Twitter bit.ly/33uce9Y
Shop Play-Asia: bit.ly/2m4xq5c
Shop Castle Mania Games: bit.ly/2MsQuFG
Shop Stone Age Gamer: bit.ly/33dGaY6
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases from links posted in my description & comments section. Other links posted may also be affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchases made.
All other links should be treated as affiliate links as some may result in my earning a small commission as well. Thanks a ton!
These are the items I use to record my videos! (UPDATED)
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
VIDEO:
Sony ZV-1: amzn.to/3ryk3Gy
Elgato HD Pro Capture Card: amzn.to/2CI9eLz
Logitech Brio Webcam: amzn.to/2PDydc1
AUDIO:
Mic - Shure SM7B: amzn.to/2FCWre9
Pre-Amp/Processor: amzn.to/2HM4SXL
USB Audio Interface: amzn.to/2FEuse6
Rode Wireless Go: amzn.to/3b0d3Nk
MISC EQUIPMENT:
Stream Deck: amzn.to/2Ueyd2X
Studio Mic Arm: amzn.to/2HI2em1
Tabletop Mic Stand: amzn.to/3hJaJ0R
GEEKOTO 77'' Tripod: amzn.to/3etnyuo
Gamdias Headset: amzn.to/2FAk1bm
Lighting: amzn.to/2UfWpnT
#GameCube #RetroFighters #Retro #Emulation #RetroGaming #Madlittlepixel #GamingNews #VideoGames #Rant #GamingReview

[@Madlittlepixel]

Available here: retrofighters.com/ Become a Madlittlepixel member, it helps out a lot. Thanks!: bit.ly/3m1H8R0 Buy Genesis Mini 2: amzn.to/3Ruenvw Recommended Amazon Products: amzn.to/2yUs8MX Follow me on Twitter bit.ly/33uce9Y Shop Play-Asia: bit.ly/2m4xq5c Shop Castle Mania Games: bit.ly/2MsQuFG Shop Stone Age Gamer: bit.ly/33dGaY6

[@ultimatewin-draw-lossrecor8865]

i remmeber i bought a cheap wireless GC pad from aliexpress or ebay,about $30aud i think,didnt like it so i got a real wavebird instead,its good to see other makers try to do more attrempts at it,sad to hear about the light rumble in the video though,cheers,thanks for being a great youtuber

[@poopikins]

Are they outside of the States? Shipping is like $18 😱

[@fivejedis]

I'm glad this controller exists. As you mentioned Wavebirds are getting both harder to find in good working condition and with the receiver and also getting ridiculously overpriced so I feel like there will defintely be a market for this for people who want to play Gamecube with a wireless controller but don't want to shell out the money for a Wavebird. Though I do hope they make a Silver one. They made Black, Orange, and Purple all that's missing is that Silver one and it'll be a perfect match with the colors Nintendo chose for their OEM controllers.

[@SuperFlashDriver]

To be honest, I still play gamecube with a wired included.

[@spooky4892]

I found one at my grandmas and I don’t have a gc so it’s just sitting in a box

[@Septer_Sever]

I'd like to see you test Super Monkey Ball to see the difference between original GC controller and the Battler. That's the best game for testing analog accuracy. Either way, I want one.

[@teneesh3376]

Very true. Cause retrofighter's sticks haven't been great. Feels great and works for general movement, but aren't great when trying to be precise. I tested their ps2 controller, it registers a perfect square. Obviously that's an issue for precise movement

[@Beavernator]

Good call, a bad dead zone kills those 2 games... Easy game to test on gamecube... I love those games...

[@poopikins]

Have you been able to test the analogue sticks? I was a little disappointed with their PS2 controllers because of the Square issue. Tested Super Monkey Ball on PS2 and it was ROUGH.

[@nintendonintendont]

So happy to finally see a hands-on review of this controller after many months of anticipation. Can’t wait to receive mine.

[@peterhalliday6492]

How have you got on with the controller please. I'm considering getting one

[@esk8jaimes]

3:23 That wireless receiver is so damn cute, destined to be a Chibi mascot!

