The new Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo Wii U has done more than just increase Wii U sales, it has also boosted sales of the GameCube adapter to the point where stores are running out and owners are gouging prices online!

As an avid Super Smash Bros. player, it’s a no-brainer as to why folks would prefer to use the GameCube controller to play any Super Smash Bros. game as opposed to using Wiimotes or a GamePad. With a simple and ergonomic design, the GameCube controller is typically referred to as “the only real way to competitively play Smash,” according to a number of competitive Smash players.

Sales of the GameCube adapter have skyrocketed since the game’s release on November 21st, putting veteran Smash players in a tough spot financially if they failed to acquire the adapter before the game’s release. One could simply learn to use the GamePad and Wiimotes to play, but for those of us who have been playing since Super Smash Bros. Melee was released in 2001 (or longer), there truly is no other way to play. Playing with a GameCube controller gives players the advantage of experience and knowledge. Using a new controller would bring players down to their lowest as fighters and a human beings, completely demoralizing them among their friends.

The original pricetag on the adapter is $19.99, but (un)lucky shoppers can find them on eBay and Amazon at a minimum of $79.99 on both sites (unless you happen to win a bid on eBay for cheaper). And you’d be lucky to find any at Walmart, Best Buy, or GameStop (even GameStop.com is struggling to keep them in stock). Personally, I’d rather wait until I could get my hands on a GameCube adapter before ever learning to use the GamePad. But hey, at least Nintendo didn’t release a Nintendo 64 controller adapter for the new Smash Bros… That would suck.

Hey Nintendo… What are you going to do?