10 GameCube games I can’t wait to play again on Switch 2. The Nintendo Classics collection wouldn’t be complete without these

From Super Smash Bros. Melee to The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. These GameCube games should definitely the Nintendo Classic collection.

Olga Racinowska

April 3, 2025 05:44

10 GameCube games I can’t wait to play again on Switch 2. The Nintendo Classics collection wouldn’t be complete without these Source: Nintendo.

The recent Nintendo GameCube Classics. They’ve only announced 10 games so far, but more are on the way. So, here’s my top 10 picks that I’d love to see added.

The GameCube legacy

We’re not here to debate why the Nintendo GameCube wasn’t a commercial hit (even though it had the best startup animation in human history). But let’s be real, by the time people started appreciating this little gaming cube (oh, the simplicity in its name!), it was already too late.

GameCube launched in 2001, about a year after the PlayStation 2, and, well… Sony absolutely dominated that generation. Still, GameCube had some of Nintendo’s most legendary games, many of which are still beloved today. A lot of fans even consider it one of Nintendo’s best consoles. It just had a tough time in the market thanks to strong competition, limited third-party , and those mini-discs instead of DVDs, which didn’t do it any favors.

Now, with the Nintendo GameCube Classics collection coming to Switch 2, it looks like Nintendo is finally giving the console the love it deserves! They even recreated the GameCube controller – which, by the way, is definitely going to be hard to get.

So, let’s take a look at the games confirmed for the Nintendo GameCube Classics collection, launching alongside the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025:

10 more games we need in Nintendo GameCube Classics

Super Smash Bros. Melee

Super Smash Bros. Melee took everything great about the original Super Smash Bros. and cranked it up. The movement was faster, smoother, and more technical, allowing for advanced mechanics like wavedashing, L-canceling, and dash dancing. This made the game incredibly fun for casual players while also perfect for competitive play.

Source: Super Smash Bros. Melee; Developer: Nintendo

Compared to the N64 version’s 12 characters, Melee nearly doubled the roster to 26, introducing fan-favorites like Marth, Roy, Ganondorf, and Bowser. Melee became an esports phenomenon – even today, more than 20 years later, it’s still played competitively.

Melee wasn’t just a game; it was an era. Fast, fun, and endlessly replayable, it cemented itself as one of the best fighting games ever.

Metroid Prime

Metroid series. The game’s atmosphere was unmatched. From the haunting soundtrack to the detailed environments of the planet Tallon IV. It excelled at drawing players into its world, with isolation, environmental storytelling, and a constant sense of mystery that kept players engaged.

The controls were responsive and precise, offering smooth first-person combat while maintaining the series' signature platforming and exploration. The morph ball mechanic, visors for scanning enemies, and lock-on targeting all felt intuitive and natural. Metroid Prime set a new standard for action-adventure games, influencing future titles in the genre. It was the perfect balance of old-school Metroid charm with revolutionary new gameplay, making it one of the best games on the GameCube.

I know Metroid Prime was remastered in 2023, but it just has to be in this collection.

Resident Evil 4

Yes, Resident Evil 4 was originally a GameCube exclusive, and it completely redefined survival horror. It ditched the old fixed camera angles and slow, methodical combat, opting for a more action-packed approach that changed the game. The enemies were some of the most terrifying you’d ever face, like the Ganados, Regenerators, and the creepy Salazar Statue – and let’s not forget those epic bosses. Every fight felt unique, whether you were battling towering monsters or tricky human foes.

Resident Evil 4 wasn’t just a game; it was a game-changer. It breathed new life into the series and set the bar for both survival horror and action games. It’s definitely one of the best GameCube games because it didn’t just innovate; it completely redefined what an action-horror game could be.

Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader

Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader put you in the cockpit of iconic ships, letting you dive into fast-paced dogfights across famous Star Wars locations. The feeling of flying through space and battling TIE fighters was pure adrenaline. The graphics were impressive for the GameCube, with detailed environments, realistic lighting, and cinematic space battles.

