Nintendo Switch Online GameCube Library: Top Picks Fans Want

Noah Benjamin

2025-07-07

blog image

Nintendo Switch Online has steadily expanded its library of retro games, giving fans a chance to relive classic titles on a modern system. While support for NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy libraries has made retro gaming more accessible, one era still shimmers on the horizon: the GameCube. This early-2000s console, with its distinctive cube shape, played host to a remarkable selection of titles that not only defined a generation of players but also cemented entire franchises within Nintendo lore. The possibility of GameCube games coming to Switch Online has inspired hope and speculation within the community, who remember the system for pushing boundaries in gameplay, graphics, and multiplayer fun. This conversation is especially exciting given how certain games from that era remain important touchstones for many.

Main Part

Among the wide range of wish-listed GameCube classics, it's impossible to overlook Super Smash Bros. Melee. Melee, with its high-speed gameplay and advanced mechanics, carved out a permanent niche within competitive gaming that persists today. Players cherish its unique roster and stages, creating a deep connection that extends beyond nostalgia. Then there's Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, which introduced a creative two-rider kart dynamic that made for wildly unpredictable races—a mechanic fans are eager to revisit. The demand for these titles is fueled by not only nostalgia, but also by a desire to share these unique experiences with a new generation, especially in an online multiplayer context that was unavailable on the original hardware. The fusion of classic, beloved gameplay with modern online functionality would be a dream come true for both old and new Nintendo fans.

Expanding the selection further, Metroid Prime stands out as another must-have for any GameCube collection. Revolutionizing the Metroid franchise with its 3D, first-person perspective, Metroid Prime offered exploration and atmosphere that many fans consider a gold standard in action-adventure design. Games like Luigi’s Mansion, with its blend of puzzles and spooky charm, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, celebrated for its cel-shaded visuals and unforgettable adventure, remain highly requested. These titles not only pushed technological boundaries for their era but also featured storytelling and gameplay innovations that still resonate today. Adding such games to the Switch Online library would allow fans to rediscover them in high fidelity and introduce younger gamers to the magic of the GameCube’s dazzling lineup.

But what makes the possibility of GameCube games so enticing isn’t just nostalgia. The improvements the Switch could offer—such as save states, instant multiplayer, and portability—would transform how fans experience these classics. Imagine dropping into a quick Melee tournament while on the go or taking turns in Double Dash!! during a family holiday. Nintendo’s continuous updates to Switch Online have shown a willingness to embrace its history, and GameCube support could represent a major leap in both content and fan engagement. This move would also align perfectly with how digital services are reshaping how we revisit and preserve gaming history. By actively responding to fan demand, Nintendo would further solidify the Switch's reputation as the ultimate platform for both retro and contemporary gaming.

Conclusion

It’s clear that the addition of GameCube titles to Nintendo Switch Online is one of the most requested features among fans, and for good reason. These games were ahead of their time and remain enjoyable many years later. Bringing titles like Super Smash Bros. Melee, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Metroid Prime, and others to the Switch would unlock new opportunities for both seasoned fans and curious newcomers alike. Whether it’s the chance to compete with friends, enjoy timeless adventures with improved features, or preserve gaming history for the next generation, adding GameCube games would be an exciting milestone for Nintendo Switch Online. As anticipation grows, players all over the world continue to hope that some of their fondest memories may soon be just a download away.

Follow: