You can now play select GameCube games on the Nintendo Switch, but with some restrictions. Nintendo has added these titles through the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics app, and you’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership to access them – the regular Nintendo Switch Online membership won’t work. This isn’t a full release of GameCube games for all Switch consoles, and it’s only available on the Nintendo Switch 2, not the original Switch.
Nintendo has officially announced that the GameCube app will be available on June 5, 2025, coinciding with the launch of the Switch 2. The initial release will include three popular games – The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-ZERO GX, and SOULCALIBUR II – with plans to add more games over time.
The only thing officially confirmed right now is those two games. Everything else people are hoping for is just speculation. Nintendo has announced that Super Mario Sunshine and Pokémon Colosseum are coming to the app, but they haven’t said when they’ll be released yet.
It’s important to be accurate when discussing potential GameCube games on the Switch 2. Reporting on fan wishes as if they’re confirmed releases leads to speculation getting out of hand. Currently, the realistic story is this: Nintendo has hinted at bringing GameCube games to the new console, a substantial library exists, but only a few titles have been officially announced.
Nintendo Finally Opened the Door to GameCube on Switch 2
Fans have long requested GameCube games be added to Nintendo’s classic game subscription service. Now they’re finally here, but with a catch: you need the more expensive ‘Expansion Pack’ tier and a Nintendo Switch 2 to play them. This is different from how Nintendo released its older retro games for NES, SNES, Game Boy, and Nintendo 64, which were available to all Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.
Nintendo has officially stated that GameCube games will be part of its ongoing “Nintendo Classics” collection. This means they aren’t releasing these games as a limited-time event, but rather as a permanent addition to the subscription service, initially available on newer consoles.
The Library Is Real, Even If It Is Still Small
As of April 22, 2026, Nintendo’s official GameCube page lists nine currently available games:
| Game | Release Date |
|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker | June 5, 2025 |
| F-ZERO GX | June 5, 2025 |
| SOULCALIBUR II | June 5, 2025 |
| Super Mario Strikers | July 3, 2025 |
| Chibi-Robo! Plug Into Adventure! | August 21, 2025 |
| Luigi’s Mansion | October 30, 2025 |
| Wario World | December 11, 2025 |
| Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance | January 8, 2026 |
| Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness | March 17, 2026 |
While the current game selection makes the service seem credible, it’s not quite comprehensive enough to be considered a full library. It includes popular Nintendo games, a great racing title, a major fighting game, and some niche favorites, but it feels like just the beginning. Nintendo has started building the game collection, but there’s still a lot more to add.
Sunshine and Colosseum Are Next, but Nintendo Has Not Dated Them
Nintendo has officially announced that Super Mario Sunshine and Pokémon Colosseum are coming soon. These games were listed on Nintendo’s GameCube webpage as upcoming releases, confirming they aren’t just rumors or leaks.
This is often where articles go wrong – by making assumptions. Nintendo hasn’t announced release dates for either game on its official website. The only accurate information is that both games are confirmed to be coming out, not when specifically. Any details beyond that are simply speculation.
Nintendo Is Selling More Than Bare Emulation
Nintendo isn’t just re-releasing old games; they’re aiming for a refined experience. According to Nintendo, players can save progress whenever they want, personalize controls for each game, and enjoy supported titles with up to four players locally, wirelessly, or online. Plus, these new versions boast improved visuals with sharper images and higher resolution compared to the originals.
The recent update to Nintendo Switch Online included a retro visual mode, mimicking old CRT televisions, and widescreen support for games that originally had it. While these aren’t complete remakes, they demonstrate Nintendo’s intention to offer improved versions of classic games, not just simple, original releases.
Nintendo is releasing an official wireless GameCube controller for the Switch 2. It’s an optional accessory for Nintendo Switch Online members and can be purchased through the My Nintendo Store in select regions. This controller features a C Button for in-game chat and will only work with the Nintendo Switch 2.
Super Smash Bros. Melee Is Still Missing, and So Are Plenty of Other Fan Favorites
Fans are still disappointed that Super Smash Bros. Melee hasn’t been added to the official list. Other popular GameCube games like Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Metroid Prime, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, and Eternal Darkness are also missing, and Nintendo hasn’t confirmed their availability yet.
Okay, so the big news is GameCube games are actually coming to the Nintendo Switch Online service – it’s not just a rumor anymore! But it’s still pretty new, and while we know which games are coming first and the next couple after that, most of what we’re talking about right now is just what fans hope will happen, not what Nintendo has officially announced. It’s exciting, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves!
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2026-04-23 01:40