Several top GameCube-inspired controllers, compatible with Nintendo Switch, the upcoming Switch 2, and PC, are currently available at their lowest prices of the year on Amazon. NYXI`s Warrior and Wizard wireless controllers cleverly blend the classic GameCube design with contemporary features such as Hall Effect joysticks, customizable back buttons, microswitch triggers, and various other personalization options.
The Warrior Lite Bluetooth Controller, launched earlier this year, sports the iconic purple color scheme reminiscent of the GameCube. Originally priced at $50, this versatile gamepad can now be purchased for just $40, an unprecedented low price.
For those desiring 2.4GHz wireless compatibility with original GameCube and Wii consoles—along with PC via an included adapter—the Warrior model is available for $55 (reduced from $69).
Here’s a quick overview of the currently discounted NYXI models:
- NYXI Warrior Lite Wireless Controller (Purple) – $40 (
$50) - NYXI Warrior Wireless Controller – $55 (
$69)- Available Colors: Purple, Orange, Black
- NYXI Wizard Wireless Controller – $56 (
$70)- Available Colors: Purple, Orange, Black, Silver
After being largely out of stock for most of the year, the NYXI Wizard has returned and is now discounted to $56 (from $70). For the original Switch and Switch OLED, the Wizard can replace your Joy-Cons in handheld mode. It also functions as a standard wireless controller for both Switch and Switch 2 when its two sides are connected to the included bridge. However, it is important to note that the Wizard is not compatible with Switch 2 in handheld mode.
We have extensively tested the Warrior Lite, Warrior, and Wizard on Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, and PC. Below is a detailed breakdown of each model.
NYXI Warrior Lite Wireless Controller
$40 (originally $50)
Key Features:
- Bluetooth Wireless: Compatible with Switch 2, Switch, PC, Mobile
- Hall Effect sticks and triggers for precision and longevity
- Modern trigger and bumper design
- Adjustable trigger locks
- Two remappable back buttons
- Swappable back button module for tactile preference
- Swappable sticks and gates (octagonal or circular)
- Microswitch face buttons for crisp feedback
- 8-way microswitch D-pad
- 6-axis gyroscope for motion controls
- Adjustable dual-rumble motors for immersive feedback
- Turbo function
- Up to 5 hours of battery life
The Warrior Lite mirrors the general shape, button layout, and color scheme of the classic GameCube controller. While slightly bulkier and wider than the original, it incorporates several compelling features, making it a versatile choice for GameCube titles on Switch Online and contemporary Nintendo games.
Beyond standard bumpers and triggers, the Warrior Lite includes two remappable back buttons. These left and right back buttons feature a one-piece panel design, which can be swapped with an alternative textured and slightly raised panel for enhanced tactile feedback.
Equipped with anti-drift Hall Effect sticks, the right stick emulates the GameCube’s yellow C-stick, but can be replaced with a more conventional, larger yellow stick. Similarly, users can choose between octagonal stick gates, inspired by the GameCube controller, and standard circular gates.
The face buttons, 8-way D-pad, and shoulder bumpers all use microswitches, providing a satisfying click similar to a mouse. The triggers, like the sticks, feature Hall Effect sensors and can be adjusted to two different stopping points using locking switches on the back. Other core functionalities include built-in, adjustable rumble and 6-axis motion controls.
A notable drawback of the Lite version is its battery life, offering only up to five hours on a full charge due to a smaller battery. Like many Bluetooth controllers for Switch 2 and Switch, the Warrior Lite is also usable with PC, mobile devices, Steam Deck, and other platforms.
NYXI Warrior Wireless Controller
$55 (originally $69) | Includes support for original GameCube hardware
Key Features:
- Bluetooth Wireless: Compatible with Switch 2, Switch, PC, Mobile
- 2.4GHz Wireless: Supports GameCube, Wii, PC
- Available in Purple, Orange, Black
- 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
- Turbo function
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
The original Warrior controller was released by NYXI last year. A key advantage of the Warrior is its ability to function as a wireless controller with actual GameCube and Wii hardware. It comes with a 2.4GHz receiver that plugs into the GameCube’s controller port and can also be used with PC via an included USB adapter. Additionally, the Warrior boasts a larger battery, providing up to 10 hours of playtime per charge, a significant improvement.
While the Warrior Lite is exclusively available in purple, the original Warrior offers purple, black, and orange color options, all of which are included in Amazon`s discount.