[@rookiemonster1704]

Just ordered the Black Battlergc. It'll be here this weekend. Can't wait

[@Whirlybird88]

Ordered both BladeGC and BattlerGC in orange back when pre-orders first went up. Was wondering when they would finally start shipping. Looking forward to the BladeGC especially for 2D games.

[@graphicsgod]

I love the design of this controller, but feel it's missing the yellow joystick on the right to make it a "true" GC controller replacement!! I might need to buy the "BattlerGC" and the "Duelist" and swap out the yellow joystick for the grey.. Hey MLP, want to make a video on it to see if it's doable before I plunk down my cash?? 👀👀 Also I love your orange and purple GC!! You should get the orange controller and swap the backs out so that the controller matches your GC. 👍👍

[@GameFrank]

I just got mine today as well! While I have yet to hook up the GameCube, the controller feels really great in my hands! My analog sticks actually have a nice snap back to them, and thankfully I had no loose plastic in mine. I've been a huge fan of Retro Fighter's controllers, so I have a feeling I am really going to enjoy this. :D

[@CheloRetro]

I pre-ordered the BladeGC a year and 3 months ago and it hasn't arrived I hope it arrives soon excellent video

[@conza1989]

Cool, get the Blade in Orange I reckon, that'd make the most sense. The Black one gives me HoriPad vibes, but modern, with handles and not silly expensive - I guess the blade in black would actually be closer, but just at first glance you know?

[@JasonCrosen]

Mine are scheduled to arrive tomorrow. I’m excited. Going to be awesome for switch and steam deck.

[@Jaibuuuu]

I ordered it as soon as retrofighters sent out email notifications about it being available on Jan 18th, on Jan 19th they shipped it :) waiting for it.

[@XanYT]

I might pick one of these up when/if they come in platinum to match my GC.

[@ehalil101]

I am sooo happy you did this review! I play gamecube games all the time and I only have 1 wavebird so I've been looking for decent wireless controllers for years! Thank you :)

[@peterhalliday6492]

Did you get one? Is it worth me buying one? Thanks

[@bigbossentertainment]

I preordered the Blade as soon as you announced it solely for the GameCube player. Hopefully they ship them out soon.

[@Ragnorok64]

Glad to see a hands on for it. Though seeing this vid for the BattlerGC makes me realize it's true BladeGC I'm really interested in. I really want to know how the d-pad on that one feels.

[@esk8jaimes]

That loose rattling plastic piece on the inside certainly is strange, really want to know what it was for!

[@Madlittlepixel]

The black on I have didnt have any rattle but I may open it up to see if it has the same piece somewhere or if this was just some accidental extra piece of plastic that found its way into this controller.

[@ArcanineluvsU]

Edit for those who are curious: In my honest opinion, these are not great. They're not even good. They feel awkward to hold in hand, the plastic feels absolutely cheap. The sticks suck. The triggers aren't all that responsive, and you're pressing further down on them than you should. It honestly feels like Retro Fighters completely disregarded anything the Gamecube controllers offered and decided to needlessly modernize them for profit. After owning the wireless Brawler64, I thought these would be fine.. They're not. Will be returning them. If you like them, great.. but the quality is not the same as their Brawler controllers, and those were just passable. Original: A huge step in the right direction… Got two on order. Will be ordering two more if they’re that good. Apparently they’re going Xbox next? 😮 Still… I do wish this was more reminiscent of the actual GameCube controller and not a modernization of it… The N64 was one thing, but the GameCube controller’s design was pretty good.

[@stabinghobo57]

I completely agree, I like my controllers design as close as possible to the originals. Which is why I normally go with Retro-bit & 8Bitdo controllers.

[@Evixyn]

That Mario Ai team mate with the beam sword is going through the opponents with no issues at all especially with that explosion of as finisher.

[@JoshCobra89]

Retrofighters are amazing with their controllers, the dreamcast, N64 brawler and the Playstation are amazing controllers, I can't wait to add this for my gamecube

[@matchesmalone79]

I was excited to get the dreamcast controller from them, but I've heard nothing but negative reviews after weeks of use. There is a major flaw with the design of the triggers, that renders them useless.

