Nintendo Confirms GameCube Games Coming to Nintendo Switch 2; Launch Titles Include The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur II, F-Zero GX

During the latest Nintendo Direct, the company finally confirmed long-speculated plans to bring GameCube titles to its retro library—exclusively through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service and only on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 platform. The long-awaited addition to Nintendo's digital legacy offerings marks a major milestone in the platform's evolution, as it moves firmly into the early 2000s era of its classic console catalog.

Players hoping to relive GameCube memories on the original Nintendo Switch are out of luck, as these titles will be locked to the upgraded Nintendo Switch 2 system. Additionally, access will be restricted to those subscribed to the NSO + Expansion Pack tier, reinforcing Nintendo’s push to add premium value to its higher-tier subscription.

Launch Lineup and Future Additions

When the Nintendo Switch 2 officially launches on June 5, 2025, three GameCube classics will be available from day one:

• The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

• Soulcalibur II

• F-Zero GX

Nintendo also shared a preview of seven more GameCube titles planned to be added to the service in the near future, though no official release dates have been provided beyond a vague "a bit later" confirmation during the Treehouse Live follow-up presentation:

• Super Mario Strikers

• Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

• Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness

• Super Mario Sunshine

• Chibi-Robo! Plug Into Adventure

• Luigi’s Mansion

• Pokémon Colosseum

Looking Ahead: Will Wii Titles Follow?

Nintendo's decision to bring GameCube games to its online service sets an important precedent for how the company might continue to expand its classic game catalog. With the GameCube now officially part of the Switch 2 ecosystem, the next logical step—at least in the minds of many fans—would be the addition of Nintendo Wii titles. However, that may depend on further advancements in hardware or perhaps the arrival of a future "Nintendo Switch 3."

For now, fans are still left waiting for announcements on Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Super Smash Bros. Melee, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time—all beloved games that have yet to be confirmed for this service.

This move not only celebrates Nintendo's storied history but may serve as a test for gauging interest in deeper archival access through Nintendo Switch Online, perhaps even paving the way for enhanced emulation and preservation for future generations of gamers.

Which GameCube game are you most excited to revisit—or hoping will be announced next? Let us know in the comments!