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Editors at Squaredtech closely track gaming hardware launches, and Abxylute’s latest controller immediately stands out. The company’s GameCube Switch 2 controller, known as the N9C, revives a beloved 2001 classic for Nintendo’s next console—this time redesigned for modern handheld play. With the Nintendo Switch 2 arriving this year and offering backward compatibility, Abxylute moves fast to fill a gap left by stock Joy-Cons. Drift, cramped grips, and long-session discomfort have frustrated players for years. This controller aims to fix all of it. Kickstarter backers will get early access, and expectations are already high.
Abxylute’s GameCube Switch 2 Controller N9C Revives Retro Layout
Abxylute first made its mark with the M4 magnetic mobile gamepad, a MagSafe snap-on accessory for iPhone gaming. Now the company is targeting Nintendo Switch 2 with two new controllers: the N6 and the N9C. Both connect directly to the console’s bottom USB-C port, drawing power straight from the system. No batteries. No charging breaks. Just continuous play.
The N9C is the headline act. Abxylute essentially split a GameCube controller in half and attached each side to the Switch 2’s edges. The result feels instantly familiar. Purple and orange color options match the original GameCube controller exactly, tapping straight into early-2000s nostalgia without looking outdated.
The layout faithfully recreates the GameCube design. Large A, B, X, and Y buttons form the iconic diamond. The yellow C-stick handles camera control, while digital triggers provide sharp, immediate feedback. Mechanical micro-switches under the ABXY buttons add a crisp click with every press. Capacitive joysticks detect movement without physical wear, reducing long-term failure. A dedicated C button launches GameChat instantly, tying the controller directly into Switch 2’s ecosystem.
Nintendo added GameCube titles to Switch Online last year, including F-Zero GX and Luigi’s Mansion. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate continues to favor GameCube-style inputs, especially among competitive players. Abxylute leans into that legacy. The N9C’s right joystick features a swappable octagonal gate, limiting movement to eight directions. For Smash players, this means cleaner tilts, tighter recoveries, and more consistent combos.
GameCube controllers defined competitive Melee play. Pros like Mango and Armada mastered the oct-gate for frame-perfect execution, and modern Ultimate players still rely on that precision. The N9C brings that feel to handheld gaming—something Joy-Cons never delivered. Their small size forces awkward grips, and drift remains a costly issue, with Nintendo charging around $70 for replacements. Abxylute positions the N9C as a long-term solution, not a temporary fix.
Nostalgia drives interest, but this isn’t just a display piece. Early renders show premium plastic finishes and balanced weight. At roughly 280 grams total, the N9C closely mirrors the feel of original GameCube controllers. It stabilizes the console without adding bulk, making long handheld sessions comfortable and travel-friendly.
The N9C connects via Bluetooth with latency under 5ms. Switch 2 firmware supports custom controllers natively, and Abxylute has tested performance across handheld and docked modes. USB-C power pass-through enables hours-long sessions. Fans praise the split design for expanding the console’s footprint without sacrificing portability. Competitive players can train inputs anywhere, not just at home.
Abxylute’s GameCube Switch 2 Controller N6 Brings Modern Upgrades
Alongside the N9C, Abxylute offers the N6 controller for players who prefer a modern layout. The N6 features an asymmetrical design, with the left joystick handling movement and the right controlling the camera. It replaces Joy-Cons entirely while keeping the split form factor.
Hall effect joysticks eliminate drift by using magnets instead of physical contact. Where Joy-Cons often fail after months, these sticks are designed to last for years. Thicker grips fill adult hands properly, solving one of Nintendo’s longest-running ergonomic complaints. Rubber membrane ABXY buttons soften clicks and feel closer to Xbox-style inputs, while digital triggers deliver instant response for shooters.
Two customizable back buttons allow macro mapping directly on the controller—no companion app required. Players can assign repeated jumps, item usage, or complex sequences on the fly. Abxylute also includes an unexpected audio upgrade. A built-in resonance chamber redirects sound upward from the Switch 2’s speakers, boosting low frequencies by around 10 percent. Zelda soundtracks hit harder, Mario Kart engines sound deeper, and shooters like Splatoon 3 benefit from clearer positional audio.
Third-party Joy-Con alternatives have existed since drift lawsuits surfaced in 2019. Accessories like the CRKD Nitro Deck improved comfort but stopped short of innovation. Abxylute pushes further. The N6 adds hall effect sticks, back buttons, thicker grips, and enhanced audio in one package. Motion controls pass through intact, HD Rumble works across both halves, and Amiibo readers remain accessible.
Pricing hasn’t been revealed, but expectations range between $80 and $100 based on features. Kickstarter tiers are expected to offer bundle options.
Abxylute’s GameCube Switch 2 Controller Impacts Nintendo Gaming
Together, the N9C and N6 represent two clear strategies. The N9C targets die-hard GameCube fans and competitive Smash players who still rely on that classic layout. The N6 serves mainstream players who want comfort, durability, and modern features without compromise.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to launch in March 2026, with leaks pointing to an 8-inch OLED display and performance roughly double that of the Steam Deck. Stock Joy-Cons cost around $75 and remain prone to drift. Repairs can reach $40 per stick. Over time, either Abxylute controller pays for itself.
LAN events already showcase custom builds, Twitch streams highlight oct-gate precision, and travel cases fit the full setup easily. Abxylute’s earlier M4 gamepad sold over 20,000 units, giving the brand credibility heading into this launch.
Future firmware updates appear likely, including profile support, app-based customization, and potential RGB lighting. Swappable gates and support for future Switch 2 Pro models could follow.
Squaredtech editors see Abxylute as one of the most compelling third-party accessory makers heading into the Switch 2 era. The company isn’t just fixing Joy-Con flaws—it’s redefining how handheld gaming should feel.
Back Abxylute’s GameCube Switch 2 controller and transform handheld play. For many players, Joy-Cons may finally be ready to retire.
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