8BitDo has announced that it is taking pre-orders for a new mod kit that will allow you to retrofit a wired GameCube controller with Hall Effect joysticks and Bluetooth connectivity. The company is charging $25.98 for the kit, which it says is a simple, solder-free mod.
8BitDo has made a few of these for old Nintendo controllers in the past, including ones for the N64 and earlier consoles, and now it's the GameCube's turn. The kit replaces your controller's existing circuit board with a drop-in board that has Hall Effect joysticks and a USB-C rechargeable 300mAh battery attached. It also comes with a trigger pack, and 8BitDo says the battery will last for 6 hours of play between charges. According to the product page, it's compatible with Switch and Android.
The catch is that you'll need to replace the wired controller option and buy a separate $25.98 “Retro Receiver for GCN” from 8BitDo to connect it to your GameCube. Reversing the conversion could be a little tricky — a video installation guide on the site includes a step to cut the cable that powers the vibration motor — so that's something to consider if preserving your gaming hardware is important to you.
Still, many GameCube controllers have endured a lot over the past two decades. I would certainly reconsider if I had one lying around with its analog sticks dangling or its cable chewed up by pets or cut by scissor-loving children. However, for a less invasive transition to a wireless controller, there's always 8BitDo's GBros. adapter.
8BitDo says that shipping of the new mod kit will begin on September 25th.