NYXI Wizard Nintendo Switch Wireless Controller
$56 (originally $70) | Switch 2 – Docked Only / Switch – Handheld & Docked
Key Features:
- Replaces Joy-Cons in handheld mode on Switch & Switch OLED
- Bluetooth Wireless: Compatible with Switch 2, Switch, PC, Mobile
- Available in Purple, Black, Silver, Orange
- Hall Effect sticks
- Mechanical triggers and bumpers
- Two remappable back buttons
- Octagonal and round stick gates included
- Illuminated ABXY buttons
- 4-way D-pad
- 6-axis gyroscope for motion controls
- Adjustable dual-rumble motors
- Turbo function
- 6-8 hours of battery life
The NYXI Wizard functions with the Nintendo Switch 2, but only in docked or tabletop modes. For the original Switch and Switch OLED, the Wizard can replace your Joy-Cons for handheld play. Its left and right sections detach from the central bridge and connect to the console using sliding mechanisms. The Switch 2, however, uses a magnetic connection for its updated Joy-Con 2 controllers, rendering the Wizard incompatible for portable play with the new console.
If your primary intent is to purchase a GameCube-style controller specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2, most users would find the Warrior or Warrior Lite more suitable. However, if you regularly use both consoles, the Wizard might be the more appealing choice due to its versatility. There are a few key distinctions between the Warrior and Wizard controllers.
The Wizard features slimmer, mechanical triggers and bumpers. Unlike the Warrior, it lacks dual trigger modes; all four shoulder buttons are activated by microswitches. While these feel excellent, they don`t offer the traditional trigger pull action available on the Warrior. Its two integrated, textured back buttons are ergonomically placed and provide a great feel.
The ABXY face button labels offer customizable lighting effects, a neat aesthetic addition. However, these buttons and the 4-way D-pad utilize traditional membranes instead of microswitches.
Regardless of the base color chosen, the Wizard comes with one gray and one yellow Hall Effect stick. Both round and octagonal stick gates are included. If you prefer the smaller C-sticks, you`ll need to purchase a separate thumbstick kit from NYXI for $10, unless you already own one of the Warrior controllers, as they use identical sticks and gates.
Additional features include 6-axis motion controls, adjustable rumble, and turbo buttons on each side. Its battery life falls between that of the Warrior and Warrior Lite.
It`s important to note that NYXI recently released the Wizard 2. Similar to the original Wizard, the second-generation model is compatible with handheld mode on Switch and Switch OLED. If purchased for Switch 2, it will only function in TV (docked) mode. The Wizard 2 boasts upgraded TMR joysticks, dual trigger modes, and microswitch face buttons. Essentially, NYXI has integrated several features from its newer Warrior controllers into the Wizard 2. The Wizard 2 is priced at $90 and has not yet received any discounts.
More GameCube-Style Controllers for Switch & Switch 2
- Official Nintendo GameCube Controller (Switch 2) – $70
- PowerA Wireless Controller (Toad) – $70
- PowerA Wired Controller (Bowser) – $20 (
$28) - Hori Wireless Controller (Zelda) – $50
- Hori Wired Controller (Mario) – $29
- Hori Wired Controller (Zelda) – $33
From a customization standpoint, the Warrior series stands out as the most impressive GameCube-style controller we`ve encountered. However, other GameCube controllers for Switch 2 offer a more traditional and authentic experience. As previously mentioned, Nintendo’s wireless GameCube controller for Switch 2 is remarkably close to the original. It provides an almost identical feel, but without the cable, and includes a few small additional buttons: a C button for GameChat, home/menu buttons, and a small ZL button to compensate for the original GameCube controller having only one shoulder button. While this is the optimal choice for GameCube games on Switch Online, the diminutive ZL button makes it less ideal for modern titles.
Regrettably, the price of the official Nintendo Switch Online GameCube controller recently increased to $70.
Officially licensed GameCube-style controllers from PowerA and Hori feature Nintendo-themed designs and modernized shoulder and trigger layouts. These controllers maintain a form factor closer to the original GameCube controller, with slimmer profiles compared to the NYXI Warrior. PowerA also recently increased the price of its GameCube-style controller to $70.
If you are looking for more conventional Switch 2 or PC controllers, consider exploring the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 and the new 8BitDo Pro 3 Wireless Controllers, both of which are also discounted this weekend.