I keep finding official, completely working Gamecube controllers in fair condition for under $9 (needs cleaning and may be scuffed) at Goodwill and other Thrift stores. So it may be smart to look there if you don’t care for cosmetic condition.
All the goodwill's near us are total GARBAGE. There's a St. Vincent DePaul where I've found like black label FFVII and stuff every now and then but all the stuff we find there usually has our price tags still on it LOL
That's pretty shocking. Usually Goodwill takes things they consider 'valuable' and push it through to their auction sites. I've not had a Goodwill near me that ever sold actual non-board game games.
Walmart's online store functions like Amazon, there are a ton of third party sellers that sell through their website, some of which are "verified" and others not. When ordering something like an older controller through Walmart, it's 100% an independent seller and NOT actually Walmart. It's a toss up. More likely than not, they are used and MAYBE refurbished. I can't imagine at that price they are third party controllers, nor could they be NEW OEM, since those would be far more expensive.
I ended up sucking it up and paying full price for an OEM controller. But I would totally buy one of these for some 2P action, or in case something happens to my controller.
This one would probably work if you have a gamecube-usb hub like the ones they make for the Switch. Otherwise you'd have to find a USB one or maybe the wireless power A one can work with Bluetooth.
What’s the difference if any at all, between this and others like the old Skool brand and the other eBay Amazon knock offs. They have the same plastic package. Are all these no name GameCube controllers coming from the same factory from China with different packaging?
Was really interested in the precision of the gray control stick. I play Rogue Squadron games and the controller I have now is way too sensitive; I got left or right with it and it acts like I’m pushing it hard over
I'll have to make a short connecting this up to PC using one of the GC->USB converters. IF that even works which I'm not 100% sure it will I'll see. Then I can show off the actual precision of the control stick.
Modded my Wii last year - decided to put Nintendont on it and play some GameCube games but don’t want to spend a lot for a first party controller just to play Double Dash. I ordered the xyab jungle green to match my Oled Switch, DS Lite & Retroid Pocket 2S. Can’t wait to play when I finally get it. Thanks for the recommendation.
Sorry just noticed about the update after receiving and using - the XYAB 3rd Party GameCube controller is still going strong. My Wii identifies it when I plug it in and all the GameCube games I loaded on it work fine. The chord is about 6 inches long, clicky buttons and they come in different colors. For the price it’s a great option to continue playing your favorite GameCube games on Nintendo hardware.
I wish I had taken my aftermarket(different company) out of the box as soon as I got home. The D-pad leans back and to the left, but now I can't get my money back lol
I haven't, but I have played smash with the Old Skool controller which is the usual brand we carry of 3rd party retro accessories. These two controllers are actually identical, likely the same factory that produces them just different companies licensing them. I haven't had any problems, but as with any 3rd party controller they feel a little different. Great for if you're having a party, but not for your every-day use controller
Excellent video! I think I need a couple new controllers actually! Do you all carry any 3rd party AV cables for the GameCube as well? I’ve heard the originals are super hard to find. I’ve been passing my N64 one back and forth between the 2 and I’d like to get a more dedicated one.
i am forever grateful and lucky for getting cib twilight princess and sonic heroes with a platinum gamecube for FREE with two original controllers. one is obviously more used id say cuz the rubber is somewhat worn off and also yellowed but the other looks much more clean
They have the exact same form-factor, but the membranes on the buttons are definitely a springy-er/newer feeling rubber. The triggers have a little more give than the OG, but still have that slide and click feel. Overall, these are the closest to original Gamecube controllers I have found without costing $60+
what i really wanna know about is the material of the gray control stick. i just really want to find replacement stick covers that are the same firm rubbery material as an OEM controller. the c-stick details sounded right to me but you didn't describe the feel of the left stick much.
To me the grey stick is pretty similar to the OEM, hence why I didn't cover it as much as the c-stick. I'd have to take one of these bad boys apart and see if their stick covers have the same construction inside so you could just swap covers onto an OEM. Some of these third party controllers switch up the design of the insides to save plastic costs, so it might be shaped different and not just swap easy-peasy, so I'll have to check and get back to you on that!
The shoulder buttons don't even click when fully pressed. This is absolute rubbish for competitive Melee and I don't need to hold one in my hands to confirm that statement.
@@dragonquestfan2002 You mean like a literal first-timer who doesn't even know the basic controls yet? Yeah I guess they could use this. I would still suggest you look into a PhobGCC/Frame1/B0XX over this junk if you have any sort of interest in tournaments or competitive play of any sort.
