Retro Fighters Takes the GameCube PRO! Announcing the BattlerGC Pro

Over the years, Retro Fighters has released many different controllers for a variety of retro and modern video game systems. My first introduction to Retro Fighters was with the Brawler64 Wired Edition for the Nintendo 64, and as soon as I played games with it I was absolutely hooked on their controller design philosophy. From there, I've pretty much purchased every single Retro Fighters controller that they have released since. One of my favorites has to be the Retro Fighters BattlerGC for the Nintendo GameCube. I think it is comfortable, extremely ergonomic, and one of the finest WaveBird replacement controllers I've ever used. Robert and the team at Retro Fighters have taken what they learned from that controller, refined it, enhanced it, and released their first Pro Series controller with the new BattlerGC Pro. Let's take a closer look as we just received a press release from Retro Fighters Announcing the BattlerGC Pro
Preorders open on May 1st, 2024 for the BattlerGC Pro at retrofighters.... but at this time there is no indication when they will ship. Also, the Crystal Editions are limited to only 2000 units, and when they're gone, they gone.
Key Features:
- Ergonomically designed GameCube wireless controller
- Compatible with GameCube, Game Boy Player, Switch & PC
- Pro Series Edition: Bluetooth and 2.4 Ghz wireless technology
- Improved accuracy
- Hall effect analog sticks, no drift!
- Full analog triggers with “click” in digital button
- Custom-built C-Stick and GC style stick (no generic sticks here!)
- Dpad Kailh® integrated switches
- Dual “Z” shoulder buttons
- Wireless vibration feedback
- Added P1/P2 back buttons
- Rechargeable battery
- LED battery/status indicator
- 30 foot wireless range
- 10+ hours of battery life per charge
- USB-C charging port
One of the coolest features about the BattlerGC Pro is the Dual Wireless technology. It utilizes both 2.4 GHz for enhanced latency performance and Bluetooth for enhanced compatibility with a wide variety of devices. Retro Fighters advertises the BattlerGC Pro as compatible with the GameCube, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, and PC. They do not specifically call out iOS and Android, but since it utilizes Bluetooth I would have to think it should work with a variety of those devices too.
One of the valid criticisms of the original BattlerGC has been the lack of any sort of hall effect sensors on the analog sticks or the triggers. Well, feast your eyes on this because the Pro Controller now includes hall effect sensors and Kailh switches for the d-pad. These will not only yield fantastic performance but overall improved life cycle and quality of life. I have utilized Hall effect sensors on a wide variety of other controllers and have been nothing but thrilled, and seeing them here on the BattlerGC is a very welcome addition.
Out of the box, the Retro Fighters BattlerGC Pro Controller includes the controller itself, a quick start instruction manual, GameCube wireless receiver, and a USB wireless receiver. It'll be interesting to see if that USB receiver is for 2.4Ghz and it has some sort of onboard Bluetooth technology which will allow it to communicate with Bluetooth devices. If I had to place a bet that's what I would put my money on.
I don't have any information at this point in time on whether or not this will be available at online retailer such as CastlemaniaGames.com or at StoneAgeGamer.com. I would suggest reaching out to them to see if they're going to be offering the BattlerGC Pro Controller or not. It's also interesting to note that this is the first in their Pro Series controllers, series being the operative word. That implies there are more Pro controllers coming down the line, and I for one would be very excited to see a number of different Retro Fighters controllers updated down the road. Getting hall effect sensors on the original Brawler64 would be fantastic. I would also love to see a similar treatment to the StrikerDC. If anything we've gotten a sneak peek at what these controllers look like with the Hunter controller for the original Xbox, as that actually did feature hall effect sensors.
Does the BattlerGC Pro address any concerns or issues that you had with the original? What features would you like to see added to a Retro Fighters Pro style controller? I didn't even touch on the back buttons which are also included and many gamers have been wanting. I don't know that I've ever seen another GameCube-style controller with back buttons! Finally, what controller would you like to see Retro Fighters give the Pro treatment to Next. Share your thoughts in the comment section.
#RetroFighters #GameCube #BattlerGCPro #ProController #Wavebird #Nintendo

[@stes9949]

I'm hoping the plastic housing gets upgraded. I have a BattlerGC for the Gamecube and Brawler for the N64. Functionality is fine, but the plastic feels lacking compared to OEM and even 8bitdo controllers.

[@SweetTodd]

I hope it's worth it too. Been trying to sell stuff to afford the pro. The paddles would be so good for double dash

[@bowserjrfan123]

I wonder why they don’t let you use them wired with USB C to GameCube cables which when existed for a while

[@RoXolid]

Data communications a completely different requirements from a design and communication standpoint than simply providing charging power. Just the connector itself is wired differently. For power you can get away with just wiring the two outmost pins on the connector, For data communication need to wire them all.

[@NewGabeOrder]

To be honest, I'd rather see more hardwired controllers from Retro Fighters. The Brawler64 proves just that. Not only that, having hardwired controllers makes things more tournament-friendly, as most gaming tournaments tend to ban most wireless controllers. Also, I'd like to see more modern Classic Controller solutions for Wii, Wii U, NES Classic and SNES Classic, as there are barely any good ones in the market. For the wireless Classic Controllers, a dongle for Wii Remotes, NES Classic and SNES Classic can be included. For the wired Classic Controllers, an additional cable and plug for those platforms can be included.

[@sdragon21]

Fingers crossed they give their Saturn/Genesis controller the Pro treatment.

[@RoXolid]

I forgot all about the BrawlerGen!

