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Can you play Zelda Tears of the Kingdom on a Gamecube controller?

Updated: May 12, 2023 3:09 pm
Can you play Zelda Tears of the Kingdom on a Gamecube controller?

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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is finally available and while many will be enjoying the game using their joy-cons, some will be looking to use their Gamecube controller. While not every Nintendo Switch game is compatible with the Gamecube controller, most of them are.

A while back, Nintendo released an adapter to help those who want to use older controllers on their Switch consoles. Since the technology is available, can you play The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on a Gamecube Controller?

Can you play The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom with a Gamecube controller?

In short, you can use a Gamecube controller to run around as Link in Tears of the Kingdom. Just like past games like Ocarina of Time and Breath of the Wild, you can use the Gamecube controller as if Tears of the Kingdom is another Gamecube game in your collection.

Fans who want to use their retro controllers will simply need to purchase the Gamecube controller adapter. The same adapter that was made for the Wii U also works for the Nintendo Switch. It plugs into the console through the USB ports on the dock.

Those who want to stick to a more modern way of playing the game can use a Nintendo Switch pro controller as well. Either controller has a good ergonomic design that first the hands better than the joy-cons. You can even use wireless controllers.

There will obviously be a slight change in button layout depending on what controller you use. Swinging Link’s weapons or activating his new abilities may take some getting used to but the option is there for those who want to try it.

Those who emulate the game on PC can also use the controller adapter to their advantage. Just remember the Gamecube controllers don’t have an Amiibo scanner.


Aden is an avid gamer with a love for RPGs. He isn't afraid to scour the dungeon or raid the castle.

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