Yeah that's what I mean when I say it's for cheap Mario Party parties and stuff. No 3rd party controller at this price point is going to be adequate for any sort of competitive play. Controllers like these are made for parents to pick up 2 or 3 so their kids can all play together at a birthday party or for a few homies who all want to relieve the glory days and play some Mario Party. There are ABSOLUTELY better options out there, especially for competitive melee, but these $15 controllers still have their place.
Bruh, that's the second person who's had a stick go out on one of these. I haven't had anything go out on mine, but quality control on these isn't SUPER tight, so it could be individual copies or there's some flaw. Try contacting XYAB about it, they were friendly and communicative with me and I have high hopes they'll help you out.
Most wireless GC controllers try and emulate the design of the official Wavebird, which is on the bulky side. I would recommend the Retro Fighters controllers, as they try to make really ergonomic controllers with modern quality of life and sensibilities. I haven't personally used their Brawler/Battler GC controllers, but I have used their Dreamcast and N64 wireless options, which are all my GO-TO controllers for those systems. They are more of a Switch Pro-controller style with Gamecube button layout if that makes sense.
BRUH Which one? Main control or C-stick? I haven't had any breakage on mine, but I was more worried about the triggers than I was the control sticks OOF
Yup! XYAB Gamecube controller. Most of the other 3rd party controllers you'll find on amazon are technically the same manufacturer and have the same type of packaging and and exact same look, just licensed to different brand names like XYAB, Old Skool, and others
Yeah I don't see why no. It's really the same form factor. There might be some minor adjustment to the inside of whatever custom shell you get but shouldn't be anything too difficult.
Got NO idea lol. These are solid 3rd party options for some multiplayer mario party/smash nights. It won't be your MAIN controller, but gives your other players the same form factor and general feel.
Yeah, I actually have this controller hanging out in the studio to test GC games and whenever me and Adam want to play some Melee in our freetime! Haven't had any problems so far!
I haven't tried this specifically, but I've found in the past that the third party gamecube controller shells like this one's are usually not quite a 1-to-1 fit with the original PCB, which probably translates to phob PCBs as well. I'd assume it could at least get close to fitting with some work, but I don't think it would be great even if it did fit. The shells also feel much cheaper more often than not, so It wouldn't feel as premium as most OEM or aftermarket GCN shells (many of which can be found for a similar price to this controller).
@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade I recieved it thursday and it works great, i used it with nintendont and other emulators and it worked just fine with no drift or input lag. Do you think i can buy replacement shells and custom buttons or would they not fit?
Yeah, I was going to say they probably can! Only thing is they might have some slightly differently shaped PCBs or screw-posts/supports within the shell so you might have to modify a custom shell a little with a Dremel or other lil sandy/cutty device to make sure you don't damage any of the goodies in there, but that would probably be the worst of it
Yeah, it's still kicking. I use it to test Gamecube games here. I don't use it super consistently, just whenever the need arises, and that's what I would suggest these for. Mario party/smash nights with your friends every once in awhile and you need another controller. I don't think these would be super great for your standard every-day-play controller as they might wear out faster than an oem or a nicer 3rd party. I haven't noticed any wear on mine, but with the wear and tear of playing with it constantly it's bound to happen with the cheaper plastic. The left stick rubber is fine, no real complaints. The right stick was weirder to me.
You can get a lot of these manufactured by the same place just a different license on amazon and stuff. The main distributor we carry for stuff like this, Old Skool, is the exact same controller and packaging just licensed by a different company. We sell those in store and soon our online store!
@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade okay, So I actually had to type in "Smoke Gray GameCube controllers" just to find the ones in this video, maybe I might try and get one
dang uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Idk, really subjective question. I like the Retrofighters wireless DuelistGC and BattlerGC. Both are really solid and I love that company.
I lived in japan last year. before i left, my local gamestore had 5 smash bros gc controllers new in box in the clearance section. Marked down to 1,500 yen. At that time would be about 10 usd. I got all them motherfuckers 😅
I mean, I would LOVE to recommend US, but we almost NEVER have an excess of OEM Gamecube controllers. Pretty much every one we get goes back out with a system. For whatever reason, Gamecube is one of the main systems we tend to get traded in without any controllers. Honestly, scouting Facebook marketplace and sites like Mercari are where you'll find the best deals; however, you will likely have to do some minor repairs like replacing a C-Stick or button membranes. If you want to buy one in good working order, local game stores or online resellers who service their products are pretty much your only options. I wouldn't pay more than $30/35 for one that's in really good shape.
