At E3 2018, Nintendo offered a deep-dive into upcoming fighting game Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and one of the biggest things that it announced during the presentation is that the game will support the GameCube controller. Fans of the old, blocky console were delighted that they can play the game the way they want.

But according to newly revealed trademarks filed in Japan, GameCube controller support may not be the only thing Nintendo is planning this year. Japanese Nintendo reports that the company has filed three different trademarks for the GameCube and that these trademarks specifically pertain to video game software and video game machines. It's important to point out that these trademarks do not reference game merchandising.

Unsurprisingly, the news of the trademarks has sent rumors flying in the Nintendo fan community. One popular theory is that Nintendo is preparing a GameCube Classic Edition for release. Like the company did with the NES Classic and SNES Classic Edition consoles, Nintendo could potentially release a miniaturized GameCube with a selection of much-loved games.

Many games and franchises made popular by the GameCube (at least in part) are making comebacks soon and fans argue that it would make sense. For example, Beyond Good and Evil was available on the GameCube and prequel Beyond Good and Evil 2 has been announced, so it would offer a chance for fans to see where the series first began. Other titles such as Luigi's Mansion, Super Monkey Ball 2, Resident Evil 4, and Metroid Prime are all held near and dear by fans who would relish the opportunity to play them again.

However, if that is what Nintendo is planning to do, it may be quite some time until the GameCube Classic is released. One year ago, Nintendo also filed a trademark for the Nintendo 64, suggesting that a Nintendo 64 Classic Edition may be on the way as well. If Nintendo is going in chronological order then an N64 Classic would likely release before a GameCube Classic.

Source: Japanese Nintendo