[@Beavernator]

@@matchesmalone79 I received bad Dreamcast and PS2/PS3 controllers from them... The triggers register full presses if you barely touch them or even wiggle them...

[@Hschlick84]

You have me sold, will pick up the purple one to match my console.

[@MrMegaManFan]

Thanks Ron! Just ordered one.

[@jet9385]

I got mine yesterday. I love it. The d pad isn't the best, but everything else is great. It's nice to have a Retro Fighters controller with some weight to it. What a difference that really makes. It feels like a Switch pro controller ergonomics wise, with a GameCube layout, I love it for that.

[@Sickentist]

i will probably get it eventually but it doesn't look like i need to be in any hurry. i don't see anything about it that would make me want to use it over my wavebird or even my Power A wireless gamecube controller for Switch which is actually pretty good with snappy sticks. your honest review of these sticks are appreciated as someone that is deep into Smash.

[@TooFurious4]

I'm probably gonna buy one of these. I have two little nit picks though. I wish that there was a silver version because that was the color of my first Game Cube and I wish the right analog stick was yellow.

[@headacheinducer]

I just received my BattlerGC in the mail as well. I agree with everything said in this video, but I do want to add one thing: the triggers lack a physical click that the originals had. This makes certain moves in Mario Sunshine and Luigi's Mansion much harder to pull off.

[@NewGabeOrder]

You disassembled the controller, and I noticed there are Mode, Turbo, Clear and Reset switches. I had a feeling this will be a downgrade from the Defender, since there's no AutoSync button. There's a tiny hole at the back of the controller, but I think the "Reset" switch was moved to the top of the controller where the "Punch Auto" button would be located at the last minute. I watched Retro Fighters' GameCube pad previews and I noticed a button near the USB-C port. It looked like a clenched fist, so I had a feeling it will be a "Punch Auto" button but it became the Reset switch instead. Lose the threading needle!

[@Captain_Dark]

I just bought 2 yesterday and I can't wait to get them

[@Psmgamer]

I got my BladeGC in the mail which surprised me. Definitely like the feel of the controller and charging it up for later on. Gonna test this out on Mario Sunshine on my Switch Lite.

[@bravopapa137]

I have a switch lite as well how exactly do you connect this controller with the switch lite? I see that it has a dongle and that’s where I am a bit confused whether a port of some sort is needed to connect it to the switch lite.

[@Psmgamer]

@@bravopapa137 You have to buy a adapter USB to connect the dongle

[@davidcameron648]

I've got the BattlerGC coming. I see the build quality doesn't look any better than the Duelist GameCube styled Switch controller that I got from them -- not bad per-se, especially for the price for the Duelist ($30 US wireless Switch Pro controller, I was hoping that for the higher price the Battler and the Blade would be better. Just a few issues like only two of the four mounts for each stick box are soldered even though there's plated holes to do it -- probably not an issue for casual players, but for heavy Smash players? You'll really want that extra mechanical connection stabilizing the stick boxes.

[@raxadian]

Never actually had a problem with the cables of Gamecube controllers but looks interesting.

[@pallen9044]

Fun video! Do the triggers behave like an OEM controller in that they have a smidge of resistance about halfway through the pull? This particular motion is integral to Super Mario Sunshine and I imagine for a few other games as well.

[@eapleitez]

I'm curious about that as well. It's another button beyond the analog trigger pull. The Metroid Prime games are others that come to mind where this functionality is important

[@pallen9044]

@@eapleitez good memory, I had forgotten about that! I think it was the Z button? I hope it has that too

[@eapleitez]

@P Allen no, the Z button was an extra shoulder button on the right side

[@jonathansacci2325]

I have their ps2 controller and I really enjoy it! Ordering one of these to compliment my wavebird!

[@ThatOldSchoolMagic]

The Image on the Box makes the Analog Stick look a little smaller compared to the actual product.

