David Pagels’ Retro-Pico-Switch project is a do-it-yourself Raspberry Pi Pico adapter that translates inputs from original Nintendo 64 and GameCube controllers for the Nintendo Switch. You flash its firmware and wire a controller to the board; it is not a finished, plug-and-play retail adapter. The project supports USB, or Bluetooth with a Pico W, and offers GameCube button-mapping options.
What the Retro-Pico-Switch does
Pagels describes the project as code that lets a Raspberry Pi Pico control a Switch using button and joystick inputs from an original N64 or GameCube controller. The firmware automatically detects either controller family. The author calls it “a spiritual successor” to his earlier N64-Arduino-Switch project. Project README and setup instructions
This is a maker build: you supply a compatible Pico board, wire the controller connection, and load the firmware. The repository links to an optional enclosure designed to hold the Pico. The Hackster project report also describes the compact 3D-printed housing and provides historical context for the build.
Choose USB or Bluetooth
| Connection | What you need | Setup and trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| USB | A Raspberry Pi Pico and a USB connection to the Switch. | Use the standard Pico firmware-flashing procedure, then connect the controller wiring. This is the straightforward documented connection path. |
| Bluetooth | A Raspberry Pi Pico W. The board still needs USB power while operating over Bluetooth. | Start pairing from the Switch’s Change Grip/Order screen. The project README says that after a disconnection, you may need to power-cycle the Pico before pairing again. |
These steps and caveats are from the project’s documentation; they are not independent performance or compatibility test results. The repository also says the adapter can work with platforms that support Switch Pro controllers, but does not establish universal compatibility.
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#1 Best Overall
- Adapter for Gamecube Controller - The gamecube adapter works with nintendo switch and wii u and pc and new nintendo switch 2. Support 4 gamecube wired controller or wavebird controller.
- Super Smash Bros Choice - The gamecube adapter support super smash bros game on switch or wii u. Note: Enter game by remote control for wii u console and only support super smash bros.
- Four Player Support - Come with four ngc input ports for your gamecube controller. You can play with your friends at same time. Most support connecting up to four ngc controllers.
- Plug and Play - Built in a stable IC chip,No lag and no drive install need. Change the adapter button on WII U to play on WII U and Switch mode, Change the adapter button on PC to play on PC mode.
- Turbo Feature Support - What turbo actually does is replicates the same button pushed by the user over and over again at an extremely fast rate. Free your hands from some complex games.
Wire the controller to the Pico
The prebuilt firmware expects the controller data line on Pico GP18. The repository specifies a 1 kΩ pull-up resistor between 3.3 V and the data line. Pins 1 and 4 are required for rumble support. Follow the repository’s wiring details for the controller you are connecting rather than assuming every pin is interchangeable.
Flash the firmware
- Download the project’s release UF2 file from the GitHub releases page.
- Hold the Pico’s BOOTSEL button while connecting the board to a computer with a micro-USB cable. The Pico should appear as a mounted drive.
- Drag the UF2 file onto that drive and wait for the board to complete the firmware copy.
- Wire the N64 or GameCube controller, using GP18 for data and the specified 1 kΩ pull-up to 3.3 V. Add the required rumble connections on pins 1 and 4 if you want rumble support.
Use a Pico W if you intend to use Bluetooth; the project’s Bluetooth instructions specify that it remains USB-powered.
Rank #2
- Switch to “Wii U” or “PC” mode by using the switch located on the side.
- The GameCube Controller Adapter allows you to connect up to four GameCube controllers (or wireless GameCube controllers) to a Wii U system, PC USB, Switch/Switch 2.
- Supports the built-in Vibration Feedback with no delays by plugging the two USB ports of the adapter into your Wii U system or PC USB connector ports.
- Compatible with Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7,Windows 8, 10, 11 and Mac OS under the PC mode.
- The driver is required if you need the vibration feedback on the PC mode.
Controller features and GameCube mapping
The firmware dynamically scales joystick axes to account for the reduced range found on older controllers. It maps the N64 or GameCube combination of L + R + Start to the Switch Home button. Rumble is supported with GameCube controllers and N64 controllers fitted with a Rumble Pak, provided the rumble wiring is present.
For GameCube controllers, the release notes describe two mapping choices:
Rank #3
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch, PC and Mac via USB
- Features a controller port and compatibility switch
- Compatible with standard N64 controller models
- One-to-one mapping: choose this when you want a direct correspondence between GameCube buttons and Switch controls.
- Super Mario Sunshine-oriented mapping: choose this when you want the controls to feel closer to the original GameCube arrangement for Super Mario Sunshine.
Pagels’ release history documents the mapping options as well as later additions for rumble and automatic controller detection. Check the current release notes for the exact firmware options available in the version you download.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【HDMI Cable Included】Nintendo 64/ Game Cube/SNES to HDMI converter,Support 720P/1080P Convert on HDTV.
- 【Easy to Use】Plug and play with HDMI adapter,no screen lag.Note: External power supply required.
- 【Clear and Smooth Picture Quality】For legacy systems to run on newer tvs,better gaming experience.
- 【Note】No sound or blue screen appears, please check if the connection is successful.
- 【Customer Service】 We have undergone strict testing before leaving the factory to ensure normal use. If you have any questions, you can contact us.
Rank #4
- Gamecube Controller Adapter-The switch gamecube adapter support nintendo switch and switch oled and new switch 2, compatible with PC and Wii U. Before play Please set up NS or PC mode, change button is loacated on the side.(For Wii U platform: only one game of "Greet Melee Smash Brothers X" is supported)
- Support 4 Of Gamecube Controllers:This Gamecube adapter with 4 ports support plug into 4 gamecube controllers or 4 GameCube Wavebird wireless controller at a time.Just plug and then play your games. No lag and no drive install need.
- Extra Long Of Gamecube Adapter-This Gamecube controller adapter with 6 FT(1.8M) cable allowing you and your family/friends to play games comfortably on the sofa. Keep your eyes away from the screen to prevent screen radiation.
- Vibration Feedback and Turbo Mode:This Gamecube support vibration feedback and turbo mode.Turbo mode:Turbo keys support buttons including (A.B.X.Y.L.R.Z.START);Start or turn off the turbo function: hold down the button that needs to be accelerated, then press the Turbo to start Turbo mode. Press again to close Turbo function.Pluging the two usb into your console if you need the vibration feedback on the PC mode
- About Gamecube Adapter:This Gamecube adapter for Switch:you can play multiple games, such as "Super Smash Bros" "Super Mario" "Kirby" etc;This gamecube adapter for wii u:you need enter ssb game by wii u remote control and only support ssb on wii u.This Gamecube adapter for pc:Compatible with some PC emulator(for example:Dolphin)and games(Not All).D-input is supported, Do not support the X-input
What to know before building
- This is a DIY firmware-and-wiring project, not a complete adapter you can simply buy and plug in.
- Bluetooth specifically requires a Pico W, and the board needs USB power even while using Bluetooth.
- The documented prebuilt firmware pin assignment is GP18; changing the wiring without matching the firmware can prevent the controller from working.
- The project documentation does not establish latency measurements or universal compatibility, so neither should be assumed.
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