• Welcome to Smashboards, the world's largest Super Smash Brothers community! Over 250,000 Smash Bros. fans from around the world have come to discuss these great games in over 19 million posts!

    You are currently viewing our boards as a visitor. Click here to sign up right now and start on your path in the Smash community!

Gamecube Controller Price Guide - Ultimate Edition

Would you like to see more GameCube controllers produced after the Smash Ultimate one?

  • Yes

    Votes: 62 92.5%
  • No

    Votes: 2 3.0%
  • Don't mind

    Votes: 3 4.5%

  • Total voters
    67

Synnett

Alligator Lord
Joined
Jan 19, 2015
Messages
1,577
Location
Montreal, QC
It's that time again, It's very outdated. The bulk of my work is here now: https://controllerlibrary.wordpress.com/

Hey everyone! Whether you are looking for a fresh controller to play or you want something a bit more flashy, this thread is for all of you. Following the success of my first guide (21k views!), and to celebrate the birth of a new Smash game and a new controller, I'm writing a new one. This time around, I will be featuring my collection, which is almost complete, for all the stock pictures. Feel free to use them for whatever.

For each controller, I will provide a price, the date of release and region(s), what kind of stickbox it has*, a quick description fitting the controller and of course a pretty portrait... Please note that the prices are an approximation of how much the controller goes for in decent condition. Variables will be described in the description.

Enjoy!

*
There are three kind of stickboxes. T1, which were the first kind, T2, and T3. T1 are made of a metal casing with black plastic parts inside. It's considered to be the worst because it wears out very fast, I would not recommend for competitive play. T2 are also made of a metal casing but uses white nylon parts, which are more resistant to friction and last longer. T3 are by far the best: made entirely of nylon, easily interchangeable because they are screwed onto the motherboard instead of soldered on, and they are extremely resistant to wear. Those were made by Hori.

Controller Variant|T1|T2|T3
Indigo|✔|✔|✔
Jet Black|✔|✔|✔
Spice Orange|✔|✔|
Indigo / Clear|✔||
Platinum||✔|✔
Emerald Blue||✔|✔
White|||✔
Clear|||✔
Starlight Gold|||✔
Pearl White|||✔
Symphonic Green|||✔
Crystal White|||✔
Resident Evil 4|||✔
Hanshin Tigers|||✔
Gundam Char|||✔
Panasonic Q SH-TGC10|✔||
Smash 4 White|||✔
Smash 4 Black|||✔
Smash Ultimate Black|||✔
Mario|||✔
Luigi|||✔
Wario|||✔
Club Nintendo|||✔
Wavebird Grey||✔|
Wavebird Platinum||✔|
Wavebird Club Nintendo||✔|
Wavebird Gundam Char||✔|
-----------



1. Indigo
First released: September 14th 2001
Location: JPN/ US/ EU
Stickbox Type: T1/ T2/ T3
$20


While it is the oldest controller, it is still the one most players use, as it is the most common out there. You can easily find them for $20 used on eBay or even lower locally. 17 years and still kicking. All the wired controllers are labelled DOL-003.



2. Jet Black
First Released: November 21st 2001
Location: JPN/ US/ EU
Stickbox Type: T1/ T2/ T3
$20


Same deal as the Indigo, this is a very common controller, you can easily find them for cheap in good condition. Something to add, those two standard controllers can come with all the stickbox types. Look for silver screws and you'll be sure to find either T2 or T3. (Golden screws are usually T1)



3. Spice Orange
First Released: November 21st 2001
Location: JPN/ US
Stickbox Type: T1
$30


More uncommon in the US because it was only sold separately, but there's plenty from Japan. You can easily find them for $30 more or less on eBay. For some reasons this one wasn't released in Europe.