[@Nodeathnolife]

And hopefully they give it a true analog mode. Because the analog stick is only a digital input on the Sega Saturn side which sucks.

[@WestCoastGamer64]

@@Nodeathnolife if the analog stick can be used for both digital pad and 3d pad, via a switch, then that would sell me on getting it!

[@NewGabeOrder]

I'd rather see an original Xbox-supported version of the BrawlerGen with dual analog sticks and the 6-button layout that was missing from the Hunter. Xbox Duke Controller enthusiasts might like this one.

[@Nodeathnolife]

@@WestCoastGamer64 that could work. And the original 3D control pad had a switch to toggle to the analog stick or d-pad for compatibility

[@Jinsei24]

These look good. I wonder if they will do a pro version for the Retrofighters Defender. I would love to see a better D-Pad, Hall effect sticks and back buttons.

[@NewGabeOrder]

Better yet, switch around the position of the directional buttons and left analog stick, since the PS2 can benefit from having more Xbox 360-style PS2 controllers. The Hunter with the Defender's receiver is perfect, while the BattlerGC with the Defender's receiver comes to a close second.

[@novagb6717]

I have been looking for a wireless gamecube controller for dolphin on pc, the ones out there are missing features, ie no rumble, no hall effect etc, and official controllers via the 8bitdo adapter defeat the object because trailing wire etc, all retailers in the uk say this controller is not out until october 1st though, is this correct or is it just a place holder date as they don't know yet?

[@traskfredrickson6045]

Ordered the clear today. I have a Nyxi Wizard that I love. However, I wanted something with analog triggers and 2.4g for my PC and being able to switch it to bluetooth for my switch.

[@waynetemplar2183]

I took delivery of a Nyxi Warrior about a week after the pre-order for this pro controller was announced and due to a severe case of FOMO I haven't cancelled the pre-order 😞 Still the Nyxi is a fantastic controller for use with the original GC

[@MiamiCon]

Brawler64 pro would be great :-)

[@ResidentXombie]

I’ve never seen a Bluetooth and 2.4 ghz controller before. Hopefully this becomes the norm. I’m getting the clear one. Will look good on my clear shelled Wii and GameCube. I just hope the dongle is clear.

[@fritospie7982]

8bit dos controller have a switch for both

[@joshuacitron899]

NXYI has a new GameCube “pro” controller that has both as well

[@samanthaazira]

I have always ment to get a controller for the n64 frim them but just havent yet. I would love a more comfortable ps3 controller i saw in another comment you mentioned the defender

[@unforgivencaleb528]

If they make a silver one to match my silver GameCube, I'm sold 🎮

[@WestCoastGamer64]

I’m excited for this! Since it’s Bluetooth, I hope this can be compatible for the blueretro reciever for the GameCube as well. If so, then this would be the ultimate GameCube controller to own.

[@richardguilamo976]

Remember as you long you have a GameCube you can play your favorite games on this controller including multiplayer with your friends and family for classic game night and solo play.

[@Owazrim]

Another solid looking controller. They make great controllers. A Genesis/SMS controller would be great.

[@boo1_gaming927]

Can you use it wired as well? Obviously, a special cable is required for GCN use, but it would be nice if it could be used when wired up.

[@Adam-ru3fi]

Great video do you ever think the hyperkin competitor will ever come out haven’t heard anything since August

[@BATMAN-nb6nc]

Jab Pad Pro. Are they going to announce the BladeGC Pro a week after this preorder?

[@chrisf9738]

I hope it works well with the Dolphin emulator on Android.

[@NewGabeOrder]

To be honest, I'd like to see NES Classic and SNES Classic support if possible since I feel the GameCube has been "milked" over the years. The Wii outsold the GameCube, and there are Wii games that work with the Classic Controller, but not the GameCube controller. If a third receiver was included, it would be for use with the Wii, Wii U, NES Classic and SNES Classic, but Wii and Wii U support would require a paired Wii Remote, as they are needed to play Classic Controller-supported games. Not to mention the Wii Remotes, NES Classic and SNES Classic all share the same extension controller connection type.

[@RoXolid]

I don't think the demand for anything NES or SNES Classic is that high right now. It was a fad that was white hot, and now, nothing. You can get Classics for less than street price now as people unload them

[@NewGabeOrder]

@@RoXolid Well, the Wii is more demanding, considering how many Classic Controller games don't work with the GameCube Controller. No More Heroes 2, The Last Story, Xenoblade Chronicles, Blast Works, Kamen Rider Dragon Knight, Samurai Shodown Anthology, TrackMania, GTI Club Supermini Fiesta, A Boy and His Blob, Inazuma Eleven, NBA 2K13, Call of Duty Black Ops, Modern Warfare 3, Monster Hunter Tri... There's a lot more to list.

[@RodrickThevisigoth]

I hope for a ps3 pro controller, also for a xbox 360

[@RoXolid]

The Defender controller works great for PS3

[@RodrickThevisigoth]

@@RoXolid yes , but it could be better with hall effect analog sticks

[@ResidentXombie]

@@RoXolidD pad is horrible though.

[@AceFondu]

D pad is ok for me, what's terrible on the defender is the L1 and R1 buttons. I have 3 of these and 2 of them have an L1 button that requires a really hard press to register. It's so annoying.

[@fireboltthunder2360]

Can't wait to play Gamecube games using this, I might just get both color variations

[@RoXolid]

Very cool!

[@MrMartellSincere]

Interesting controllers

[@robinson32993]

They better make a black one

[@SweetTodd]

That'd be nice. I'd match my black gamecube but the clear one is cool