I want a Super Smash Bros GameCube adapter, and I bet you do too. But there’s a problem. Super Smash Bros Wii U has been out for less than 48 hours as I write this, and the GameCube adapter is already sold out pretty much nationwide. Even the Super Smash Bros Wii U bundle that includes it is sold out just about everywhere. And we have no idea if Nintendo is going to make more or not.
Super Smash Bros GameCube Adapter: Maybe We Missed Our Chance
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You’d think it would be simple enough. Imagine a world where you could go to a Best Buy or GameStop right now, walk in, spend $20, and get a GameCube adapter for your Wii U. Then you’d be able to plug in up to four GameCube controllers, including any old Wavebirds you have lying around, and play Smash Bros Wii U the old-fashioned way. Trouble is, while Nintendo seems to have made plenty of Super Smash Bros Wii U GameCube controllers, they clearly didn’t make enough adapters. Those are all gone. I went to Best Buy on Friday afternoon, release day, and they were already out. It’s gotten worse since then.
Right now, GameCube adapters and Smash Bros Wii U GameCube adapter bundles (which include the game and a controller) are entirely sold out online on Best Buy, GameStop, Amazon, and Target. They look like they’re available at Walmart, but if you push it all the way to checkout, you’ll find they’re actually sold out there too. GameCube controllers that you can’t use on Wii U without the adapter are a dime a dozen, though. It’s still worth checking your local stores—especially non-obvious places like Kmart or other old-school department stores—but the only Internet places that aren’t sold out are eBay and Amazon third-party sellers, and they’re charging 400% markups and more.
Don’t Buy The GameCube Adapter On eBay: Just Wait A Week
So, don’t buy the GameCube adapter on eBay for $90 or $100. That’s stupid. It retails for $20. Even if Nintendo doesn’t release more adapters, the price would probably drop a bit after the immediate rush-slash-hype wears down. But the GameCube adapter wasn’t designed as some weird limited-edition knick-knack—they just clearly underestimated demand for it. The Smash Bros. GameCube controller, which is actually a limited-edition release, is readily available. It looks like they just didn’t ship enough units of the adapter.
I’ve found exactly one piece of evidence that we’re going to get more GameCube adapters in the future: sometimes, when you look at Amazon, it says that the Super Smash Bros GameCube controller bundle will be back in stock on Nov. 27. See the screencap if you don’t believe me. This clearly only applies to the bundle itself; Super Smash Bros Wii U on its own is still in stock. And it stands to reason that the GameCube adapter will be back in stock sooner or later too: We just need to wait for the next shipment.
So, cross your fingers that the GameCube adapter will be back in stock soon. Even if it isn’t, don’t spend $100 on it. Because it’s cool and all, but it’s not even the best controller for Super Smash Bros Wii U.