4. Indigo / Clear
First Released: November 21st 2001
Location: JPN/ US/ EU
Stickbox Type: T1
$35


Released all over the world separately and coveted for its transparent back shell, you'll have to invest a little bit more to get this one. Like the Spice Orange this one comes with only T1 stickboxes which aren't the best, but you can swap the internals with a good Indigo one since the plug ends are the same colour. It is mostly used in the customization community for LED mods or tinted shells - very pretty.



5. Platinum
First Released: December 5th 2002
Location: JPN/ US/ EU
Stickbox Type: T2/ T3
$20


At first supposed to be a limited edition in the US, it quickly became one of the most common controllers with its production ending in 2012. I highly recommend this one for competitive play because it only comes with good parts. Search locally and you'll find great prices. If you want a tip for buying controllers on the internet, check the condition of the screws on the back; if they're clean this controller hasn't seen much use.



6. Emerald Blue
First Released: December 5th 2002
Location: JPN
Stickbox Type: T2/ T3
$45


You can't go wrong with this one either, a beautiful colour with a reliable build. It was only released in Japan and you'll have to pay about twice as much as a common controller. If you are patient you can even find some in the $30 range.



7. White
First Released: April 22nd 2008
Location: JPN
Stickbox Type: T3
$40


Very coveted by competitive players until the prices for a new one went absurdly high. While they're pretty much unpurchasable on Amazon nowadays, the used Whites on eBay stayed on a stable $40 price range for more than three years. Since they were released in 2008, they haven't seen much use and are a very good choice for a new controller. Easily the highest quality and most consistent controller out there.



8. Clear
First Released: July 22nd 2004
Location: JPN
Stickbox Type: T3
$60


This one is an anomaly. While some times you can get them from as low as $40, for a few month's drought I could not find one for under $80. For a very inconsistent price, a very good controller, and highly in demand for its transparent shell. Modders love to fully tint the shell to mimic the N64 Funtastic colors or other creative projects.



9. Starlight Gold
First Released: July 15th 2004
Location: JPN
Stickbox Type: T3
$120


The paint on this controller is so fragile that the ones on the market are all damaged, mostly on the back. While it is one of the rarest controllers out there, with a very limited run in Toys R Us Japan near the end of the Gamecube's life, it mostly stays on a pretty modest budget. I would only recommend for collectors personally.



10. Pearl White
First Released: November 18th 2005
Location: EU
Stickbox Type: T3
$80


Only found in Europe, released with a Gamecube of the same colour or with the Mario Striker bundle. It's personally my favorite, being a shiny white. Look around eBay for european countries or online stores around there, you're sure to find one for $70-$80.



11. Symphonic Green
First Released: August 29th 2003
Location: JPN/ France
Stickbox Type: T3
$160


The story of this controller is quite strange. While a few years ago it could be found for $70, it quickly became twice as expensive and even more as time passed. It was bundled with a Gamecube of the same colour and with Tales of Symphonia. Now that this controller is high in demand, kind of a Holy Grail for most players, it's just not affordable anymore. It was also released in France in a limited run, you could try your chance at finding one over there, like I did myself. (I got mine for $35 and a friend of mine got a full set for $75) Good luck!



12. Crystal White
First Released: August 8, 2003
Location: JPN
Stickbox Type: T3
?


Here's one I didn't even know existed when I wrote my first guide. It was given away in a contest held in Japan, with a limited run of 150. It looks very similar to a Pearl White, but the plastic itself is colored ivory, which gives the paint a golden sheen. I didn't put a price because of its sheer rarity. If you want to see the comparison pictures, look at this album here.



13. Resident Evil 4
First Released: March 18th 2005
Location: EU
Stickbox Type: T3
$70


Pretty rare and exclusive to Europe, but its price remained the same for all this time. Comes with a Platinum front shell and Black back shell, it was released with a Resident Evil 4 themed Gamecube and bundled with the game. If you can find one for sale, go for it. Also one of the two controllers never released in Japan, along with the Pearl White.



