8Bitdo has announced that it’s taking pre-orders for a new mod kit that lets you mod a wired GameCube controller with a Hall-effect joystick and Bluetooth connectivity. The company charges $25.98 for the kit, which it says is a simple, solderless module.
8Bitdo has made a few of these for older Nintendo controllers in the past, including those for the N64 and earlier consoles, and now it’s the GameCube’s turn. The kit replaces the controller’s existing PCB with an embedded board with a Hall-effect joystick and a USB-C rechargeable 300mAh battery. It also comes with a trigger pack, and 8BitDo says the battery is good for 6 hours of playback on a single charge. According to the product page, it is compatible with Switch and Android.
The catch is that you’re replacing its wired controller option, and you have to buy a separate $25.98 8BitDo “GCN Retro Receiver” to connect it to your GameCube. Undoing the conversion can be a bit tricky – the video installation guide on the page includes steps for cutting the cable that powers the vibration motor – so if you value the preservation of your gaming hardware, you’ll want to consider that.
Still, many GameCube controllers have suffered abuse over the past two decades or so. If I had a drifting analog stick lying around or a piece of string that got chewed up by a pet or cut by a kid who loves scissors, I would certainly consider it. For a less invasive wireless controller transition, though, there’s always the option of 8BitDo’s GBros. adapter.
8BitDo said it will start shipping the new module kit on September 25th.
