Nintendo has officially brought GameCube games to Nintendo Switch Online, marking one of the most requested additions to its retro library. With the launch of the Switch 2, subscribers can now access a curated selection of GameCube classics as part of the Nintendo Classics lineup.
This move expands Nintendo Switch Online beyond NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy titles, giving players access to higher-resolution versions of GameCube games with modern controller support. The addition also introduces a dedicated wireless GameCube-style controller designed for Switch 2.
GameCube Games Available On Switch 2 At Launch
At launch, Nintendo Switch Online subscribers with the Expansion Pack tier can play several well-known GameCube titles. These games feature enhanced resolution compared to their original releases and support customizable control layouts.
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
- F-Zero GX
- Soulcalibur II
- Super Mario Strikers
- Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
- Luigi’s Mansion
- Wario World
Each title runs through the Nintendo Classics app on Switch 2, which includes a brief GameCube-themed startup animation designed as a nostalgic callback for longtime fans.
Confirmed GameCube Games Coming Later
Nintendo has also confirmed additional GameCube games that will be added to the Switch Online library in future updates. As with other classic collections, the lineup is expected to expand gradually.
- Chibi-Robo (available starting August 21)
- Super Mario Sunshine
- Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness
- Pokemon Colosseum
Release timing for some titles has not been finalized, but Nintendo has stated that more GameCube classics are planned beyond the initial wave.
Improved Performance And Controller Support
GameCube games on Switch 2 run at a higher resolution than their original versions, with smoother visuals tailored to modern displays. Players can remap controls to suit Joy-Con, Pro Controller, or compatible third-party controllers.
Nintendo has also released a wireless GameCube-style controller for Switch 2. The controller includes a dedicated C button and is compatible with both GameCube titles and select modern Switch games.
Subscription Tier And Pricing
Access to GameCube games requires a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. At the time of writing, the plan is priced at $80 per year and includes access to all Nintendo Classics libraries.
Standard Nintendo Switch Online subscribers do not have access to the GameCube library.
How This Compares To Previous Switch Online Libraries
Unlike NES or SNES additions, the GameCube library arrives with fewer titles at launch but offers more substantial individual experiences. Many of these games were previously unavailable on modern Nintendo hardware without limited-time collections.
The addition of GameCube games positions Switch 2 as Nintendo’s most comprehensive retro platform to date.
What’s Next For Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo has confirmed that more GameCube games will be added over time, though specific titles have not been announced beyond the current roadmap. Additional controller features and performance refinements are also expected as the service evolves.
With GameCube games now part of Switch Online, Nintendo continues to lean into nostalgia while modernizing its classic catalog for the Switch 2 era.
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