8BitDo announced its shop.8bitdo.com/products/mod-kit-for-original-ngc”>We are accepting pre-orders for a new modification kit which allows you to adapt a wired GameCube controller with Hall-effect joysticks and Bluetooth connectivity. The company charges $25.98 for the kit, which it claims is a simple, solder-free modification.
8BitDo has made a few of these in the past for older Nintendo controllers, including those for the N64 and earlier consoles, and now it’s the GameCube’s turn. The kit replaces your controller’s existing PCB with a board that has Hall-effect joysticks and a USB-C rechargeable 300mAh battery. It also comes with a pack of triggers, and 8BitDo says the battery will get 6 hours of playtime between charges. It’s compatible with both Switch and Android, according to the product page.
The problem is that you're replacing their wired controller option and will have to purchase an 8BitDo separately which costs $25.98.shop.8bitdo.com/products/mod-kit-for-original-ngc?variant=44610072412337″>Retro Receiver for GCN” to connect it to your GameCube. Undoing the conversion can be a bit tricky (a video installation guide on the page includes a step for cutting the cable that powers the rumble motor), so you should consider this if you value preserving your gaming hardware.
Still, plenty of GameCube controllers have seen their fair share of abuse over the past two decades. I'd certainly consider it if I had one lying around with moving analog sticks or a cable that's been chewed up by pets or cut by scissor-loving kids. For a less invasive transition to a wireless controller, though, there's always 8BitDo's GBros. adapter.
8BitDo says it will begin shipping the new mod kit on September 25.
