GC Ultimate Joystick Gate Size FAQ

GC Ultimate Joystick Gate Size FAQ

Why is the gate diameter smaller than an official GameCube controller?

The GC Ultimate uses GuliKit TMR Hall Effect stickboxes, which are modeled after the modern joystick modules found in controllers such as:

  • Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

  • Sony DualShock 4 (PS4)

  • Sony DualSense (PS5)

  • Xbox One / Series controllers

These stickboxes have a standardized footprint and range of motion that differ from the original GameCube controller’s unique joystick box design.

Because of this, the gate cutout on the GC Ultimate is slightly smaller than on an OEM GameCube controller. This ensures:

  • Correct travel distance for the stick’s rated range of motion

  • Compatibility with a wide variety of joystick caps (tops), not just Nintendo-branded caps

Why not use the original GameCube joystick box?

The original GameCube stickbox is:

  • Not available on the market as an individual part (discontinued, no modern production)

  • Missing modern features, such as stick-click functionality

  • Limited in customization, since only the OEM GameCube caps are compatible

By using a modern TMR stickbox, the GC Ultimate gains better availability, higher durability compared to other aftermarket options, and broader customization.

Does this affect the joystick range on real hardware?

No. The joystick range is the same as an OEM pad when used on original hardware. The narrower-looking cutout does not reduce the functional movement range - it only accommodates the slimmer neck design of the modern joystick caps.

In practice, you’ll get:

  • Full input range in games like F-Zero GX

  • Higher precision thanks to Hall Effect technology, which eliminates stick drift

Key Takeaways

  • The smaller gate is by design, due to modern stickbox dimensions.

  • Full joystick range is preserved.

  • The design allows greater customization with different joystick caps.

  • Hall Effect sensors offer higher precision and longer lifespan.

The gate looks smaller, but functionally you get the same range as OEM—with modern precision and customization benefits.