The Nintendo Switch 2 was finally officially revealed back in January. However, we still have to wait until that Nintendo Switch 2 focused Direct scheduled for April to get more concrete details about the system.
Leading up to this reveal, many of the rumors and leaks regarding the Switch 2 that were dropped were determined to be true. As a result, the Switch 2 could now be amusingly recognized as being the gaming industry’s worst kept secret. Even still, the fanbase is keeping a close eye out for additional leaks prior to the upcoming Direct.
As a result, fans have taken notice of a new FCC filing (via Pokemaniac on Famiboards) made by Nintendo. This appears to be for a wireless device associated with the label “BEE-021,” which is likely to be the product label.
It’s important to note that the Switch 1’s label prefix has typically been “HAC.” Since this is using a unique label prefix, it’s believed that this is specifically for the Switch 2.
Additionally, the awkward positioning of the label only seems to make sense when placed on the shape of a GameCube controller. Like with the original GameCube controller, it’s been placed on the backside of the C-Stick.
It’s important to note that the wireless aspect of the peripheral suggests that this is likely for the Nintendo Switch Online. In other words, the GameCube library might be coming exclusively to the Switch 2.
If this is true, then we have to imagine that Super Smash Bros. Melee will eventually make its way to the Switch 2 as well. This is due to how Super Smash Bros. Melee was the best-selling game on the GameCube, having sold 7.41 million units to this day.
Of course, this is the game that had Masahiro Sakurai working 13 months straight without a single day off. His typical work schedule had him working 40 hours straight, followed by just four hours of sleep, before returning to work for the next 40 hours. Needless to say, the experience eventually resulted in Sakurai collapsing and going to the hospital.
Regardless, this renewed focus on the GameCube controller is certainly interesting for fans of the Super Smash Bros. series. Typically, the rerelease of the GameCube controller for a new console has been the telltale sign that a new entry in the franchise is in production.
Prior to the announcement of the Switch 2, Masahiro Sakurai revealed that he had been working on a secret game project since April 2022. He apparently completed the requested game proposal “at lightning speed” back in July 2021 while he was still juggling the Kazuya and Sora DLC for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Considering the success of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Switch (35.88 million sales thus far), it certainly seems like it would be in Nintendo’s best interest to have an entry in the series featured on the Switch 2. Could this be what Sakurai has been working on since April 2022?
We’ll just have to see what comes of all of this as things get officially announced.
Source: Event Hubs