[@Walking_bandaid]

You could get an orange and swap the backs to match your purple and orange GameCube setup

[@gcfreak898]

Seems like forever since I ordered mine. September 2021 still waiting

[@LotoTheHero]

This could be a good option. I only have a single wavebird controller now. I need to know though, does it have a decent amount of weight to it? I dislike controllers that are super light. They feel cheap and as if I'm holding air. How does the shape feel? I hesitate to spend that much on a controller and not like it. Anyhow, appreciate the content. I wouldn't mind a follow up after you sink some time into it.

[@shamecat]

I cancelled my preorder due to the internal BlueRetro Gamecube mod. Would be nice if they did a Bluetooth version of these to match so we can go without dongles.

[@VOAN]

Then it wouldn't work on the GameCube since GameCube had no Bluetooth support unless a dongle is use.

[@esk8jaimes]

Will you be making a video on the USB bluetooth receiver whilst playing Nintendo Switch next?

[@Suhadisgood]

That look no where close to a GameCube controller but there are some out there to do look like a GameCube controller but no vibration

[@daddykarlmarx6183]

I'm sure he's aware of that fact considering he already reviewed the controller you're talking about lmao

[@samamir8765]

@@daddykarlmarx6183if he’s aware why did he call it GameCube controller think smarty

[@daddykarlmarx6183]

​@@samamir8765I literally have no idea what you're saying, do you need me to call an ambulance?

[@ls190v2]

The Wavebird's still good.

[@KevTheGalaxybender]

I got two today, they're pretty good.

[@gillrawr]

Just got mine in the mail. It feels nice, however I noticed quickly mine has literally 0 rumble to it. Dont know if I dont have the right setting or what, but gonna fully charge it to test. Also the left trigger would fail on me about every 3-5 attempt. Tested it with metroid prime GC disc on the Wii system.

[@solidunit]

Do the triggers have detents like a real GC controller?

[@jcougar831]

Great vid

[@unrealdevon]

Will you do a follow up to this? I would love to know your thoughts after using it for a bit.

[@matchesmalone79]

Curious as well, because apparently the dreamcast retro fighter controller has a major design flaw with the triggers and the fall apart after very light use.

[@esk8jaimes]

I find it sketchy that these can end up at retailers FIRST before the initial pre-orders people did 14months ago.

[@puunk_9240]

I get it's annoying that it's taken so long but it's not even slightly sketchy that the bulk shipments would go out first

[@50hzAva]

It seems unfair but it happens lots, samsung has done it with phones where preorders ship after launch day.

[@TheDeathmail]

Not really; the stores probably ordered first and ordered a way bigger shipment (aka, they ordered earlier and paid a lot more).

[@Ragnorok64]

Is that even what happened? The only retailer I see this at is Retro Fighters themselves. Castlemania is still waiting to get theirs in.

[@Madlittlepixel]

@@Ragnorok64 i think it kind of depends on your location, but yeah online stores Castlemania and StoneAge Gamer I think are waiting on their shipments.. but I have seen in the past local game shops get stuff like this on their shelves before anyone else.. I have seen this with both RetroBit and Retro Fighters where I live.. but its probably because these shops are within miles of those companies distribution warehouses.

[@daddykarlmarx6183]

Its great that this exists and all but seriously, how hard is it to just make a decent quality clone of the wavebird plus rumble?

[@RubenZCrazy89]

I purchased a wavebird switch GameCube controller last year. It was a great $20 purchase. I may buy this before the wizard controller.

[@TheMonster83]

Madlittlepixel I picked up a BladeGC in the Orange.

[@archy8822]

this is a very important questions for shiny hunters. can u control multiple gamecubes with 1 controller using multiple receivers like u can with the wavebird controller?

[@keirjarvie6998]

I’ve got two questions about this controller. I’ve seen a few third party GameCube controllers and control sticks that have the analog stick’s rubber cap touch the plastic case of the Controller where that’s not the case with original controllers. Is it the same with the BattlerGC? Also how are the pressure sensitive triggers of the BattlerGC for games such as Luigi’s Mansion and Super Mario Sunshine?