I keep finding official, completely working Gamecube controllers in fair condition for under $9 (needs cleaning and may be scuffed) at Goodwill and other Thrift stores.
So it may be smart to look there if you don’t care for cosmetic condition.
All the goodwill's near us are total GARBAGE. There's a St. Vincent DePaul where I've found like black label FFVII and stuff every now and then but all the stuff we find there usually has our price tags still on it LOL
That's pretty shocking. Usually Goodwill takes things they consider 'valuable' and push it through to their auction sites. I've not had a Goodwill near me that ever sold actual non-board game games.
saint Vincent depaul?are u in da bay@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade
Finally, a controller that won’t cost my liver and doesn’t suck
It’s almost 2025. Is the controller still functioning correctly?
Walmart sells them for under $50 are they refurbished they don’t say used
Walmart's online store functions like Amazon, there are a ton of third party sellers that sell through their website, some of which are "verified" and others not. When ordering something like an older controller through Walmart, it's 100% an independent seller and NOT actually Walmart. It's a toss up. More likely than not, they are used and MAYBE refurbished.
I can't imagine at that price they are third party controllers, nor could they be NEW OEM, since those would be far more expensive.
Good review. Thanks for doing this. I love your attention to the difference in facets, between the two 🔥
I ended up sucking it up and paying full price for an OEM controller. But I would totally buy one of these for some 2P action, or in case something happens to my controller.
Heck yeah that's what they're for!
I've been looking for a cheap one that I can use for the dolphin emulator
This one would probably work if you have a gamecube-usb hub like the ones they make for the Switch. Otherwise you'd have to find a USB one or maybe the wireless power A one can work with Bluetooth.
And they also sell those, I've looked on their website. The selection of items is vast to say the least.
What’s the difference if any at all, between this and others like the old Skool brand and the other eBay Amazon knock offs. They have the same plastic package. Are all these no name GameCube controllers coming from the same factory from China with different packaging?
Was really interested in the precision of the gray control stick. I play Rogue Squadron games and the controller I have now is way too sensitive; I got left or right with it and it acts like I’m pushing it hard over
I'll have to make a short connecting this up to PC using one of the GC->USB converters. IF that even works which I'm not 100% sure it will I'll see. Then I can show off the actual precision of the control stick.
Modded my Wii last year - decided to put Nintendont on it and play some GameCube games but don’t want to spend a lot for a first party controller just to play Double Dash. I ordered the xyab jungle green to match my Oled Switch, DS Lite & Retroid Pocket 2S. Can’t wait to play when I finally get it. Thanks for the recommendation.
Yippeeee! They're solid back ups for the price point, as OEMs are getting quite expensive nowadays.
Yo its been 8 months, how are they holding up?
How is the controller after some time?
Sorry just noticed about the update after receiving and using - the XYAB 3rd Party GameCube controller is still going strong. My Wii identifies it when I plug it in and all the GameCube games I loaded on it work fine. The chord is about 6 inches long, clicky buttons and they come in different colors. For the price it’s a great option to continue playing your favorite GameCube games on Nintendo hardware.
@ thanks!
I wish I had taken my aftermarket(different company) out of the box as soon as I got home. The D-pad leans back and to the left, but now I can't get my money back lol
Have you tried playing smash bros with that new 3rd party gamecube controller?
I haven't, but I have played smash with the Old Skool controller which is the usual brand we carry of 3rd party retro accessories. These two controllers are actually identical, likely the same factory that produces them just different companies licensing them. I haven't had any problems, but as with any 3rd party controller they feel a little different. Great for if you're having a party, but not for your every-day use controller
Thank you soo much!!! I've been looking for some CGN controllers and they are expensive.... So thanks a bunch!
Glad I could help!
I want one to play gamecube games on my wii
Excellent video! I think I need a couple new controllers actually!
Do you all carry any 3rd party AV cables for the GameCube as well? I’ve heard the originals are super hard to find. I’ve been passing my N64 one back and forth between the 2 and I’d like to get a more dedicated one.
Yeah we've got tons! We also have all in one av-hdmi cables for the snes/n64/gc as well
Very solid review big ups on this find!
i am forever grateful and lucky for getting cib twilight princess and sonic heroes with a platinum gamecube for FREE with two original controllers. one is obviously more used id say cuz the rubber is somewhat worn off and also yellowed but the other looks much more clean
Do they “feel” like a GameCube controller more or less?
