Nintendo finally held its long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 direct, pulling back the curtain on the new console’s vast array of features, services, and exclusive games. While there’s plenty to be excited about on the horizon, such as a Nintendo-published FromSoftware game and a proper 3D Donkey Kong, those with older, more nostalgic tastes are in for a bit of a treat as well.
Nintendo Switch Online has long been an important and contentious pillar of Nintendo’s modern game-release strategy. On the one hand, the service allows Switch players to access a wide variety of old-school games for a modest subscription fee, essentially serving as a “Game Pass,” but specifically for classic Nintendo titles. On the other hand, locking these classic games behind a subscription has been viewed as unfriendly to consumers, and many would simply prefer the option to buy specific games rather than pay a monthly or annual fee for access to several. Nevertheless, the games-on-demand section of Nintendo Switch Online is being expanded on Nintendo Switch 2, which will include GameCube games.
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The Nintendo Switch 2 Will Feature GameCube Games
During the recent Nintendo Switch 2 direct, the company confirmed what many had already guessed: GameCube games will be added to Nintendo Switch Online. GameCube games confirmed for NSO, at the time of writing, include:
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
- F-Zero GX
- Soulcaliber 2
Nintendo claims that these titles will feature “clearer image quality” on the Switch 2, which likely means that they will be upscaled from their original, lower resolutions. Nintendo revealed some other unique features as well, such as a “retro” visual filter and the option to customize key bindings. Like with the emulated N64, SEGA Genesis, Game Boy, NES, and SNES games on the Switch 2, online play will be supported for classic titles via NSO—arguably the service’s most appealing feature. Nintendo says that other GameCube games will arrive on the service down the road, teasing classic titles like Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi’s Mansion, and Super Mario Strikers.
Sadly, the GameCube slice of Nintendo Switch Online will only be available on the Nintendo Switch 2.
GameCube Emulation On the Switch 2 Is Great, Despite Obvious Shortcomings
As previously mentioned, not every Nintendo fan is thrilled about the decision to lock classic games to Nintendo Switch Online. There’s the obvious drawback of not actually owning these games, whereas older consoles like the Wii allowed for one-time purchases of many classic titles, but the quality of these classic games has been debated as well. Games on NSO may have higher resolutions than on the original GameCube, N64, et cetera, but they are only emulations at the end of the day—they lack other enhancements that modern players may expect from rereleases of older games. For instance, although Ocarina of Time received a well-regarded remaster on the 3DS, with a slew of visual and quality-of-life upgrades, no such version is available on the Switch, which feels like a missed opportunity.
Having said all that, NSO’s addition of GameCube games is still a great option for those looking to revisit Nintendo classics or explore them for the first time. While there are certainly cheaper, higher-quality emulation opportunities available, most prefer to avoid the technical hurdles (not to mention the legal complications) of such options. When it comes to convenience, Nintendo Switch Online already offers a lot of must-play retro games, and with the service growing through the arrival of many GameCube hits, its value proposition is getting a major shot in the arm.
Play online with friends, family, and other players around the world.
Battle it out against other players around the world in the Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate game. Or hang out with friends on your island paradise in the Animal Crossing™: New Horizons game.
100+ classic NES, Super NES, and Game Boy games at your fingertips
Play old-school favorites like the Super Mario Bros.™ 3, Donkey Kong Country™, and The Legend of Zelda™: Link’s Awakening games. These games include added online functionality so you can compete (or cooperate) online with friends depending on the game.
Save on new games
Nintendo Switch Online members can buy a pair of Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers* and redeem each one for a digital game in the voucher catalog to score savings. For example, get The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and one other game for up to $30 in savings with Game Vouchers!
Enjoy Nintendo game music – now on your smart device!
Kick back and enjoy some of your favorite Nintendo tunes with Nintendo Music, the new smart-device app that lets you stream or download music from Nintendo’s library of soundtracks from popular franchises like The Legend of Zelda™, Super Mario™, Animal Crossing™, and many more.