14. Hanshin Tigers
First Released: September 30th 2003
Location: JPN
Stickbox Type: T3
$70


Released in Japan with a matching Gamecube to celebrate Japan's baseball team victory in 2003, black with the team's logo on the front. Often found around $70, but you can find it for even cheaper on Yahoo auctions.



15. Gundam Char
First Released: November 27th 2003
Location: JPN
Stickbox Type: T3
$180


Also one very coveted controller but sadly terribly expensive. It was released in the Char's Customized Box in Japan, themed after the popular franchise Gundam. It came with a red gamecube and a Gundam figurine. The controller itself is pale red with a "Neo-Zeon" yellow logo and a darker red back. The price have only been rising, with prices sometimes reaching $300. Be patient!



16. Panasonic Q SH-TGC10
First Released: December 13th 2001
Location: JPN
Stickbox Type: T1
$90


Released along with the Panasonic Q console very early on, only comes with T1 parts and very fragile. While I would not recommend for competitive play, it's definitely a collector piece. The price has been hovering around $90-$100 in the past two years.



17. Smash 4 Black
First Released: November 21st 2014
Location: JPN/ US/ EU
Stickbox Type: T3
$30


Here's a controller I never expected to get so expensive. When Nintendo stopped its production in 2016, the prices rapidly jumped to over $50 a piece, and well over $100 for a boxed one. It's kind of absurd, look locally for people selling their controllers, you can get them for as low as $20. This controller is very common all around the world and in pretty good condition in general. Do not pay the high price for one, this controller feels clunky and has its defect (triggers and general poor parts quality).



18. Smash 4 White
First Released: December 6th 2014
Location: JPN
Stickbox Type: T3
$30


Same deal as the Black one, but this one is a bit less common. Still, $20 locally, don't pay more than $30. There was a load of those exported from Japan to the US and are very common around here. Both of those are themed after the Super Smash Bros. series with a Smash Wii U logo. They were also bundled with the game.



19. Smash Ultimate Black
First Released: November 2nd 2018
Location: JPN/ US/ EU
Stickbox Type: T3
$30


Unveiled at E3 2018 at the same time as Smash Ultimate, it is a great relief for the entire Smash community who was running out of brand new controllers. It is black and comes with a simplistic Super Smash Bros. logo. Available in all regions as of November 2nd 2018 for $29.95 USD. It shares the same internals as the Smash 4 controllers and feels just like one.



20. Mario
First Released: August 24th 2004
Location: JPN/ EU
Stickbox Type: T3
$90


Released as a prize from Club Nintendo, it is the only one to be released outside of Japan, also available in Europe. Available for 500 points in Japan and 3500 stars in Europe, it seems to have been a very popular prize as it is very common. Themed after Mario, it comes with a bright red front with its iconic "M" logo and a Blue back. Its price has been very stable in the past two years, going for as low as $60.



21. Luigi
First Released: August 24th 2004
Location: JPN
Stickbox Type: T3
$110


This one a bit more uncommon than the Mario controller, it was available for 500 points from Club Nintendo Japan. Themed after Luigi with a green front with the "L" logo, along with a dark blue back. Its price has been stable in the hundreds range, you can easily find one for this price.



22. Wario
First Released: August 24th 2004
Location: JPN
Stickbox Type: T3
$200


Oh boy is it expensive. Nintendo released a controller themed around a character that no one cares about, so no one picked this prize. Definitely the rarest of the Club Nintendo wired controllers, and also the most expensive, overpriced even. It used to sell in the $160 range, but then suddenly went up to never go for lower than $200 a piece. Even going as far as $500 for a boxed one. It is Yellow with a blue "W" logo and a purple back, offered for 500 Club Nintendo points. Only for the hardcore Wario fans. (To say they didn't even bother to released a Waluigi controller along with Wario, this is a crime.)



