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Can’t Find An Official Wii U Gamecube Adapter For Smash Bros.? Now There’s A Knock-Off

by Mike Futter on Jan 08, 2015 at 02:33 AM

Evoking memories of the early days of the Wii, Nintendo has had a hard time keeping up with demand for some of its recent products. Yesterday, we wrote about the high prices of Amiibo figures on the gray market. Today, we look at another peripheral.

The Gamecube controller adapter for the Wii U, usable exclusively with Super Smash Bros. right now, has been hard to come by since the game’s November 21 release. The peripheral is sold in a bundle with the game and a controller or as a standalone item.

Stock has been replenished, but if you don’t catch it right away, you’re likely to miss out. Prices on Amazon for the $20 item have skyrocketed to about $80. Recent closed eBay auctions show the units going for slightly less (between $55 and $75).

For those that don’t want to pay exorbitant gray market prices, there is a new option. Import website Play-Asia has listed a knock-off version of the device for $19.99. It’s also compatible with PCs via a toggle switch.

If you’re willing to take the chance on a third-party device, you can check it out on Play-Asia’s website. There are currently no reviews, so you’re taking a chance on how well the item works.

Thanks to reader ”pestulio07” for the news tip.

[Source: Play-Asia via Nintendo Life] 

 

Our Take
You’re taking a gamble with a knock-off item, especially without any reviews. However, if you’re will to risk the loss of $20 (plus shipping of at around $8) for the potential gain of saving $50 or so, give it a try. Until Nintendo ramps production back up to meet the clear demand, finding one at retail is going to be tricky.