8BitDo’s new Bluetooth mod kit puts GameCube controllers back into play

8BitDo announced it’s taking preorders for a caller mod kit that lets you retrofit a wired GameCube controller with Hall effects joysticks and Bluetooth connectivity. The institution is charging $25.98 for the kit, which it says is simply a simple, solderless mod.

8BitDo has made a fewer of these successful the past for aged Nintendo controllers, including those for the N64 and earlier consoles, and present it’s the GameCube’s turn. The kit replaces your controller’s existing PCB with a drop-in committee that has Hall effects joysticks and a USB-C-rechargeable 300mAh artillery attached. It besides comes with a trigger pack, and 8BitDo says the artillery volition get 6 hours of playtime betwixt charges. It’s compatible with the Switch and Android, according to the merchandise page.

The drawback is that you’re replacing its wired controller option, and you’ll person to prime up a separate, $25.98 8BitDo “Retro Receiver for GCN” to link it to your GameCube. Undoing the conversion could beryllium a small tricky — a video installation usher connected the leafage includes a measurement for cutting the cablegram that powers the vibration centrifugal — truthful you’ll privation to see that if you prize gaming hardware preservation.

Still, plentifulness of GameCube controllers person endured maltreatment successful the past two-plus decades; I’d surely see it if I had 1 lying astir that had drifting analog sticks oregon a cord that’s been chewed up by pets oregon chopped disconnected by scissor-happy children. For a little invasive wireless controller transition, though, there’s ever 8BitDo’s GBros. adapter.

8BitDo says it volition commencement shipping the caller mod kit connected September 25th.