23. Club Nintendo
First Released: August 24th 2004
Location: JPN
Stickbox Type: T3
$120


A very refreshing design, with a White top crowned with the Club Nintendo logo and a sky blue back. It pops up from time to time on eBay with prices averaging $120, which is a good investment for a flashier controller. It was also offered for 500 Club Nintendo points.



24. Wavebird Grey
First Released: December 5th 2002
Location: JPN/ US/ EU
Stickbox Type: T2
$40


While they are not good for competitive play due to lag, they are high in demand in the retro gaming scene. It is often missing the receiver or the battery cover, but sits well at a $40 price range for a fully functioning one. Historically the first OEM wireless controller to touch the market, the quality is there to testify. This one was released all over the world and offered as a promotional item in Japan. The controller is labelled DOL-004 and the receiver is labelled DOL-005.



25. Wavebird Platinum
First Released: December 5th 2002
Location: JPN/ US
Stickbox Type: T2
$40


This one was strangely never released in Europe. A Wavebird of a platinum colour, sells for the same price as a grey one. Funny to note, the receiver for the Wavebirds are all grey, with one exception.



26. Wavebird Club Nintendo
First Released: August 24th 2004
Location: JPN
Stickbox Type: T2
$200


A Wavebird with a Club Nintendo theme. It is often available for sale on eBay in the $200 range, it stayed surprisingly stable considering the Wario controller went all over the place. Also comes with a grey receiver.



27. Wavebird Gundam Char
First Released: December 9th 2004
Location: JPN
Stickbox Type: T2
$600 - $1200


This controller was offered between December 9th 2004 and January 31st 2001. The customer had to register “Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam Vs. Zeta Gundam” to their Club Nintendo account, then they were entered into a draw for one of the 1000 exclusive WaveBirds. This controller is rare and expensive. With loose ones popping up for $600 on eBay recently, I suspect a full set is worth in the thousands range. Pale red front with the "Neo-Zeon" yellow logo and dark red back. This is the Holy Grail for any collector out there along with that elusive Crystal White. Also, the receiver is pale red colored, making it the only non-grey receiver produced.




Sources:

Shoutouts:
  • Big shoutouts to HamarFan for the inspiration. Your article is legendary!
  • Shoutouts to Kadano for all the work he's done for the GC controller, mostly the capacitor mod.
  • Thanks for the support from all the CGCC gang, visit us on Discord: http://customg.cc/
  • Thanks to Nintendo for making me waste all this money oof.
  • Thanks to all of you reading this!

Resources:

Changelog
  • 08.07.2018 Created the thread.
  • 08.07.2018 Added a grid for different stickboxes.
  • 09.07.2018 Added a link to purchase the Smash Ultimate Black.
  • 15.07.2018 Reduced the size of my images since they take 40 years to load. For the full pictures check this album.
  • 15.07.2018 Removed the spoilers for the pictures to give a chance for those pictures to load... also a bit of restructuring.
  • 26.08.2018 Updated localization for the Ultimate controller.
  • 03.11.2018 The Ultimate controller came out! I updated the information.
  • 04.11.2018 Added a picture of the Ultimate controller.
  • 18.02.2019 Updated Crystal White with a new picture and stickbox info. Spice Orange now confirmed as T2 too.
 
Last edited:

Qwerty2084

Smash Cadet
Joined
Nov 22, 2017
Messages
48
Slippi.gg
QTY#396
“GameCube Controller Guide - Ultimate Edition”
Ha, I get it.
 

Scarlet Spyder

Smash Cadet
Joined
Jul 11, 2015
Messages
64
Excellent guide! I’m starting to collect some in anticipation of Smash Bros Ultimate and your guide will be very helpful. Also, you’ve got an amazing collection! Where did you get your GameCube Controller display stands?
 

Synnett

Alligator Lord
Joined
Jan 19, 2015
Messages
1,577
Location
Montreal, QC
Excellent guide! I’m starting to collect some in anticipation of Smash Bros Ultimate and your guide will be very helpful. Also, you’ve got an amazing collection! Where did you get your GameCube Controller display stands?
I got them from Rosecoloredgaming, I'll dm you a link.

