Nintendo Switch is Supporting Multiple Classic Controllers

You can’t time-travel, but you can play Nintendo Switch games with classic controllers—and that’s pretty much the same thing.

The retro hardware gurus over at 8Bitdo have created a classic range of controllers which are all compatible with Nintendo’s modern hybrid console—The Nintendo Switch. Included in the line-up are NES, SNES and Nintendo 64 controllers. A recent firmware update (4.0) enabled Nintendo Switch support, but 8Bitdo made sure to inform players that its controllers don’t support HD rumble, 6-axis motion controls, or Amiibo scanning. Additionally, the support may be limited or not extend to particular games that need a lot of buttons. So what’s the appeal, exactly?

Well, Joy-Cons might look like a funky piece of futuristic technology, and the Pro Controller is also pretty beast. But it seems you just can’t go wrong with classics. Audiences proved their eternal love for older hardware when the NES Classic came out, purchasing more than 1.5 million units. For reasons beyond human comprehension, Nintendo decided to kill production of the NES Classic, justifying its decision by claiming it needed to move resources to other projects, and that such a massive demand wasn’t anticipated. The reason why people would invest in classic controllers is very likely linked to nostalgia, and when Nintendo eventually releases their Virtual Console for Nintendo Switch, they’ll be ready to game like it’s 1985.

Those interested in grabbing a retro controller can check out Amazon. Prices range from approximately $35-50 USD.