GameCube is coming to Nintendo Switch Online.
After years of fans crying out for it, it’s finally happening – albeit with a catch. GameCube titles are indeed being added to the roster of classics available to those who subscribe to the various tiers of the Nintendo Switch Online paid membership, but they’ll be exclusive to folks playing on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
They will, at least, be launching day-and-date with the new console on June 5, 2025, so it would appear that Nintendo’s been sitting on this one in anticipation of the new hardware, which perhaps possesses the performance overhead required to properly emulate these things.
The new versions of these games will feature better image quality including higher resolutions, online multiplayer, control customisation and the ability to save/load suspend points much like the already-available classics.
Like the other “premium” retro offerings on Switch, you’ll need to be subbed to the more expensive Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier, but for your money you’ll get access to a pretty decent selection of games. Here’s what’s been confirmed for launch and later:
Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Launch Titles
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
- SOULCALIBUR II
- F-Zero GX
Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Future Titles
- Super Mario Sunshine
- Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
- Pokémon XD Gale of Darkness
- Super Mario Strikers
- Chibi-Robo!
- Luigi’s Mansion
- Pokémon Colosseum
Like the other available retro home console libraries on the Switch currently, Nintendo will also be selling brand-new versions of the original controller. The GameCube Controller for Nintendo Switch 2 sports the same design, albeit with full wireless capabilities and the addition of the new “C” button for GameChat.
Take a look at the reveal video below and find out more right here.
Are you excited for the arrival of GameCube games on the Nintendo Switch 2? Would you consider this a major selling point for the new console? Let us know in the comments below or over on social media.
Kieron's been gaming ever since he could first speak the words "Blast Processing" and hasn't lost his love for platformers and JRPGs since. A connoisseur of avant-garde indie experiences and underground cult classics, Kieron is a devout worshipper at the churches of Double Fine and Annapurna Interactive, to drop just a couple of names.