Glad it's helpful :)
 
Joined
Aug 19, 2018
Messages
27
The Lodgenet is made by Hori, so it's a third party licensed controller. It has the Nintendo logo on it tho. As for the prototype I guess yes?
Ah, I could've sworn it was official with all the Nintendo logo and copyright and such.
But I guess it wouldn't matter much since the LodgeNet controller doesn't use the standard plug unless it is modded.
 

Espein

Smash Rookie
Joined
Jun 26, 2018
Messages
9
Is the grey wavebird the only controller with different color (lighter) on joystick and d-pad?
 

Qwerty2084

Smash Cadet
Joined
Nov 22, 2017
Messages
48
Slippi.gg
QTY#396

Espein

Smash Rookie
Joined
Jun 26, 2018
Messages
9
So i bought char wavebird with red receiver and box today. 600 USD. Finally
 

Espein

Smash Rookie
Joined
Jun 26, 2018
Messages
9
Thanks man. The price are insane, but cant wait to get it. It will be a bit more expensive because of taxes to my country. It was a Char on Ebay weeks ago for same price without box.
 

Vextrom

Smash Rookie
Joined
Dec 15, 2014
Messages
1
Hey there, since the new controller came out today have you had any time to update the guide? How is it?
 

GameSystem

Smash Journeyman
Joined
Jan 1, 2008
Messages
314
Since you said the Smash 4 controller feels clunky and has its defect (triggers and general poor parts quality), and the Smash Ultimate is the same as the Smash 4 one, do you recommend looking for an older, used controller instead?
 

Synnett

Alligator Lord
Joined
Jan 19, 2015
Messages
1,577
Location
Montreal, QC
Since you said the Smash 4 controller feels clunky and has its defect (triggers and general poor parts quality), and the Smash Ultimate is the same as the Smash 4 one, do you recommend looking for an older, used controller instead?
Well, it really depends what you're looking for. The Ultimate controller are good enough for competition, but if you're looking for top quality stuff look for a platinum with T3 stickboxes.
 

Msurlile

Smash Rookie
Joined
Nov 19, 2018
Messages
2
Actually really lucked out and got my hands on a Symphonic Green GameCube with its matching controller! There's a bit of a story to it: I stumbled across a listing for the console from a French retro games store (so it's the French PAL version. 200EUR. 1 problem. They don't ship to Canada... BUT! Luckily for me, my mom is in Europe rn taking care of her parents, so I called her and asked if it would be ok to ship the thing to their house. Getting it as soon as she gets back!
 

Espein

Smash Rookie
Joined
Jun 26, 2018
Messages
9
Actually really lucked out and got my hands on a Symphonic Green GameCube with its matching controller! There's a bit of a story to it: I stumbled across a listing for the console from a French retro games store (so it's the French PAL version. 200EUR. 1 problem. They don't ship to Canada... BUT! Luckily for me, my mom is in Europe rn taking care of her parents, so I called her and asked if it would be ok to ship the thing to their house. Getting it as soon as she gets back!
Congrats! Its so nice. Did it come with tales faceplate? I also bought a PAL Tales console with controller from France a month ago. Got it for 130 euro. But it was a bit yellowed. So i bought another set for 130 euro. The shell was good, but when i opened it the metal inside was rusty. So i swapped everything inside, so now i got a nice Tales console.. And one yellowed rusty for sale with controller!
 

Espein

Smash Rookie
Joined
Jun 26, 2018
Messages
9
Hello again. Are there any wavebird char owners here that could scan the red paper included in box from club nintendo and send it to me on EMAIL?
 

Synnett

Alligator Lord
Joined
Jan 19, 2015
Messages
1,577
Location
Montreal, QC
The prices and availability drastically changed since Ultimate's release. I will wait a little bit until it settles down and update accordingly.

