Switch 2 Hinted in New Nintendo Trademarks

Recent Nintendo filings have sparked excitement among fans, hinting at a possible new GameCube controller. This controller could be designed for playing GameCube classics through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service on the upcoming Switch 2.

As reported by Nintendo Life, a new FCC filing from Nintendo for a "game controller" aligns with the Switch 2, and clues suggest it's a wireless Bluetooth model.

Online investigators (Famiboards) later examined the filing and noted that an image showing a label location matches the back of a GameCube controller, where the label sits behind the C-Stick.

While this might turn out to be a Switch 2 Pro Controller, current speculation leans toward its use with Nintendo's Switch Online service, which already offers wireless classic controllers for retro gaming.

This has led fans to wonder about a GameCube library arriving on Nintendo Switch Online. There has been a long-standing demand for GameCube classics on the Switch, though Nintendo has primarily focused on re-releasing NES, SNES, N64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy titles. Could the Switch 2 finally bring GameCube games back in a major way?

The Switch 2 was initially revealed in January with a short trailer confirming backwards compatibility and a second USB-C port. Most specifics, like its game lineup and the purpose of the mysterious new button on the Joy-Con, were not shared, though the Joy-Con mouse theory did become popular.

Last month, a Nintendo patent indicated the Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers might be attachable upside down. It appears the Switch 2 uses gyro mechanics akin to how phones function without screen rotation lock. Unlike the original Switch's locking rail system, the new controllers seem to use magnets, potentially allowing attachment on either side.

While this change may not dramatically alter the hardware, it would let players choose where to position certain buttons, the headphone port, and other features. If it makes it to the final design, this flipping capability could also inspire novel gameplay mechanics.

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Analysts estimate the Switch 2 will cost around $400, though some predictions go as high as $500. June has been suggested as a potential release month.

Much remains unknown about the Switch 2, but Nintendo has scheduled a Direct for April 2 where more console details are expected.

While we await further news, Metroid Prime Remastered provides an excellent taste of GameCube nostalgia on the current Nintendo Switch.