The game nailed the Star Wars vibe, whether you were in an X-Wing, TIE fighter, or the Millennium Falcon. With missions like defending Rebel bases, attacking Star Destroyers, and taking down the Death Star, each level kept things fresh. Rogue Leader was a must-have for GameCube owners, delivering an action-packed experience that set the bar for space shooters. It captured the thrill of Star Wars space battles perfectly.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door had a unique and charming art style, with 2D characters in a 3D world that made it feel like a living storybook. The quirky characters and clever humor kept the game fun and memorable. The turn-based combat was made more engaging with a timing element, where you could perform special moves by hitting buttons at the right moment, making battles more interactive.

The story was full of twists, with great dialogue that often broke the fourth wall. The game also introduced a colorful cast of partners, each with their own abilities. It had fun puzzles, hidden secrets, and side quests that encouraged exploration. With plenty of extra content like collectibles and a trading card collection, The Thousand-Year Door was a perfect blend of humor, engaging gameplay, and heart, making it one of the best GameCube games and a fan favorite in the Mario RPG series.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Unlike the colorful and lighthearted Wind Waker, Zelda series. Combat was fast and smooth, with Link using his sword and shield in new, dynamic ways. Plus, the wolf transformation was a cool twist that gave players a fresh perspective on the game.

The world was huge, packed with hidden secrets, side quests, and dungeons to explore. Twilight Princess stuck to what makes Zelda great – puzzles, boss fights, and intense moments – while introducing new mechanics that made it feel both nostalgic and new. It’s still considered one of the best in the series.

Mario Kart: Double Dash!!

Mario Kart: Double Dash!! had one of the most unique features in the series with its two-player kart system. For the first time, each kart was driven by two characters – one driving and the other handling the items. The game kept the classic Mario Kart vibe with fast, fun racing and the perfect mix of competitive action and chaotic fun. The tracks were creative, with everything from twisty roads to wild jumps, keeping every race exciting.

The game had a solid lineup of iconic Mario characters and classic tracks like Mushroom Bridge and DK Mountain. It was perfect for multiplayer, letting up to four players race together, bringing loads of chaos, laughs, and competitive moments. It became the go-to party game and a must-play with friends.

Viewtiful Joe

Viewtiful Joe had a unique comic book-inspired art style that made it visually unforgettable. The cel-shaded graphics, dynamic camera angles, and flashy effects made it feel like playing in an animated movie. The combat was fast and intense, with combos and the ability to slow down or speed up time for epic moves.

The game was tough but rewarding, keeping players hooked as they mastered its mechanics. With a quirky story about Joe, an ordinary guy turned superhero, plus memorable characters and great voice acting, the game had plenty of charm. Overall, Viewtiful Joe stood out for its stylish combat, challenging gameplay, and fresh take on the action genre, making it one of the best GameCube games.

Sonic Adventure 2: Battle

Sonic Adventure 2 launched in June 2001, right around Sonic's 10th anniversary. It was the last Sonic game for a Sega console before the Dreamcast was discontinued. Later that year, it got ported to the GameCube as Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, marking the first Sonic game on a Nintendo console. As expected, it delivered high-speed action and intense gameplay, whether you were racing through levels as Sonic or Shadow.

Source: Sonic Adventure 2: Battle; Developer: Sonic Team

The game had two different storylines – Hero (with characters like Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles) and Dark (with characters like Shadow, Dr. Eggman, and Rouge). The multiplayer mode was a huge highlight, offering a variety of fun, competitive modes. Compared to the Dreamcast version, the GameCube version featured improved graphics, making the colorful, fast-paced world of Sonic even more visually stunning. The upgraded visuals made the game a great showcase for the GameCube's capabilities.

Donkey Kong Jungle Beat

Alright, I’m obviously joking with this one, but honestly, it’s been my dream to put Donkey Kong Jungle Beat on a list like this. I mean, the game was played with bongo controllers – enough said. You controlled Donkey Kong by tapping, clapping, and banging on the bongos in rhythm with the game.

Who knows, maybe just like the GameCube gamepad, Nintendo will amaze us with some new bongos for this game? They’ve been full of surprises lately, so at this point, anything feels possible.