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Hand Held Legend is a well established and quite popular company that's been around for more than a decade and focuses on controllers, upgrades and replacements for retro consoles and handhelds of all kinds, be it Nintendo's or Sega's older consoles like the NES, Game Boy or Master System, to modern systems like the Switch, PS5 and Xbox Series consoles.

A couple days ago, Hand Held Legend officially unveiled their latest project titled "GC Ultimate Controller", for which they will start a Kickstarter page on September 16th. This project aims to bring the feel of the original Gamecube controller to modern games and systems by offering a DIY solder-free kit that the user can put together on their own and also customize to their own liking, with even an app made to customize through software and recalibrate the sticks, remap buttons and more.

The project will also offer hardware customization as well, like modifying the octagonal plate for the analog stick to a rounded one, a special split D-Pad design where each button can individually be pressed to make it more accurate, two different triggers, one low profile mechanical (fully digital) and a full analog one to replicate the feel of the original Gamecube triggers too, and other options as well.

Currently, their Kickstarter page lists the following features for the GC Ultimate Controller Kit:

• 1:1 footprint with the original GameCube controller
• Support for GameCube, N64, NES, SNES
• Open source firmware and 3D models (Available on GitHub)
• Compatible with OEM triggers and buttons
• Hall effect joysticks (Gulikit TMR with stick-click buttons)
• HD Rumble (The best in its class for aftermarket controllers)
• Bluetooth support (Switch/PC/Android)
• Configuration app (Android/PC/Mac/Linux)
• RGB stick underlighting
• Split D-pad design
• Dual motion control sensors for improved gyro accuracy (Switch/Steam supported)
• Dual Z buttons
• Built-in support for mechanical triggers OR analog triggers (for all of you Melee and Sunshine enthusiasts)
• Swappable gate-plate (Octagon and Circular included)
• USB-C connectivity and recharging
• XInput support for PC/Android (1000hz input rate)
• Native Slippi support (1000hz input rate)
• Ergonomic trigger shape
• Injection Molded buttons
• 100gf tactile Z buttons

The amount of features so far is quite extensive, and the compatibility with modern systems so far cover Android, PC/Steam, Switch and more, although it is currently unknown if other bluetooth-compatible consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series will be compatible or not. Additionally, compatibility with original Gamecube, N64, SNES and NES systems via a special detachable USB Type C to Gamecube cable without the need of an adapter of any kind, with the same type of USB-C cable also being available for N64, SNES and NES systems (with only the GC and N64 ones being showcased in the video).

As for the kit itself, here's what will actually be included within each kit:

• Injection Molded Shell (Emerald Blue is the default) and peripheral parts
• Trigger bracket
• Screw and spring hardware kit
• Analog stick caps
• Button set
• Split D-pad set
• Li-Po battery
• Main PCB
• C-Stick PCB

At the moment of writing, the only base colour option offered is the Emerald Blue, but HHL mentions that if they reach a certain stretch goal, more colours will become available, with them sending a survey to backers so they can select the colour of their choice once the campaign ends.

Those interested can subscribe to be notified about the launch of the Kickstarter project, with the current number of followers sitting at around 1000 right now. The GC Ultimate Controller Kit Kickstarter starts off on September 16th, 2024.

"GC Ultimate Controller Kit" Kickstarter page
Hand Held Legend Website

 

[NyaakoXD]

After what happened with the Panda Controller, I hope they won't botch this one.

 

[ShadowOne333]

After what happened with the Panda Controller, I hope they won't botch this one.

What happened with that one?

 

[bobmcjr]

Not a huge fan of them going for "HD Rumble" vs. the nice heavy motor of the original controller. Who knows, maybe it's better than the Switch Pro Controller.

I'm not seeing whether the Analog Triggers are dual-stage or not. I'm hoping they are given they mention Sunshine, but I'd want to be sure before ordering.


Definitely will be keeping an eye on it.

 

[NyaakoXD]

What happened with that one?

Back in 2021, Panda Global's main manufacturing partner in China was affected by ongoing rolling blackouts, slowing their production which was already affected by COVID-related shortages. So they had to cancel their Kickstarter and refunded everyone who pledged and then try and look for a different manufacturing partner.

And then there's the whole Smash World Tour being cancelled because Panda Global CEO was doing some shady shit and dealings in the background just so he could put his own Panda Cup up and be the "official" Smash Bros. tournament. After getting caught, no one trusted Panda Global anymore and lots of their employees and players left. And so, by extension, the Panda controller was also basically dead at this point.

Hopefully, Hand Held Legend doesn't screw this up and actually give GC controller fans a proper, modern GC controller. Even if it's less customizable compared to the Panda controller, but as long as it does everything a GC controller can do and more, then it'll make lots of folks happy.

 

[SecureBoot]

Looks cool! Bet it's expensive

 

[Marc_LFD]

As great as the GCN controller is, given the Xbox, Switch, Wii U, and third party controllers with non-symmetrical analog sticks there are plenty of options as it is.

I currently use a DualShock 4 with my PS4 as I gotten used to it, but my hands certainly feel a lot more comfortable holding a non-symmetrical controller.

Hopefully this isn't the next fad of creating more unnecessary controllers like the market's is with oversaturated handhelds that are released every few months.

 

[Jayro]

Damn, it was almost perfect... But they kept the shitty GC styled ABXY buttons.

