Nintendo files trademarks related to GameCube controller in UK

The Nintendo GameCube controller is one of the most celebrated and enduring controller designs in video game history. This is in no small part due to the continued popularity of Super Smash Bros. Melee (as well as later Smash Bros. games), which many still prefer to play with the GameCube’s controller.

The GameCube may not be in production anymore, but it’s apparently still alive and well in the trademark offices of the United Kingdom. It seems that Nintendo has filed three separate trademarks this week in the UK (two on the 23rd, one on the 25th). Each trademark relates to a different aspect of the original GameCube controller and its design.

So what does this mean? In all likelihood, it’s just a matter of Nintendo protecting their legal interests, and not wanting the trademarks on any of their creations to lapse. Of course, speculation about some new release of GameCube controllers and/or games is inevitable, but nothing of the sort has been confirmed at this time. For now, we’ll just have to make due with our original GameCube controllers (and their Switch adapters).