This Mod Makes the GameCube Controller React to Onscreen Smash Bros. Action

Few video games have as diehard of a fandom as Super Smash Bros. from Nintendo. The first game launched for the Nintendo 64 back in 1999 and there have been sequels released for the GameCube, the Wii, the 3DS/Wii U, and now the Switch. While all of them have been popular, Super Smash Bros. Melee for the GameCube stands out in particular. That’s partially because the game itself was great, but more because the GameCube’s controller was perfect for the game. Many people today prefer to use that controller even when playing on other systems and this mod adds animated LED effects that match your onscreen Super Smash Bros. character’s moves.

There are a variety of reasons why the GameCube controller is ideal for Super Smash Bros., but it mostly comes down to the button layout and how you can use the joystick to modify each character’s moves. It’s also just a comfortable controller to hold—something that isn’t true for all Nintendo controllers. This mod was inspired by Seri’s Shinewave mod from way back in 2015 and it even shares some of the code. But that original Shinewave mod only worked with Falco on Super Smash Bros. Melee. This new version from RockerGaming, dubbed Shinewave 2.0, works with many different characters from different games in the franchise.

Other than the rumble functionality, the GameCube controller has no way to receive information from whatever console it is connected to. It can only send control commands. That means that the controller doesn’t actually know what is happening onscreen. It doesn’t even know if you’re playing Super Smash Bros. or Super Monkey Ball. Instead, a microcontroller inside of the controller keeps track of your button presses and analyzes them to determine which move you’re currently executing. The same button combo can result in different moves depending on which character you’re playing as, so you have to have the animation set for your specific character. Those animations are cooling blinking light effects in the same colors and patterns that you see onscreen.

The controller that RockerGaming built for this demonstration was essentially 100% custom, even down to the back case that was cast in resin using a mold made from an existing controller. Inside of the case is the main GameCube controller PCB with its CNT-DOL controller IC. The custom Shinewave 2.0 PCBs attach to that through the cable connector. It appears that the Shinewave functionality is handled by a Microchip ATtiny microcontroller (probably the ATtiny85). Small SMD RGB LED chips are soldered to the custom PCBs and shine through the transparent resin case. If you’re a dedicated Super Smash Bros. player who prefers using a GameCube controller, this Shinewave 2.0 mod is for you.