The hard-to-find peripheral that enables you to use GameCube controllers to play Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is finally back in stock.
GameStop has the Wii U GameCube Controller Adapter on sale through its website. You can get it for $50 in a bundle with a GameCube controller. The standalone adapter, which typically sells for $20, is not in stock. The rarity of this item is a demonstration of just how dedicated the Smash Bros. community is to the four-player fighter. When combined, Smash Bros. for 3DS and Wii U was the sixth best-selling game at U.S. retailers last year.
Nintendo only made a finite number of Wii U GameCube Adapters, and the device quickly sold out as the fervent Smash Bros. fan community swarmed every store they could find in search of the add-on. This has led to skyrocketing prices for the official adapter on eBay and other websites. Additionally, third-party manufacturers have since released their own unofficial adapters.
The GameCube adapter is just one of a number of recent Nintendo items to experience a shortage at retail. The company has failed to replenish stock for a handful of its Amiibo interactive toys. Most recently, the New 3DS XL — which launched in North America last week — is very difficult to find in stores.