Nintendo Switch Online Just Quietly Added Its Newest GameCube Game

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Nintendo Switch Online has added a new GameCube game for players with a Switch 2. So far in 2026, only one new GameCube title—Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance—had been released, bringing the total to eight. Now, Nintendo has expanded the catalog with a ninth game, and it’s likely the most popular one added so far.

Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is now available to play for Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack members. Nintendo had previously announced the game would be added in March, but its release was a surprise – they didn’t give any advance notice! If you’re excited to play, update the GameCube app on your Switch to the latest version and you should be able to start right away.

More GameCube Games Are Heading to Switch Online Soon

With Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness now available on Nintendo Switch Online, only two games remain from Nintendo’s previously announced additions: Pokemon Colosseum and Super Mario Sunshine. Nintendo hasn’t said when these games will be released, but Pokemon Colosseum is likely to come next, as it’s closely connected to Gale of Darkness.

Over the next few months, we’ll probably find out when these two games are coming to Switch Online. Nintendo might also give us a preview of future games planned for the service in 2026 and beyond. We may hear more details during Nintendo’s next major presentation, though the date of that is currently unconfirmed.

Just a heads-up: you can only play GameCube games on Nintendo Switch Online if you have a Nintendo Switch 2. The app isn’t compatible with the original Switch. Plus, these games—along with titles from Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, Virtual Boy, and Sega Genesis—are only available with the more expensive Expansion Pack tier of Nintendo Switch Online.

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2026-03-18 17:09