Update 6/12: Retro Fighters has decided to cancel their Kickstarter campaign for the Duelist wireless controller. Despite reaching its funding goal very quickly, the team at Retro Fighters has taken fan feedback to heart and wants to release a product that everyone will enjoy. Retro Fighters has stated that once they come up with a new design that incorporates feedback received they will re-launch the campaign. The original story follows.

Yesterday Retro Fighters launched a new Kickstarter campaign to fund a controller specifically designed for use with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on Nintendo Switch. This new controller is dubbed the Duelist and takes inspiration from the Nintendo GameCube controller which is still the only controller most Smash Pros play with. The Duelist features a nice ergonomic design with all the controls you would expect to find on a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. There is one thing that sets the Duelist apart from the crowd however and that is the inclusion of a new S button that looks to simplify the gameplay of Smash. This new S button is mapped to allow users to easily execute smash or short hop attacks at the press of a single button. The function can be toggled at the press of a button allowing for quick changing of the functionality. The Duelist also comes with the added functionality of being able to power on your Nintendo switch by holding in the Home button.

As of this publishing the Kickstarter campaign has already met 86% of its $13,000 with 222 backers. There are still 28 days remaining in the campaign so there is no doubt in my mind that it will succeed. Upon initial funding, a number of additional stretch goals are also available that will include a bonus keychain or allow backers to choose additional colors for future Duelist productions. With Retro Fighters’ history of making some pretty awesome controllers, the Duelist will be sure to please many. If you are a die-hard Smash fan and are looking for new and interesting ways to play the Duelist might be right up your alley so check it out!