As pointed out by Jo Reggelt, Nintendo UK filed some interesting trademarks for the GameCube controller, which even specifically highlights the button layout of the peripheral device. These trademarks were filed as recently as late January 2024.
Needless to say, this has fans speculating that Nintendo could be gearing up to add some of the GameCube’s library to the Nintendo Switch Online subscription. This certainly would be the next step up considering that games like Super Mario 64, Star Fox 64, Yoshi’s Story, GoldenEye 007, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and many more classics from the Nintendo 64 are already available on this paid service.
It’s funny to think that a controller from the sixth generation of gaming consoles has since returned for the Nintendo Wii, the Nintendo Wii U, and the Nintendo Switch. More than likely, the GameCube controller will continue being relevant even after the rumored Nintendo Switch 2 is released.
This is due to the GameCube controller being the preferred input device for most players playing the Super Smash Bros. series as it’s been usable for Super Smash Bros. Melee, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. 4, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The GameCube controller can even be used for Super Smash Bros. 64 when running on the Wii or Wii U’s Virtual Console.
Prior to the announcement of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a software update for the Nintendo Switch enabled compatibility with the Nintendo GameCube controller. Nintendo claimed that this was just a happy accident, but the truth was that compatibility was needed for the purpose of testing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate behind the scenes.
It feels like the announcement for the Nintendo Switch 2 is imminent at this point. Furthermore, Masahiro Sakurai recently made an interesting statement in which he indicated that he’s still creating games despite previously stating that he was semi-retired. He also mentioned that he’ll be stepping away from his YouTube channel at some point this year, prompting speculation from fans that he may be ramping up development for his next video game project.
As things stand, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has sold over 33.67 million units worldwide, making it the third best-selling title on the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo is likely going to want to continue the success of the Super Smash Bros. series, and it’s been noted several times that Masahiro Sakurai is the only person that can act as the series’ director for the time being.
Needless to say, the filing of these GameCube controller trademarks certainly has a promising implication for the Super Smash Bros. series considering how intertwined the controller’s history is with the series. Of course, we’ll ultimately have to wait and see how things play out.
Some Nintendo Trademarks were filed this week in the UK… pic.twitter.com/z04e5MYg9p
— Jo Reggelt (@Jo_Reggelt) January 27, 2024