5 GameCube Games That Defined the 2000s

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The GameCube faced a tough challenge, launching between the incredibly popular PlayStation 2 and the new Xbox from Microsoft, which proved to be a strong competitor. While the GameCube didn’t sell as many units as its rivals, Nintendo consistently delivers excellent games, and this console was no exception. Despite not winning the console war, the GameCube still boasted a fantastic library of titles, with a select few truly standing out as defining games for its fans.

Here are the five GameCube games that defined the 2000s.

5) The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

It’s hard to choose between this game and Twilight Princess; they’re both fantastic and really demonstrate Nintendo’s skill. I personally lean towards The Wind Waker, mostly because its unique, cartoon-like graphics still look amazing even today.

While some players found the sailing sections frustrating – and understandably so – The Wind Waker is a fantastic game by Nintendo. It introduced a lot of beloved characters, including Tetra, who quickly became a fan favorite. It’s great to see Toon Link has received a lot of appreciation since then, with multiple sequels and strong support from fans.

4) Animal Crossing

Although the original Animal Crossing was first released on Nintendo 64, it didn’t come to Western audiences until it was updated and released on the GameCube. While the initial Japanese version, Dōbutsu no Mori, is historically important, most fans consider the GameCube release to be the true start of the Animal Crossing series.

The original Animal Crossing was a surprising success, selling almost three million copies. While that number seems small next to Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ impressive 50 million sales, it’s still the seventh best-selling GameCube game. As the game that started such a popular Nintendo series, it definitely deserves to be recognized.

3) Resident Evil 4

Unlike every other game on this list, this one wasn’t made by Nintendo. Back in 2002, Capcom announced five games that would only be available on the GameCube. Nintendo was hoping to demonstrate support from other companies and improve sales, so they partnered with Capcom to create titles like P.N.03, Viewtiful Joe, Dead Phoenix, Killer7, and Resident Evil 4.

Although a game called Dead Phoenix was never published, the other four titles in the series achieved different degrees of success. RE4 was the biggest hit, becoming a best-selling game of all time and dramatically changing the series. Originally released on GameCube, Leon S. Kennedy’s adventure in Spain eventually became available on every gaming platform, giving Nintendo a standout, genre-defining title.

2) Super Smash Bros. Melee

The first Super Smash Bros. game for Nintendo 64 was a fun fighting game featuring 12 characters from classic Nintendo titles. Melee built on that foundation and added a lot more content, including 25 playable characters – some of which you had to unlock by completing difficult challenges.

Beyond all that, Melee offered players a huge amount of single-player content to keep them engaged for hundreds of hours. Add in the incredibly deep and compelling multiplayer mode, and you have a game that captivated players for years. In fact, Melee tournaments are still held today.

I considered including Mario Kart: Double Dash on this list, but Melee was the more popular choice for parties. Personally, I’ve always preferred Mario Kart 64, and I know that might upset some Double Dash fans, but everyone has their own preferences!

1) Metroid Prime

When Retro Studios and Nintendo started planning the revival of the original 3D Metroid, they decided to try something new: a first-person shooter. Retro’s founder, Jeff Spangenberg, had previously worked on the successful Turok series for the Nintendo 64, so it seemed like a natural fit to reinvent Metroid with this style of gameplay.

Following its release, Metroid Prime quickly became one of the GameCube’s—and Nintendo’s—most popular games ever. It was a groundbreaking title that proved Nintendo could compete with more mature first-person shooters while still maintaining its family-friendly appeal. The original Metroid Prime was both a critical and commercial success, revitalizing the Metroid series and leading to two more excellent games that completed the trilogy.

After a gap of over ten years following Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (not counting the side games), the series made a comeback with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on the Nintendo Switch 2. While it might not be Retro Studios’ best work, longtime fans are optimistic that it signals a return to form for the Metroid Prime franchise.

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2025-12-24 22:12