[@td1516]

Was there any loose clip in the black one? Maybe you could open the black one to see where/if there is that clip piece there too.

[@Madlittlepixel]

I didnt have any rattle on the black one, i just opened it a few mins ago and dont see the same piece attached anywhere. Maybe i am missing it but I dunno, maybe it really was a bonus piece lol

[@Old-Vagabond]

Does it work with rogue squadron 2? I've only been able to use original controllers

[@foxlefox5213]

Does the BladeGC also come with the bonus piece?

[@manuelrodriguez9972]

Have you been using the Mayflash N64 HDMI adapter? I’m unsing it on my 50” tv and it looks dark and I can barely distinguish some items in Resident Evil 2. Do you recommend to use it with a smaller screen? or which type of screen?

[@davidaamaya1]

I'm gonna wait for a wired version of the controller

[@ThatOneGuyMatt]

Just to confirm, this will work on the first gen wii with game cube ports?

[@Madlittlepixel]

yep

[@ThatOneGuyMatt]

@@Madlittlepixel that's gonna be a go for me. Good condition wired gc controllers are loot right now gladly pay the same price for a new wireless one

[@stevenm1832]

I still use GameCube controllers for my GameCube and switch and I must say having the snap back on the joystick isn’t a good thing. There’s some games that effect gameplay cause when it snaps it registers the opposite direction when it snaps.

[@Maikeru722]

Does the analog triggers click in when pressed all the way down?

[@Tobunari]

Does it do like a glitch where you can control two characters at once?

[@joshuahorton-campbell3554]

Exlene gamecube controller improved version 2022 is a fantastic bluetooth controller. Paired with a blueretro adapter, it works perfectly on a gamecube (though rumble support on blueretro is a work in progress)

[@nickpapagiorgio2253]

I wonder if these have the same issue as the PowerA ones where you can only connect one to the blueretro. I have the PowerA one and it disconnects every 20mins and I have to re-pair it

[@Psmgamer]

I ordered both a BattlerGC and BladeGC controller, can't wait for them to ship out. I completely forget that I ordered them. Glad to see a review on the BattlerGC.

[@riccccccardo]

Does it have a battery indicator when using it for the GameCube?

[@LotoTheHero]

Hello. Are you still using these? If so, how are they holding up? I know you had some issues with the blade gc version, so I'm curious if these are still holding up for you and if you still use them.

[@keirjarvie6998]

This is a bit of a silly question, but can this controller be used in the Switch via the GameCube controller dongle using the GameCube controller adapter? For example, when you play Smash Ultimate and Super Mario Sunshine using the the Adapter, the game registers the controller in using as a GameCube controller and not a pro controller if that makes sense. Also through that, does it have rumble?

[@ShinraExecutive]

This was working fine on my steamdeck but stopped working last night. My pc reads it fine though, anyone have a similar issue? I wonder if the recent update messed things up.

[@everythingpony]

Yeah I got these like 14months ago at retailers

[@DrigoToes]

They had the atrocious HORI stickboxes. Those will function correctly only like 6 months if you don't mash to get out of grabs.

[@mannygonzalez7987]

Just got mine today. And the dongle didn’t work on my Wii or 2 GameCubes. 😢 only worked on my switch with the usb. The GameCube dongle doesn’t light up. I was so hyped for nothing

[@EvilHeadBoy]

You seem to be the first person to actually get these in your hands. Can you confirm how it connects to PC or Switch? Is the USB dongle needed, or can it also be paired with bluetooth? Does windows recognize it as an xinput controller, and how are the buttons mapped? (ie: is B and X swapped?) Eitherway, thanks for showcasing these! I've been looking a long time for a good PC gamecube style controller, that can also work with gamecube/wii/dolphin.

[@Madlittlepixel]

Its a 2.4ghz controller, no bluetooth so have to use the included usb dongle. I havent used it on PC yet but it has x input and d input options.

[@anthonybarnett5682]

They don't seem to ship to the UK 😞. Any idea if there is a UK distributer?