They have the exact same form-factor, but the membranes on the buttons are definitely a springy-er/newer feeling rubber. The triggers have a little more give than the OG, but still have that slide and click feel. Overall, these are the closest to original Gamecube controllers I have found without costing $60+
what i really wanna know about is the material of the gray control stick. i just really want to find replacement stick covers that are the same firm rubbery material as an OEM controller. the c-stick details sounded right to me but you didn't describe the feel of the left stick much.
To me the grey stick is pretty similar to the OEM, hence why I didn't cover it as much as the c-stick. I'd have to take one of these bad boys apart and see if their stick covers have the same construction inside so you could just swap covers onto an OEM. Some of these third party controllers switch up the design of the insides to save plastic costs, so it might be shaped different and not just swap easy-peasy, so I'll have to check and get back to you on that!
But can it melee?
If I had it handy I would have tried ;-; but Melee sells AS SOON as we put it out on the shelf.
The shoulder buttons don't even click when fully pressed. This is absolute rubbish for competitive Melee and I don't need to hold one in my hands to confirm that statement.
@@TheSuperScoot but would it be good enough for a newbie learning how to play?
@@dragonquestfan2002 You mean like a literal first-timer who doesn't even know the basic controls yet? Yeah I guess they could use this. I would still suggest you look into a PhobGCC/Frame1/B0XX over this junk if you have any sort of interest in tournaments or competitive play of any sort.
Yeah that's what I mean when I say it's for cheap Mario Party parties and stuff. No 3rd party controller at this price point is going to be adequate for any sort of competitive play. Controllers like these are made for parents to pick up 2 or 3 so their kids can all play together at a birthday party or for a few homies who all want to relieve the glory days and play some Mario Party.
There are ABSOLUTELY better options out there, especially for competitive melee, but these $15 controllers still have their place.
Ay yo, my shit broke after 2 games of melee. Cstick, the yellow one wont work
Bruh, that's the second person who's had a stick go out on one of these. I haven't had anything go out on mine, but quality control on these isn't SUPER tight, so it could be individual copies or there's some flaw.
Try contacting XYAB about it, they were friendly and communicative with me and I have high hopes they'll help you out.
Are there any great wireless controllers in the non bulky form?
Most wireless GC controllers try and emulate the design of the official Wavebird, which is on the bulky side. I would recommend the Retro Fighters controllers, as they try to make really ergonomic controllers with modern quality of life and sensibilities. I haven't personally used their Brawler/Battler GC controllers, but I have used their Dreamcast and N64 wireless options, which are all my GO-TO controllers for those systems.
They are more of a Switch Pro-controller style with Gamecube button layout if that makes sense.
Dude my control stick already broke down :(
BRUH Which one? Main control or C-stick?
I haven't had any breakage on mine, but I was more worried about the triggers than I was the control sticks OOF
@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade the main one
Try contacting XYAB and see if they will send you a replacement. They seemed pretty communicative to me so hopefully they can help you out
@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade lmao Nevermind my sticks are working again
Does it work with a mayflash adapter?
It SHOULD since it acts as just a standard GC controller and works on wii. Unfortunately I don't have one to test it with
@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcadedoes the controller still work for you? i just one yesterday but now im thinking of returning
Finding a good bughet gamecube controller is like finding a needle in a haystack
is this on amazon??
Yup! XYAB Gamecube controller. Most of the other 3rd party controllers you'll find on amazon are technically the same manufacturer and have the same type of packaging and and exact same look, just licensed to different brand names like XYAB, Old Skool, and others
@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade thank you!
think a custom shell would work on these? don’t really want to mod my real nintendo controllers
Yeah I don't see why no. It's really the same form factor. There might be some minor adjustment to the inside of whatever custom shell you get but shouldn't be anything too difficult.
how long did you play test them for?
Is this one as good/better than the coveted white Japanese GameCube controller with the dot on the back?
Got NO idea lol. These are solid 3rd party options for some multiplayer mario party/smash nights. It won't be your MAIN controller, but gives your other players the same form factor and general feel.
i jusy ordered a smoke gray controller and it should be here Thursday
WOOO
Are they still working
Yeah, I actually have this controller hanging out in the studio to test GC games and whenever me and Adam want to play some Melee in our freetime! Haven't had any problems so far!
are they good?
