Nintendo Was Also Surprised to Find Out the Gamecube Controller Worked on the Nintendo Switch

The latest 4.0 firmware update for the Nintendo Switch hid some secret updates, including adding support for both USB wireless headsets and the GameCube controller. Or rather, the Wii U GameCube controller adapter. The hidden feature was a surprise and delight to Nintendo fans, but also a surprise for Nintendo themselves.

In an interview with Kotaku, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime revealed that the firmware update allowing the use of the GameCube controller wasn't something the company saw coming.

"In our latest system software update, it enables third-party peripherals to work on Nintendo Switch," said Fils-Aime. "As a result, the peripheral for Wii U that allows it to attach GameCube controllers also works."

However, Fils-Aime denied this was in preparation for a yet-unannounced Super Smash Bros. game for Nintendo Switch. "Of course, there's nothing to announce on this. I think it's fair to say, Stephen [Totilo], that that peripheral working was as much a surprise to us as it was to consumers."

So while it's unclear if the GameCube peripheral support for the Nintendo Switch is a complete accident or not, Nintendo is chalking this one up as a pleasant surprise.