Summary
TheNintendo Switch 2will give old-school gamers a special dose of nostalgia with an optional CRT filter that makes GameCube games look just like they did in the earliest years of the century. ThisNintendo Switch 2filter provides a completely optional downgrade in graphics on older games, taking players on a virtual trip through time to roughly 20 years ago.
The Nintendo Direct presentation from April 2 showed that theSwitch 2 has plenty of tricks up its sleeve. Nintendo has built a reputation for building consoles with a lot of elements that seem gimmicky at their reveal, like motion control nunchucks and touchpad screens, but the gaming community often quickly acclimates to these innovations, and they end up setting Nintendo apart from the competition. While the Switch 2 initially seemed like just a bulked-up version of the Switch, the presentation detailed a bunch of new features, like mouse control for Joy-Cons and its GameChat communication tool, showing that Nintendo isn’t done with trying to change the face of gaming hardware.
While the console itself took center stage at the showcase, there were also plenty of game reveals, including the announcement of Switch 2 Online’s GameCube catalog.NintendoLifereports, based on a hands-on preview, that the Switch 2 allows GameCube games to be played using an optional CRT filter, causing modern screens to emulate older ones that displayed images via cathode ray tubes. Based on this report, it should be a treat for those looking for a more authentic early-2000s experience on modern hardware.10 GameCube games have been confirmedso far, withThe Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker,F-Zero GX, andSoulcalibur 2available at the console’s June 5 launch.
Switch 2 Online Offers CRT Filter for GameCube Games
CRT monitors in retro gaming circlesare becoming more popular, with some players appreciating the old-school quality of visuals that seem to disappear when they are playing using modern televisions and monitors. Though the technology had become completely obsolete by around 2015, a few niche manufacturers are building new CRT monitors specifically for such enthusiasts, though their price tags are often very steep when compared to modern screens. With the addition of this feature to the Switch 2, players may be able to fully replicate that experience for no additional price.
This CRT filter feature may begin to gain popularity as Switch 2 fans continue towishlist more GameCube games. For now, they can expect the three launch titles along with other confirmed classics, which includeSuper Mario Sunshine,Pokemon Colosseum,Luigi’s Mansion, andFire Emblem: Path of Radiance.
Nintendo Switch 2
The successor to 2017’s Nintendo Switch continues down the same path as its predecessor, providing a hybrid experience that supports both home and handheld gaming. Launching on July 28, 2025, with games like Mario Kart World, the basic Nintendo Switch 2 bundle comes with the console, Joy-Con 2, straps for the controller, a dock, an AC adapter, an HDMI cable, and a Joy-Con 2 grip.
