Super Smash Bros. for 3DS and Wii U draws closer with each passing day, and if you’re a devotee to the GameCube’s Super Smash Bros. Melee, you’re likely extra-excited for the new entries in the series. Why? Because the Wii’s Brawl–though a wonderfully-crafted fighter in its own right–has fallen out of favor with competitive players due to features like tripping and a slower pace of play. In a way it suits the casual-heavy Wii, but it also means that hundreds (if not thousands) of Smash-lovers never truly moved on.
The upcoming Wii U and 3DS versions play like a hybrid of Brawl and Melee, offering the latter’s signature speed with the former’s emphasis on calculated moves and defense. For those looking to brush up on their Melee skills, GameStop has a nice option for you — refurbished GameCubes for $20. Yes, that’s right. $20 consoles. While supplies last of course.
Related: Every Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS Character Detailed
Though it’s not exactly clear why GameStop suddenly has access to a bunch of GameCubes (a slow trickle of trade-ins, perhaps?), it’s a question I’m happy to leave unanswered for the time being. If you nab one of these, you’ll have the chance to play classics like F-ZERO GX, Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem, Viewtiful Joe, Metroid Prime, and, of course, Super Smash Bros. Melee.
Your purchase won’t be entirely in vain once you get bored, either. Nintendo revealed back at E3 that Wii U will be able to take advantage of GameCube controllers after all, so if you become a champ with the old-school pad while playing Melee, there’s no pressing reason to switch when Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is released. Sounds like a win-win to me.