@@grayfilms8751 yeah they are
Can you use one of those cheap controllers shell and change the PCB, Stick module and buttons to make a custom PhobGCC one ?
I haven't tried this specifically, but I've found in the past that the third party gamecube controller shells like this one's are usually not quite a 1-to-1 fit with the original PCB, which probably translates to phob PCBs as well. I'd assume it could at least get close to fitting with some work, but I don't think it would be great even if it did fit. The shells also feel much cheaper more often than not, so It wouldn't feel as premium as most OEM or aftermarket GCN shells (many of which can be found for a similar price to this controller).
My sister somehow got me one (official) for $45 for christmas, extremely good condition even after being pre-owned ^_^ great for melee
HECK YEAH!
I ordered this just now in the smoke black color, i'll tell you how it goes when it arrives!
Awesomee
@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade I recieved it thursday and it works great, i used it with nintendont and other emulators and it worked just fine with no drift or input lag. Do you think i can buy replacement shells and custom buttons or would they not fit?
@@jettyzzthey still work
Yeah, I was going to say they probably can! Only thing is they might have some slightly differently shaped PCBs or screw-posts/supports within the shell so you might have to modify a custom shell a little with a Dremel or other lil sandy/cutty device to make sure you don't damage any of the goodies in there, but that would probably be the worst of it
THANK GOD for making this video
Does it have rumble? I couldn't tell from the video
yup!
@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade Fantastic! I've been using cheap amazon ones without rumble and it's just not the same even if everything else works!
Does the one you tested still work as id like to know their life span and durability also how’s the left stick rubber?
Yeah, it's still kicking. I use it to test Gamecube games here. I don't use it super consistently, just whenever the need arises, and that's what I would suggest these for. Mario party/smash nights with your friends every once in awhile and you need another controller. I don't think these would be super great for your standard every-day-play controller as they might wear out faster than an oem or a nicer 3rd party. I haven't noticed any wear on mine, but with the wear and tear of playing with it constantly it's bound to happen with the cheaper plastic. The left stick rubber is fine, no real complaints. The right stick was weirder to me.
@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade what would be the best 3rd party controller? then and thanks
Where can I find these?
You can get a lot of these manufactured by the same place just a different license on amazon and stuff. The main distributor we carry for stuff like this, Old Skool, is the exact same controller and packaging just licensed by a different company. We sell those in store and soon our online store!
@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade okay, So I actually had to type in "Smoke Gray GameCube controllers" just to find the ones in this video, maybe I might try and get one
What’s the best 3rd party GameCube controller then
dang uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Idk, really subjective question. I like the Retrofighters wireless DuelistGC and BattlerGC. Both are really solid and I love that company.
Don't you know Nintendo make brand new one
Bet it costs about 4x as much tho
Man, Madcatz is still getting so much hate from their 20 yo controller.
They DESERVE IT
@@NostalgicVideoGamesArcade wow🤣
Uh damnit I was planning on making my driveway out of GameCube controllers
Probably cost as much as concrete and a contractor nowadays...
I lived in japan last year. before i left, my local gamestore had 5 smash bros gc controllers new in box in the clearance section.
Marked down to 1,500 yen. At that time would be about 10 usd.
I got all them motherfuckers 😅
Luckyyyyyy
me who wants to do comp melee 😭 f it ima just have to spend more on a better one :/
yeeeeeeah for competitive melee you almost NEED an OEM
The trigger comment really seems to worry me.
These are okay they are good for casual games and so much better than the GameStop crap ones
Blister.
Is that the exact size of a gamecube controller so I could swap in a Phob?
This controller does not compare to the original
4:3 much
Wiizer lmao
I made this like 2 years ago on an ink.Jet printer in the office as a joke.And then it became like a thing on tiktok and i'm so mad
Where would you recommend getting an OEM controller and how much do they usually cost?
I mean, I would LOVE to recommend US, but we almost NEVER have an excess of OEM Gamecube controllers. Pretty much every one we get goes back out with a system.
For whatever reason, Gamecube is one of the main systems we tend to get traded in without any controllers.
Honestly, scouting Facebook marketplace and sites like Mercari are where you'll find the best deals; however, you will likely have to do some minor repairs like replacing a C-Stick or button membranes.
If you want to buy one in good working order, local game stores or online resellers who service their products are pretty much your only options. I wouldn't pay more than $30/35 for one that's in really good shape.
eBay, you can find a decent OEM for 30 or so.