In 2025 Nintendo will be showing a lot of love for a console that came out more than two decades go!
First released in 2001 in North America, the GameCube featured some incredible titles and an iconic controller design - both of which you'll be able to revisit this year.
GameCube games will be coming to Nintendo Switch Online June 5 2025.
The Nintendo Switch Online service is getting an update alongside the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and adding GameCube to it's online membership for those who pay for the expansion pass.
Can you play GameCube games on Nintendo Switch
Here's the catch - you're gonna need a Nintendo Switch 2 to fully unlock this benefit. Under the listed requirements to access GameCube games Nintendo says users need to have:
- A paid Nintendo Switch Online Membership with Expansion Pass
- A Nintendo Switch 2
This means for those who aren't going to upgrade to the latest Nintendo console you won't be able to revist these GameCube classics
What GameCube titles will be playable at launch on Switch 2?
Nintendo has revealed the launch and upcoming titles for the GameCube app on Nintendo Switch 2. When the service launches on June 5th alongside the console you'll be able to play:
- The Legend of Zelda: The Windwaker (note: this is the GameCube version not the HD remake from Wii U)
- SOULCALIBUR II
- F-Zero GX
The games will allow you to pull up congroller layouts and configure to your taste and allow save states (where you can save your progress at any point). The titles will also have some graphical smoothing/enhancement compared to the originals.
Can you use GameCube controllers with Nintendo Switch 2?
If you get a Switch 2 and want the most authentic gaming experience, you'll need a GameCube controller. However, those old wired controllers that you've been hanging on to for years from the original console won't cut it.
Fortuanately, Nintendo is going to be selling wireless versions of the GameCube controller to people who have a paid NSO membership.
If this is anyting like the launch of the N64 controllers they will be expensive AND hard to secure. Keep checking the Nintendo website for further info on when these controllers will be available to purchase/restocked.
Game on!
The Nintendo Switch Online membership library has grown to be very robust so it's wonderful to see it carrying over with the launch of Switch 2. And even better, we're seeing iti expand.
If you're a GameCube enthusiast you may also be happy to hear that Switch 2 is revisiting a racing franchise that first debuted on that console 20 years ago. Kirby Air Ride came out in 2003 and will be getting it's first sequel since the original launched. Kirby Air Riders is coming to Switch 2 at some point in 2025.
If you missed the Nintendo Switch 2 direct live stream on April 2nd, you can get caught up on the biggest announcements right here.
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