One of the best features of the Nintendo Switch Online is the ability to play classic Nintendo games. From retro titles from the NES and Super Nintendo, to the classics of my childhood on Nintendo 64, there’s an impressive amount of games to choose from.
Thankfully, Nintendo is bringing the Switch Online platform to Nintendo Switch 2 and plans to introduce a new console to the mix: the Nintendo GameCube. Finally, I have the chance to replay F-Zero GX, Wind Waker, and more.
Which GameCube games coming to Nintendo Switch Online are the best, though? We’ve got you covered. Here’s our ranking from worst to best.
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
I remember a huge marketing push for Gale of Darkness, and it felt like this was the real deal: a bona fide Pokémon to play on a home console rather than a handheld.
Instead, Gale of Darkness is a massive disappointment that feels like a cheap rehash of Pokémon Colosseum. Developer Genius Sonority tried their hardest to make a more mature Pokémon game, but failed in nearly every metric.
Pokémon Colosseum
The successor to the Pokémon Stadium franchise, Pokémon Colosseum introduces a more fleshed-out narrative, giving fans something to do other than battle on the big screen in 3D.
Despite that, Colosseum still pales in comparison to the mainline series. It can shake the fact that it’s very clearly a spin-off and doesn’t warrant much interest to anyone outside the most die-hard of fans.
Chibi-Robo!
If we’re ranking these GameCube games for Nintendo Switch Online in terms of charm, Chibi-Robo! would easily top the list. Its presentation is fantastic, the story is entertaining, and it’s a fantastic debut for the franchise.
Sadly, the gameplay elements are incredibly lacking, and the biggest issue upon release in 2005 was debating whether or not you got your bang for your buck. Thankfully, once the game is made available on Nintendo Switch Online, we won’t have to worry about that. Still, I can’t help but feel it’s lacking compared to everything else on the list.
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Luigi’s Mansion
A launch title for the Nintendo GameCube, Luigi’s Mansion has developed a cult following over the years. Perhaps we judged the game too harshly, as it would never compare to the Nintendo 64 launching with Super Mario 64.
Luigi’s Mansion is a nice change of pace from typical platforming gameplay. It offers the same Nintendo presentation and style you know and love in a more action-adventure game. Sadly, it didn’t light the world on fire, but it’ll be great to boot up for a weekend on Nintendo Switch Online.
Super Mario Strikers
Playing Super Mario Strikers was love at first sight. I was hooked the second I booted up the demo disc at my local GameStop.
The pick-up-and-play gameplay, combined with the over-the-top soccer presentation, results in one of the better Mario Sports outings you can play. Sadly, it’s a little light in terms of features and depth, but I don’t foresee that being an issue when I’m just looking to have some fun on a rainy day.
Super Mario Sunshine
One of the more controversial Super Mario games ever made, Super Mario Sunshine has a lot of good, but sadly, plenty of frustrating elements as well.
If we’re judging it solely on its platforming, Super Mario Sunshine is a dream come true. As hated as the FLUDD system was at first, it opens up so many gameplay choices. However, not every gamble pays off, and the game’s frustrating moments are incredibly annoying to play.
Soulcalibur II
I can’t believe Soulcalibur II is back. What did we do to deserve this? Not that I’m complaining.
While it doesn’t meet the expectations of its predecessor, Soulcalibur II is still one of the best fighting games you can play today, amplified by the fact that you can play as Link from The Legend of Zelda franchise, which made the GameCube version highly sought after.
I can’t wait to relive some memories playing this game.
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
We’ve seen so many rumours about an HD Wind Waker coming to Nintendo Switch that it felt like a certainty. While the GameCube version of Wind Waker isn’t quite the same, I’m just happy we play it on Nintendo’s current console.
Just like Super Mario Sunshine, Wind Waker was incredibly controversial at launch thanks to its cartoonish appearance from its cel-shaded graphics. Those concerns quickly went away once we dove into the world of Hyrule, which is nothing short of a work of art. Sailing through the high seas and exploring was exhilarating, and I can’t wait for a new audience to discover this masterpiece.
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Finally, we can play the first 3D Fire Emblem game on something other than the GameCube. Nintendo has listened to fans and made our dreams come true.
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is one of the best Fire Emblem games ever made. Its story is one of the best, dealing with mature themes, excellent characters, and stellar gameplay.
F-Zero GX
This may be a hot take, but it’s my list: F-Zero GX on Nintendo Switch Online will become my summer obsession.
Anyone who knows me knows how long I’ve been pushing for this. As great as F-Zero 99 is, I am so excited for a proper F-Zero title once again, even if it’s just a port of a classic GameCube title.
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