Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch players can get a new GameCube-inspired wireless controller with Hall Effect sticks, remappable back buttons, trigger locks, and more customizable features for its lowest price yet. The purple NYXI Warrior Lite Wireless Controller is up for grabs for $42.74 (was $50) at Amazon. It’s not a massive discount, but for a controller with full support for Nintendo Switch 2 that just released last month, it’s a notable offer that’s worth checking out. that just released last month and has full compatibility with Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo’s official GameCube controller for Switch 2 is terrific, but its dedication to authenticity makes it less ideal for modern games. The Warrior Lite is one of several third-party controllers that can be used for modern games without any concessions or inconveniences.
$42.74 (was $50)
Key Features
- Bluetooth Wireless: Switch 2, Switch, PC, Mobile
- Hall Effect sticks and triggers
- Modern trigger and bumper design
- Adjustable trigger locks
- Two remappable back buttons
- Swappable back button module
- Swappable sticks and gates
- Microswitch face buttons
- 8-way microswitch D-pad
- 6-axis gyroscope for motion controls
- Adjustable dual-rumble motors
- Up to 5 hours of battery life
The Warrior Lite replicates the general shape, layout, and color scheme of the original GameCube controller. It’s a bit chunkier and wider than the real thing, so it doesn’t have the same exact form factor, but it adds several compelling features that make it a versatile option for GameCube games on Switch Online as well as modern Nintendo games.
Beyond offering conventional bumpers and triggers, the Warrior Lite has two remappable back buttons. The right and left back buttons have a one-piece panel design that can be removed and switched with an alternate panel inside the box. The main difference between the two styles of back buttons is that one of them is textured and slightly raised for increased tactile feedback.
The Warrior Lite is equipped with anti-drift Hall Effect sticks. The right stick mimics the GameCube’s yellow C-stick, but you can swap it out for a yellow stick with a more conventional, larger grip. Similarly, you can switch between octagonal stick gates inspired by the GameCube controller and regular stick gates with a circular range of motion.
Face buttons, the 8-way D-pad, and shoulder bumpers are actuated by microswitches, giving them a mouse-click feel. Like the sticks, the triggers are activated with Hall Effect sensors, and can be set at two different stopping points with the locking switches on the back. Other core features include built-in, adjustable rumble and 6-axis motion controls.
The main downside here is battery life, as the Lite version has a smaller battery that only runs for up to five hours on a full charge. Like many Bluetooth controllers for Switch 2 and Switch, you can use the Warrior Lite on PC, mobile, Steam Deck, and other devices.
$69 | Adds support for original GameCube hardware
Key Features:
- Bluetooth Wireless: Switch 2, Switch, PC, Mobile
- 2.4GHz Wireless: GameCube, Wii, PC
- Connects wirelessly via Bluetooth
- Hall Effect sticks and triggers
- Modern trigger and bumper design
- Adjustable trigger locks
- Two remappable back buttons
- Swappable back button module
- Swappable sticks and gates
- Microswitch face buttons
- 8-way microswitch D-pad
- 6-axis gyroscope for motion controls
- Adjustable dual-rumble motors
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
NYXI released the original Warrior controller last year. The Warrior has the added benefit of working as a wireless controller on actual GameCube and Wii hardware. The included 2.4GHz receiver plugs into the GameCube’s controller port and can also be used on PC with the included USB adapter. The Warrior also has a larger battery that can run for up to 10 hours between charges, which is a nice perk.
The Warrior comes in three different colors–purple, orange, and black–though only purple is still in stock at Amazon.
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GameCube-style Controllers for Switch 2 & Switch
From a customization perspective, the Warrior lineup is the most impressive GameCube-style controller we’ve tried, but there are other GameCube controllers for Switch 2 that offer a more authentic experience. As mentioned, Nintendo’s new wireless GameCube controller for Switch 2 is as close to the original as you’ll find. It feels almost exactly like the original, just without the cable and with a few extra small buttons on the top: C button for GameChat, home/menu buttons, and a small ZL button to make up for the fact the GameCube controller only had one shoulder button. But while this is best option for GameCube games on Switch Online, the aforementioned tiny ZL button makes it less than ideal for modern games.
Officially licensed GameCube-style controllers from PowerA and Hori add Nintendo-inspired designs and have modernized shoulder and trigger layouts. The form factor of these controllers is closer to the original GameCube controller, as they have slimmer profiles compared to the NYXI Warrior.
NYXI is also soon releasing an updated version of its Wizard controller with TMR electromagnetic sticks. The Wizard replaces the Joy-Con controllers on the original Switch and Switch OLED in handheld mode, but the left and right sides can connect together as a wireless controller in docked mode. It’s important to note, however, that the Wizard 2 will only work in handheld mode on original Switch consoles. It’s not available on Amazon yet, but you can preorder the upcoming controller for $80 directly from NYXI. The original Wizard controller is no longer available to purchase.
Looking for a conventional Switch 2 controller? Check out our roundup of 8BitDo Switch 2 controllers. And if you’ll frequently be playing in handheld mode, consider the GameSir G8 Plus Galileo, which is a compelling alternative to the Joy-Con 2 Controllers that also offers support for mobile devices. NYXI also makes a conventional wireless controller with customization features, which you can check out below.
$40 (was $50)
Key features
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections
- Supports PC, Switch 2, iOS, Android
- Hall Effect sticks
- Adjustable trigger locks
- Two remappable back buttons
- Rated for up to 3 million clicks
- Mute and volume controls
- Adjustable RGB lights
The Master P1 is currently on sale for just $40 (was $50). Compatible with Switch 2, PC, and mobile, it’s equipped with Hall Effect sticks for added durability and drift resistance, two back buttons, trigger locks, and built-in mute and volume controls. It looks pretty slick too, with adjustable RGB lights and an all-black design. Check it out if you need an affordable controller that works across both Switch 2 and PC.
