We recently told you why the Nintendo 64 controller was actually terrible, contrary to any flawed childhood memories you may have. Now let's take a look at why the GameCube controller is quite the opposite. In fact, it stands as one of the best joypads Nintendo has ever released, and a brilliant example of how much Nintendo could improve in just one console generation.
Launched alongside the diminutive GameCube in 2001, the controller beautifully refined the inputs of the N64's. Its main thumbstick and D-Pad were aligned for easy reach, while the four C-buttons of its predecessor evolved into their final form, the C-stick, a long-overdue second thumbstick that allowed for better camera controls. The awkwardly placed Z-trigger of the N64 became the GameCube's Z-button, sitting atop the right shoulder trigger, while the left and right triggers themselves curved outwards to naturally hug players' fingers.
The classic, and much loved, GameCube pad. The GameCube pad also offered some bold design choices of its own, such as the ultra prominent A button, surrounded by satellite B, X, and Y buttons—the latter two returning for the first time since the SNES. The asymmetry is still a bit odd to look at, but mechanically it works marvelously.
Making Mario jump, his raison d'etre, is mapped to that colossal A button in Super Mario Sunshine ; it's the main interaction button for Luigi's Mansion or The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker , the shoot button in Metroid Prime. It gently reminde.
