Nintendo confirmed that the new Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller ($64.99) will be available for purchase on May 13 at the My Nintendo Store for paid Nintendo Switch Online members. From May 8 to May 12, players who signed up for Nintendo Switch 2 early purchase access invites will be able to purchase the GameCube controller early.
It’s worth noting that the controller is optional, and a system update and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership is required to access Nintendo GameCube games on Nintendo Switch 2. At launch, F-ZERO GX, SoulCalibur II, and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker will be available on the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics app.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84.99) takes 50% less time (3 hours) to fully charge compared to the original Pro Controller (6 hours). The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller also ships with a smaller 1070mAh capacity lithium battery, which is smaller than the original controller’s larger 1300mAh capacity. However, the smaller capacity doesn’t mean less battery life, as both controllers have the same 40-hour battery life on a single full charge. What’s more, the new Pro Controller is lighter at 235 grams, compared to the original’s weight at 246 grams.
Nintendo Switch 2 will launch with a $449.99 MSRP, and a bundle will be available for $499.99 featuring Mario Kart World. Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 at Best Buy, Walmart and Target will also open on April 24 at 12:00 a.m. EDT. Any pre-orders made before 8:00 a.m. local time on June 4 at Walmart are eligible for free delivery by 9:00 a.m. local time on June 5. Moreover, My Best Buy Plus and Total members can get a $20 certificate for every $150 spent on Nintendo Switch 2 games and gear, for up to $100 in certificates.
