With the release of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate just over the horizon, gaming accessory manufacturer HORI is gearing up for competition with themed Gamecube-style controllers for Nintendo Switch, modernized with design enhancements for performance and 2018 compatibility. The new Switch controllers are slated for release in October and will be available in three variations; Mario, Zelda, and Pikachu. Pricing is set at ‎¥2,980 ($26.77) per controller, although whether or not they will ever hit store shelves outside Japan is unclear.

The Gamecube controller has become the prevailing favorite for competitive Nintendo games, most notably Super Smash Bros. The Wii, Wii U, and Switch each have their own version of a traditional Xbox-style controller, yet at least for this generation, the Gamecube controller is sticking around. That being said, while the new HORI controllers indeed bear a close resemblance to the Gamecube controller, there's a lot more going on beneath the surface.

In contrast to Nintendo's own Gamecube controller, which is set to re-release in December to coincide with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, HORI made a number of design improvements to streamline performance on Nintendo Switch. With the addition of the Switch's plus, minus, Home, and Screenshot buttons, users can expect a seamless transition from the Joy-Cons and Pro Controller to HORI's Gamecube-style controller.

That's not all - the controllers also have a rapid fire function, which can be set to press any button five, 10, or 20 times per second. HORI also ditched the oft-forgotten Z button in favor of the standard L/ZL, R/ZR setup, which players will be able to remap to their preference.

Finally, the lightweight controllers feature textured handles to increase grip when things get a little heated. The wired controllers connect to any of the Switch dock's three USB ports, meaning a fourth player will have to settle for the Joy-Cons or the Pro Controller, unless a splitter is released.

For those holding out hope for a Gamecube Classic similar to the SNES and NES Classic, a recent slew of Nintendo trademarks suggest good things to come.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is set for release on December 7, 2018.