Just wanted to let you guys know o/


Hello again. Are there any wavebird char owners here that could scan the red paper included in box from club nintendo and send it to me on EMAIL?
If you get a scan let me know lmao
 
Last edited:

Msurlile

Smash Rookie
Joined
Nov 19, 2018
Messages
2
Congrats! Its so nice. Did it come with tales faceplate? I also bought a PAL Tales console with controller from France a month ago. Got it for 130 euro. But it was a bit yellowed. So i bought another set for 130 euro. The shell was good, but when i opened it the metal inside was rusty. So i swapped everything inside, so now i got a nice Tales console.. And one yellowed rusty for sale with controller!
Hi, yeah its got the faceplate and all! Works like a charm! Mine is also a bit yellowed and got a few scratches but other than that it works great! I just had a PAL version of Tales of Symphonia arrive in the mail and it's a blast! Also really enjoying playing Smash on my Switch with the 8bitdo wireless adapter. The controller also has micro scuffs but the joysticks have really great firmness to them and the buttons aren't squishy at all, you can tell only a child has played with it in a casual way
 
Joined
Feb 7, 2018
Messages
3
Hey I also collect GC Controllers and I was wondering if there us a way to buy them aside from online. Are there stores or communities I can connect with to find exotic ones?
 

Ghostdrops

Smash Rookie
Joined
Apr 5, 2016
Messages
2
Darn looks like Crystal White doesn't have a price on it, I'm trying to sell one for a friend but I'm not sure what price i should be asking. Good guide though really want to get a good condition Resident Evil 4, the silver/black looks sick.
 

Synnett

Alligator Lord
Joined
Jan 19, 2015
Messages
1,577
Location
Montreal, QC
Ghostdrops Ghostdrops Do you have a picture of your Crystal White? :o

Since it's so rare it gets in a strange limbo where it's desirable but it's also out of its set.
 

fennel69

Smash Cadet
Joined
Nov 3, 2008
Messages
45
Location
Lyon, France
Darn looks like Crystal White doesn't have a price on it, I'm trying to sell one for a friend but I'm not sure what price i should be asking. Good guide though really want to get a good condition Resident Evil 4, the silver/black looks sick.
Hey, I could be interested depending of the price you're selling it! Just message me :)
 

Skratch

Smash Rookie
Joined
Aug 3, 2019
Messages
6
Well, it really depends what you're looking for. The Ultimate controller are good enough for competition, but if you're looking for top quality stuff look for a platinum with T3 stickboxes.
I love this guide! I’ve recently become obsessed with seeking out the finest possible controller for Smash. My long awaited Emerald Blue controller finally came in the mail today and it is in impeccable condition. I would have thought it was fresh out the box. Anyway, I wanted to ask you how I can determine which stickbox mine has and why I should want T2 or T3? I’m not sure how one differs from the other exactly. I’d love to get your input on my controller - pun intended
 

Synnett

Alligator Lord
Joined
Jan 19, 2015
Messages
1,577
Location
Montreal, QC
I wanted to ask you how I can determine which stickbox mine has and why I should want T2 or T3? I’m not sure how one differs from the other exactly. I’d love to get your input on my controller - pun intended
That should help you:
shell1.jpg shell2.jpg shell3.jpg shell4.jpg
I wrote a nice document here if you want more info: Google doc

Alright so small update, we're in the time-frame where nostalgics are starting their collection, and that mixed with the competitive Smash scene gives those prices a very explosive tendency. I don't think this guide is that relevant anymore so I haven't updated it. However I will be starting a website to dump all my controller knowledge. That means all the variants, all the parts, all the boxes or packaging, and a bunch of other stuff will be written in there. With the pandemic it gives me the time to work on this lol.

I'll update once the project officially starts. I've been hoarding a lot of info so it's very exciting for me to share all this.
 
Top Bottom