 

[PrincessLillie]

This seems promising. Whether I back it though, depends entirely on price. With that feature list, it can't be cheap unless they cut some serious corners.

Damn, it was almost perfect... But they kept the shitty GC styled ABXY buttons.

If you ask me, the GameCube style button layout makes more sense than anything on the market today. The most important button, the A button, is front and center, with the other three buttons orbiting it. I've always preferred it to the Xbox layout or even the modern Nintendo layout.

 

[impeeza]

 

[ShadowOne333]

If you ask me, the GameCube style button layout makes more sense than anything on the market today. The most important button, the A button, is front and center, with the other three buttons orbiting it. I've always preferred it to the Xbox layout or even the modern Nintendo layout.

Agree.
The button layout from the Gamecube controller is still to this day to me the only one that achieved proper reach from the main thumb to the other 3 buttons.
With any other modern controller, if you have your thumb in the lowest button, you have to basically jump over to the top one. With the Gamecube layout I can simply rock my thumb slightly to one side to reach any of the other 3 buttons without issue.

That is the only defining factor that makes the Gamecube controller still really good up to this day, but the C-Stick, tiny Dpad and the lack of Select and L1/R1 buttons makes it hard to accommodate for modern gaming.

Hopefully this project goes through and it comes at an affordable price.

 

[Jayro]

This seems promising. Whether I back it though, depends entirely on price. With that feature list, it can't be cheap unless they cut some serious corners.


If you ask me, the GameCube style button layout makes more sense than anything on the market today. The most important button, the A button, is front and center, with the other three buttons orbiting it. I've always preferred it to the Xbox layout or even the modern Nintendo layout.

I can't speak for anyone else, but when rapidly tapping the obnoxiously sized (a) button, it's so large that it often slides sideways and tends to stick and impeed my button presses. That's my biggest beef with this setup overall. I can forgive the kidney buttons, but (a) has been a nightmare, especially if you play emulators with this controller and a Mario game where to need to rapidly tap buttons. There's no good precision for that with this flawed layout.

 

[impeeza]

I can't speak for anyone else, but when rapidly tapping the obnoxiously sized (a) button, it's so large that it often slides sideways and tends to stick and impeed my button presses. That's my biggest beef with this setup overall. I can forgive the kidney buttons, but (a) has been a nightmare, especially if you play emulators with this controller and a Mario game where to need to rapidly tap buttons. There's no good precision for that with this flawed layout.

each one have entitlement to their own opinion.

 

[Xzi]

Literally only one game I'd want to use this with, and it's Rivals (of Aether) 2. Thing is, I already have the GCN to USB adapter for that too. Beyond platform fighters, the design feels outdated and unnecessary, which is funny because I'd rather have the large D-pad of SNES-style controllers for 2D and indie games.

 

[juandiego1993]

I´ve never back a kickstarter project before (mostly do to ignorance) but with this one, I make a account and subscribed to wait for the project to be avaliable to fund. i´m really hyped about this one!

 

[ShadowOne333]

I´ve never back a kickstarter project before (mostly do to ignorance) but with this one, I make a account and subscribed to wait for the project to be avaliable to fund. i´m really hyped about this one!

I'm really tempted to back this one up as well, it'd be the first time ever I'd do so, but I want to wait until an official announcement on what the pricing is gonna be.
I've been eyeing over the NYXI Warrior controller for the last months, so I want to wait out and see if this Kickstarter will end up being better or worse than the Warrior for an overall modern controller with a Gamecube layout for me. If it's way over the $70 USB price tag from the Warrior, I'll end up getting the Warrior instead, but I'll wait and see how this turns out.

 

[Kioku]

As great as the GCN controller is, given the Xbox, Switch, Wii U, and third party controllers with non-symmetrical analog sticks there are plenty of options as it is.

I currently use a DualShock 4 with my PS4 as I gotten used to it, but my hands certainly feel a lot more comfortable holding a non-symmetrical controller.

Hopefully this isn't the next fad of creating more unnecessary controllers like the market's is with oversaturated handhelds that are released every few months.

I actually am hyped for this. As long as the price isn’t insane, I’ll likely pick a couple up as I’m wanting a modern GameCube controller. Nyxi has one that I bought. It’s fine, but not ideal for me.

 

[4d1xlaan]

I can't speak for anyone else, but when rapidly tapping the obnoxiously sized (a) button, it's so large that it often slides sideways and tends to stick and impeed my button presses. That's my biggest beef with this setup overall. I can forgive the kidney buttons, but (a) has been a nightmare, especially if you play emulators with this controller and a Mario game where to need to rapidly tap buttons. There's no good precision for that with this flawed layout.

Weird how they're giving customizable left analog and d-pad, but wont give face button customization

Then again its only a concept... They can always add face button customization before final release, if people ask for that

 

[Marc_LFD]

I actually am hyped for this. As long as the price isn’t insane, I’ll likely pick a couple up as I’m wanting a modern GameCube controller. Nyxi has one that I bought. It’s fine, but not ideal for me.

Thinking it could be $80, but if it has better build quality than a DualSense Edge / Xbox Elite controller then it's actually built to last.

I read a lot of Xbox Elite customers had to do multiple returns as it went faulty in a variety of ways, and the DualSense Edge has like a low battery or something.

Speaking of batteries, they should go with rechargeable batteries than an internal battery.

 

[raxadian]

No thanks, I already have Gamecube controllers.