Over the years, the Nintendo Switch has built up a robust library. One device that has access to many retro classics, ranging from the NES to the GameCube. While the availability of games is convenient, many itch for a more authentic experience. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a great option, however it lacks many of the nuances of past controllers. Nintendo did release a GameCube adapter that allows original controllers to be used, however, it is limited to being wired to a docked console. DOYOKY sought to create a wireless GameCube-style controller that offers ease of use, regardless of playstyle, with their DOYOKY Retro Game Controller for Nintendo Switch.
A Diverse Arrangement
The DOYOKY Retro Game Controller includes everything needed to game right away. The box contains a left and right controller, a charging grip, four interchangeable thumbstick caps, and a USB-C charging cable. The controller functions similarly to a Pro Controller when attached to the charging grip. They can also be used without the grip, as the individual controllers function like official Joy-Con. This means they can also be slotted onto the Switch and used in Handheld Mode. The inclusion of 4 additional thumb grips provides additional customization, allowing options for those who prefer symmetrical sticks, as well as longevity replacements.
A Modern Take On A Classic Controller
DOYOKY’s Retro Game Controller is available in three color options; silver, purple, and black. These colors mimic the available GameCube variants from back in the day. Visually the controller is very similar to an official GameCube Wavebird, with some caveats. Both analog sticks use a Hall Effect sensor, which remedies the infamous stick drift many controllers are plagued with. Both analog sticks are housed within an octagonal gate, giving that authentic GameCube feel. The face buttons remain identical, however the Start/Pause has been separated into the Switch’s Plus and Minus and moved to the top inner center of each controller. The Switch’s additional Home and Screenshot buttons have also been added underneath, to allow full functionality. Each controller half contains additional buttons, not found on Nintendo’s offerings. This includes an M button, a Turbo button, additional L4/R4 back bumpers, and L and R bumpers to replace the GameCube’s Z button.
Left Controller, Charging Grip, and Right Controller Disassembled.
Playing With Power
The controller’s additional L4/R4 back bumpers can be mapped with the face buttons, however there are some limitations. Each bumper can only be mapped to a button on the corresponding side. L4 can only be mapped to L, ZL, 3L, or the D-Pad. R4 can be mapped to R, ZR, 3R, A, B, X, and Y. The Turbo functionality is similarly locked to either the left or right arrangement of buttons. While a bit disappointing, it makes sense given each half is technically its own controller. The Turbo button also functions as a way to adjust haptic feedback. Pressing the Turbo button and moving the analog stick left or right will toggle through the 3 available vibration levels.
Back Section of Controller
Fashion Over Feel
While the DOYOKY Retro Controller looks like a GameCube controller, the feel is slightly off. DOYOKY’s controller is a little wider than the official GameCube, to account for the charging grip. The controller is also a bit lighter than the Wavebird, weighing approximately 20 grams less than an official Wavebird without the batteries. The Retro Controller really could have benefitted from some additional weight, as the lightness makes it feel somewhat cheaper. Thankfully the Analog sticks themselves feel great. Movement is very smooth, and having an octagonal gate allows for more a more authentic GameCube feeling eight-directional movement.
Comparing The DOYOKY Retro Game Controller With An Official GameCube Wavebird
Buttons Up
Another issue the DOYOKY Retro Controller has lies within its face buttons. While the Y and X buttons have a similar feel to Nintendo’s official GameCube controller, the A and B buttons do not. Both buttons have a mushy feel, with a loud click. While the B button functioned alright, despite the noise, the same could not be said for the A button. While the button is responsive on a single press, pushing it down repeatedly results in many presses failing to register. This makes performing actions such as a double jump in 3D platformers, or button combinations in fighting games, a bit difficult to pull off. Given that the A button is the largest face button, the issue is likely due to an underlying contact issue with the activator switch on the internal board. DOYOKY’s technical team is aware of the issue and working on a fix.
Final Thoughts
DOYOKY set out to create an alternative to the Switch Joy-Cons, that offers a retro feel. There are certainly more comfortable controllers on the market, ones with a more modern feel, however those cater to a different market. The Retro Controller was created to evoke nostalgia in those who grew up with the Nintendo GameCube. While the controller itself does a great job replicating Nintendo’s original controller, it feels substantially cheaper than the Nintendo original. That said, DOYOKY is open to feedback and aims to update the controller to ensure it offers a better experience going forward.
The DOYOKY Retro Controller for Nintendo Switch is available now for $64.99 on DOYOKY’s official storefront. Our readers can get 10% off any DOYOKY purchase by using promo code “GameFrank” at checkout.
A DOYOKY Retro Controller was provided for the purpose of this review.
