Whilst looking out for new preorders on the Nintendo Switch 2, the console-maker has surprised us by suddenly making its official Switch 2 GameCube Controller available for general preorders, no longer requiring you to have an exclusive invite from Nintendo.
The Nintendo Store-exclusive controller is still being sold for £58.99 with free delivery, and has a fresh new listing to reflect its open preorder status, alongside the new Switch 2 amiibos.
But there is still a slight yet much smaller catch, for the GameCube controller at least. To be qualified to purchase the controller, though, you need to be logged in with an account that has a paid Nintendo Switch Online Membership.
While the hub page for the NS Online Membership does mention the service does have a 7-day trial available for those who have never subscribed, it specifically states that said trial cannot be used to purchase classic controllers like the new GameCube version, as well as game vouchers.
Although this added restriction does make sense, as it will prevent many scalpers and bots from buying up all the stock automatically, it also unfortunately means you'll have to put up some extra cash to buy your new Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller — if you're not a member already.
Nintendo Switch Online 12 Month + Expansion Pack 365 Days Membership Download (UK - EU)
Nintendo Switch Online 12 Month Family Membership + Expansion Pack 365 Days Download (UK - EU)
Thankfully, the added cost isn't too much in the grand scheme of things. Available to buy from the Nintendo Store, the Online Membership is available for as low as £6.99 for three months.
To get the best value for your money, though, you can spend £17.99 for a 12-month membership or £31.49 for a 12-month family membership respectively.
However, retailer ShopTo has deals on every membership tier, which are still available to grab right now. These include £5.85 for three months on the individual plan, £14.85 for 12 months, and £24.85 for the 12-month family plan.
The biggest and best bargain of the bunch though, is 35% off the 12-month membership + Expansion Pack bundle—now only £25.85 instead of £39.99.
While Nintendo has confirmed the GameCube Controller will work with non-GameCube games, you will require both an NS Online membership and the Expansion Pack to access the full classics collection anyway.
So, if you were planning on playing any of the GameCube Classics coming to Nintendo Switch 2, you may as well jump in with this deal now and set yourself up for the next year with a major £14.14 saving.
Ben Williams – IGN freelance contributor with over 10 years of experience covering gaming, tech, film, TV, and anime. Follow him on Twitter/X @BenLevelTen.
