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The GameCube is the best “failed” console to ever hit the market. The system’s first-party line-up and interesting assortment of third-party exclusives made it a compelling system to own during its original run, and even more so today. Adding to the versatility of the system, Nintendo released the Game Boy Player add-on, allowing players to enjoy the fullline-up of Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance titleson the TV. As amazing as this capability remains to this day, using the GameCube controller for extended Game Boy play has never been the greatest.
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It is possible to physically connect a Game Boy Advance to the system with a GameCube to GBA adapterand play games that way, but the smaller D-pads are still less than ideal. This leaves dedicated D-pad-focused options as the best possible add-on to make the Game Boy Player experience the best it can be.Retro-Bit, which has released a number of cool video add-ons for the system, has just released one such option with the Legacy GC, and it is hands down the best available today!
Retro-Bit Legacy GC For GameCube
The Retro-Bit Legacy GC is the perfect controller for playing your Game Boy library on a GameCube through the Game Boy Player attachment! With included macros to swap the D-pad functionality to either GameCube analog stick, the Legacy GC makes a great fighting game controller as well.
Aesthetics And Build Quality
As the Legacy name implies, the Legacy GC bears a close resemblance to the USB Legacy 16 controllers Retro-Bit released for the Switch and PC back in 2021. The Super Nintendo-inspired shape and shoulder buttons, larger D-pad, and traditional GameCube face buttons make a great first impression for it to be used as a Game Boy Player controller. The best alteration made to the Legacy design for this controller however is its added ergonomic grip. Two slightly beveled edges on the pad don’t seem like they would do much, but they are a true game-changer during longer play sessions.
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Diving a little deeper there are a number of extra touches that are a true delight. First is the inclusion of a Select button which is not present on original GameCube controllers. Next are a pair of extra shoulder buttons taking the ZR, ZL naming convention. And finally, Turbo and Clear buttons take up the space above Start and Select. Rounding out the Legacy GC’s design is a ten-foot cable, giving players tons of room to maneuver depending on the gaming setup. As for the overall build quality of the controller, it is remarkably strong and, thanks to its compact design, feels solid in the hands despite its lighter weight. Everyday wear and tear are no problem for the controller, ensuring it will be ready to play for years to come!
Gameplay
While the Legacy GC is certainly a good-looking controller, its performance in-game is no slouch. Diving into theGame Boy line-upwas nothing but a treat regardless of title or genre. The Legacy GC D-pad is excellent, with each direction registering correctly and promptly. It is further amplified by its rollability, making it great for GBA racing and fighting games. Face buttons likewise register as pressed with no signs of a dropped input to be found after numerous sessions and games. The Super Nintendo-style R and L buttons are another highlight for the Legacy GC, as they make games that rely on them heavily far more comfortable over extended periods of time. TheMega Man Zerogames are an easy example to point to for why these types of shoulder buttons are important compared to the cruddy nubs found on aGBA SPor the more recent Analogue Pocket. Quick repeated use also blows away what a standard GameCube controller is capable of with its analog triggers.
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As for the added Select button previously mentioned, it feels great to have it in a layout that is more traditional to Game Boy systems. On the original GameCube controller, the lack of a Select button made it a necessity to map the input to the X button for it to be used during play. The Legacy GC mirrors the X button to the Select button to achieve its preferable layout. There are instances where the X button might still be preferable, such asMega Man Xtremewhere a dash command can be registered to it. As for the new ZL and ZR buttons, they both take on the role of the GameCube’s Z button, letting you use either to access the Game Boy Player’s options menu. Turbo functionality is also a gift for shmups and other quick press titles. Mashing might not be as easy for some players these days compared to the early 2000s. Having options available for preferred play styles is a huge plus for the Legacy GC!
Even though the Legacy GC’s main use case for most players will likely be forplaying Game Boy titles, this doesn’t stop it from being an excellent controller option for D-pad-focused GameCube Titles. Any number of fighting, racing, sports, or puzzle games greatly benefit from the larger D-pad and form factor.Soul Calibur IIis a downright blast to play with the enhanced precision of a D-pad. TheTony Hawkfranchise likewise is best suited for a D-pad. Thanks to its built-in macro system letting the D-pad functions change between both of the GameCube’s analog sticks and D-pad, compatibility extends to analog-only titles, such asSuper Smash Bros. Melee.This gives the Legacy GC an insane amount of usability with the GameCube library. Sadly, players will miss out on analog triggers, but for the types of games best suited to the controller, this shouldn’t really be a problem.
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But the GameCube isn’t the only system that can take advantage of the Legacy GC, as it is also fully compatible with the Nintendo Wii! Like the GameCube, any number of D-pad-focused titles are a treat to enjoy as well as any single stick games that could be played with a GameCube controller. Because of its GameCube connection, the Legacy GC compatibility extends further with support for the Wii U GameCube Controller Adapter. This lets the controller work forSuper Smash Bros. for Wii Uand theNintendo Switchthat natively supports the adapter for most titles. Playing the SNES app is a hilarious example, but the GC button layout makes it a bit less than ideal.Link’s Awakeningremake was far better suited to the controller as well as theGame Boy apps.
What It Could Have Done Better
As great as the Legacy GC is, it isn’t without its quirks. When the controller is plugged in it defaults to the D-pad registering as the GameCube’s left analog stick. While not a problem in most use cases, there are times when a game can only use the D-pad for input, making it appear that the controller isn’t functioning. Swapping to D-pad mode clears up the problem. On a build quality level, the D-pad and face buttons are a bit loud when pressed and come close to feeling a bit too stiff. It isn’t deal-breaking but does lower the perceived quality a bit.
Conclusion
While the Retro-Bit Legacy GC isn’t the first SNES-inspired pad to grace the GameCube, it is certainly the best option available today. The Hori Digital pad from back in the day is obscenely priced and reserved only for the most die-hard of collectors. Old Skool’s more recent attempt was also lacking with its D-pad performance requiring modification to get the best results possible. Retro-Bit’s offering is well priced with performance to match. While a D-pad-focused GameCube controller is more of a niche input option for the system, any player that frequents theGame Boy libraryneeds to pick one up for the best gameplay experience possible!
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The Retro-Bit Legacy GC is easily the best Game Boy Player controller, but there are other options worth considering.
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FAQ
Q: Is the Retro-Bit Legacy GC worth owning?
At the asking price of $19.99, the Retro-Bit Legacy GC makes for the perfect companion controller for the GameCube’s Game Boy Player add-on.
Q: What colors does the Retro-Bit Legacy GC come in?
The Retro-Bit Legacy GC is available in Black and Indigo color schemes.
Q: Is a D-pad-focused GameCube controller worth owning?
If a player frequents the Game Boy Player add-on, retro compilations, puzzle, and fighting games found within the GameCube library a D-pad-focused controller is a must for the best possible experience with the system.
