The GameCube launched in 2001 and had a distinct design that made it easily portable. While it didn’t live up next to its biggest rival, the PS2, it still had some stellar software. Fans have been waiting for GameCube games to come to theSwitch ever since their classics libraryopened up for the online service and it looks like the Switch 2 is getting GameCube support.
When the Switch 2 launches on June 5, these GameCube games will be available:The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur 2,andF-Zero GX.Later, Nintendo plans to put outLuigi’s Mansion, Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Strikers, Chibi-Robo, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness,andPokemon Coliseumtoo. What games should come out after that second rollout?
Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiemwas one of the besthorror games on the GameCube: a system without many to speak of. It played with the minds of players by breaking the fourth wall including switching screens and turning down the volume. Many games have tried doing this since the horror genre has evolved, soEternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem’s tricks may seem quaint by today’s standards. Still, as a history lesson, it seems like a necessary digital addition to the Switch 2’s GameCube collection.
It’s great thatThe Legend of Zelda: The Wind Wakerwill be available on day one on the Switch 2 even though Nintendo made a better version on the Wii U via a remaster. That aside,The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventureswould be another welcome addition to theZeldaseries on the Switch 2. This little marvel required four players to each have aGBA and cableto play together around the GameCube. It was a big requirement but the modern age could rectify this costly setup with proper online or local integration.
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakeswas a remake of the PS1 classic using similar gameplay mechanics as Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. For example, when aiming guns, players could go into a first-person perspective.
Besides the gameplay tweaks, the story got improvements too with more in-depth cinematic including an infamous onewherein Solid Snakedodged a rocket like he was inThe Matrix. There was also a multiplayer mode which was one of the earliest implementations in the series which could see a fun resurgence online if only Konami and Nintendo willed it.
Odamais a forgotten exclusive from the GameCube era and one of the more odder gameplay setups and that’s counting all of the GBA and cable shenanigans from games likeThe Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures. Odama was essentially a castle destroyer game set in thefeudal era of Japanwherein players could command their soldiers using a packed-in microphone. It was also like a pinball game as soldiers could bounce around a large boulder. With the Switch 2’s 3D audio capabilities, it makes sense to bring back games like this.
Skies of Arcadia: Legendswas a GameCube port of a Dreamcast game and to this day, it’s the only port this Sega RPG classic ever got. Fans have been begging Sega to remaster the game or make a sequel for decades. If they aren’t willing to do either then Nintendo could at least step in and re-release the GameCube version on Switch 2. It’s unlike any turn-based game of this era,featuring sky piratesin an unforgettable adventure. Sega fans would admittedly also love to playPhantasy Star Online Episode 1 & 2on Switch 2 if it got proper online support.
Star Wars Rogue Squadron 2: Rogue Leaderwas alaunch title for the GameCubeand it’s still one of theStar Warsgames that fans love to point to as an all-out banger. The story content, level design, and available ships all helped it rise above its predecessor on the N64 which is also well-celebrated.
It’s a curiosity why there haven’t been more games like this and the most recent game, Star Wars: Squadrons, even had VR support. Fans still want aerial fighter games like this and bringing back classics via digital storefronts is one step.
Even though fans lovedSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateon the Switch for its character selection and gameplay, there will never be a bigger game in thefranchise thanSuper Smash Bros. Melee. It’s still played in tournaments even though Nintendo has put the kibosh on its inclusion more than once. An easy way to appease to fighting game community would be to re-release this game on Switch 2 which would win them so many brownie points. They probably could get away with re-releasing this game alone and fabs would be happy.
Wario Worldwas Wario’s only 3D platformer which was still mostly in 2D. While it never got as much praise as theWario Landgames, it had plenty to love. Wario’s weird noises, gameplay mechanics, and more helped him stand out next to his rival Mario. Wario deserves better like a brand new solo adventure on Switch 2 that isn’t just a mini-game collection and re-releasing Wario World could help engage interest again.