[@adamkingston7626]

gamesconnection - I have ordered two of these from there and have previously ordered n64 retrofighters controllers from them. Although looking again...these controllers have dropped off the gamesconnection website....hmmm

[@Stevel_]

Nice. But does it have a rumble feature? Have put many many hours on my platinum wavebird...

[@eapleitez]

Did you watch the video? It has rumble, though it seems to be less force than a standard GC controller

[@geekzer713]

anyone else who didn't get any notifications about shipping? still waiting mine

[@JessicaFEREM]

it looks a lot like the 8bitdo SN30 but with retrofighters design

[@poopikins]

Where are these available? Retro Fighters website is like $18 to ship to the United States 😱

[@kevinleblanc9498]

Would you say this « smaller » D Pad is still good for 2D gameboy GBA games? Not the best I’m sure but hopefully decent. Thanks for the great video as always. I’m ordering one thanks to you. Awesome content.

[@jet9385]

I got the Battler yesterday. I've been playing GBA games with it, and it's a significant improvement over the OEM d-pad. I didn't get a BladeGC so I can't comment on that one yet.

[@kevinleblanc9498]

@@jet9385 awesome thanks for that, I’ll order that one then. Seems decent enough.

[@kevin24km]

Wtf!!! I ordered mine 11/21/21 and still haven't received anything.

[@navi_boii]

Only reason I'm not getting it is that it has a turbo button, automatically making it tournament illegal

[@shadic1988]

I'm waiting for my controller.

[@IHitTheWater]

Imagine making a controller so good people still only use it 20 years later.

[@archer6979]

Glad you did a video on this. Didn't know this existed orderd a blade gc because I love their N64 and Dreamcast controllers

[@InaSilentWay]

No buy if it doesn’t have the GameCube grips. The GameCube is the Tempur-Pedic of controllers.

[@Beavernator]

I was kind of burned on their PS2/PS3 and Dreamcast controllers... The triggers activate if you barely BREATHE on them, so its unusable, and was denied replacement... So I'm a bit hesitant on buying another product... I did like their Saturn controller though...

[@zmogod1823]

are the triggers analog or digital

[@zmogod1823]

For anyone who wants to know yes they are analog

[@bjacks761]

Do the sticks click?

[@NewGabeOrder]

Yes. If you look carefully in the instruction manual the directions to turn off the Retro Fighters GameCube pad is to press the - button and the L stick inside like a button simultaneously.

[@sTuPiDiScOoL_]

Wonder if these would work with android phone 🤔🤔

[@fireboltthunder2360]

These are great controllers, though they don't seem to work for games like Dirt to Daytona, the Gamecube version of it

[@axelkusanagi4139]

So you didn't buy any blade GCs?

[@RemoWilliams1227]

Lots of good stuff from some of my favorite creators today!

[@robertbarker5802]

You disabled the baby rattle feature!!!

[@johnmorris7899]

Great to see new wireless controllers for retro but why not go with the original shape

[@Madlittlepixel]

Thats a good question, but I think sometimes if things are too similar you get Nintendo looking at ya and those lawyers hitting you up. Thats what happened to 8Bitdo some years ago with their SNES controllers... but they made slight changes that still make them look and feel like an SNES controller.. so not sure why they couldnt with these. But my opinion is Retro Fighters just likes to create controllers for Retro consoles that have newer generation controller form factors instead of the shape of the originals...

[@johnmorris7899]

@@Madlittlepixel I forgot about Nintendo being assholes

[@chrisbeach4684]

Nice to finally see some higher quality third party controllers.

[@8bittoaster]

I know

[@weaponizedknight7316]

the gamecube already has the wavebird

[@EVILOSERUN]

Bad timing, NYXI Wizard probably is in the demand now.

[@NewGabeOrder]

I heard from Retro Fighters and the sticks of their GameCube controllers don't have hall effects. Looks like I have to "abuse" the controllers until I start to notice stick drift.

[@coreydill3532]

Have you tried them on android?

[@Jerryman15]

I hope they can make a wireless OG Xbox controller. I Really need that

[@mbrando4403]

that right stick should be yellow