Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics Wiki
Explore every available and announced GameCube classic with access instructions, walkthroughs, controls, collectibles, multiplayer guides, updates, and Switch 2 version comparisons.
Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics Resources
Everything you need to explore the GameCube catalog on Nintendo Switch 2
Latest Updates
Discover the newest guides, tips, and content
Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics: Setup Guide
Learn how to prepare for Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics, configure controls, and organize local or online multiplayer sessions.
Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics switch 2: Setup Guide
Learn how to set up Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics on Switch 2, choose controls, organize your library, and improve your retro play sessions.
Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics upcoming games: Watch
Track Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics upcoming games with a practical 2026 release-watch guide, confirmation checklist, and planning tips.
Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics controller review: Setup
A practical review of the Nintendo GameCube controller for Nintendo Switch 2, covering design, setup, compatibility, comfort, and classic-game use.
Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics pokemon colosseum: Tips
Learn how to build a strong team, capture Shadow Pokémon, manage purification, and progress efficiently in Pokémon Colosseum.
Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics: 2026 Setup Guide
Set up Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics on Switch 2, compare the catalog, choose controllers, and prepare local or online multiplayer.
Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics: Widescreen Tips
Learn how to evaluate widescreen support, configure display settings, and avoid stretching issues in Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics.
Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics: Setup Guide & Games
Learn how Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics works on Nintendo Switch 2, including launch games, multiplayer, controls, and setup tips.
Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics: Setup Guide
Browse the 2026 Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics catalog, access requirements, controller options, enhancements, multiplayer modes, and selection tips.
Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics screen modes: Tips
Learn how screen modes work in Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics, including 4:3 and widescreen setup, compatibility checks, and display tips.
Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics button mapping: How-To
Learn Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics button mapping, controller equivalents, remapping steps, and practical layouts for Switch 2 play.
Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics: Setup Guide & Tips
Learn how to approach Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics with a clear setup routine, discovery tips, controller advice, and wiki-friendly references.
Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics is included with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on Nintendo Switch 2. The catalog combines single-player adventures, racing games, fighting games, tactical RPGs and local multiplayer titles, with additional games added through app updates.
| Game | Status | Genre | Original Year | Players | Switch 2 Release | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker | Playable | Action-adventure | 2002 | 1 | June 5, 2025 | Explore the Great Sea, complete island dungeons, collect Treasure Charts and search for the Triforce. |
| F-Zero GX | Playable | Futuristic racing | 2003 | 1-4 | June 5, 2025 | Race at extreme speeds through Grand Prix cups, Story Mode missions and technical tracks. |
| SOULCALIBUR II | Playable | Weapon-based fighting | 2003 | 1-2 | June 5, 2025 | Fight with a large weapon-focused roster and play as the GameCube-exclusive guest character Link. |
| Super Mario Strikers | Playable | Arcade soccer | 2005 | 1-4 | July 3, 2025 | Play fast, physical soccer matches featuring captains, sidekicks, items and powerful Super Strikes. |
| Chibi-Robo! | Playable | Adventure and platforming | 2005 | 1 | August 21, 2025 | Help the Sanderson family, complete household tasks and manage Chibi-Robo's limited battery power. |
| Luigi's Mansion | Playable | Action-adventure | 2001 | 1 | October 30, 2025 | Explore a haunted mansion, capture portrait ghosts, recover Mario and collect hidden treasure. |
| Wario World | Playable | Action platforming | 2003 | 1 | August 26, 2025 | Punch, grab and throw through stage-based combat, treasure hunting and boss battles. |
| Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance | Playable | Tactical role-playing game | 2005 | 1 | December 9, 2025 | Lead Ike and the Greil Mercenaries through grid-based battles with character recruitment and permanent consequences. |
| Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness | Playable | Role-playing game | 2005 | 1 | April 16, 2026 | Explore the Orre region, snag Shadow Pokémon and purify them using battles and the Purify Chamber. |
| Super Mario Sunshine | Officially Announced | 3D platforming | 2002 | 1 | To be announced | Clean Isle Delfino with FLUDD, collect Shine Sprites and complete platforming challenges. |
| Pokémon Colosseum | Officially Announced | Role-playing game | 2003 | 1 | To be announced | Battle in the Orre region, capture Shadow Pokémon from opposing trainers and stop Cipher's plans. |
Swipe horizontally to see the full game list and highlights.
Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics is a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 application rather than a collection of separate eShop purchases. After installing the app, eligible members can launch supported games from one library and receive newly added titles through software updates.
Use a Nintendo Switch 2 System
The Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics application is designed exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.
- Nintendo Switch 2 console
- Updated system software
- Internet connection for setup
The app cannot be downloaded or opened on the original Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite or Nintendo Switch OLED Model.
Link a Nintendo Account
Create or sign in to a Nintendo Account and link it to the user profile that will access the library.
- Nintendo Account
- Linked Nintendo Switch 2 user profile
- Correct account region
The account used to download the app should also have access to the required Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Join Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
Purchase an individual or family Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. The standard Nintendo Switch Online tier does not include the GameCube catalog.
- Active paid membership
- Expansion Pack tier
- Membership assigned to the correct account
Members of an eligible family group can use the service through their own linked Nintendo Accounts.
Download the Nintendo GameCube App
Open Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch 2, search for Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics and download the application.
- Access to Nintendo eShop
- Enough free storage space
- Active internet connection
The required download size can change as additional games and software updates are added.
Prepare Storage Space
Check the current storage requirement displayed on the Nintendo eShop page before installation and leave additional space for future catalog updates.
- Available system memory or compatible storage
- Extra room for future updates
- Completed app download
Nintendo Switch 2 uses compatible microSD Express cards for expanded game storage.
Open the App and Select a Game
Launch the application from the HOME Menu, wait for the membership check and select a game from the catalog.
- Active Expansion Pack membership
- Downloaded application
- Supported controller
The Nintendo GameCube controller for Nintendo Switch 2 can be used, but standard Nintendo Switch 2 controllers are also supported.
Connect Controllers for Multiplayer
Pair the required number of controllers before opening a local multiplayer game such as F-Zero GX, SOULCALIBUR II or Super Mario Strikers.
- One compatible controller per player
- Supported multiplayer game
- Local player profiles when requested
Maximum player counts differ by game.
Verify Membership for Offline Play
Connect the console to the internet before traveling so the application can confirm that the membership remains active.
- Recent online membership verification
- Downloaded game data
- Console set up before going offline
Nintendo Classics applications normally require an internet connection at least once every seven days to verify membership.
Update the Library
Install application updates whenever Nintendo adds games or improves the service.
- Internet connection
- Free storage space
- Latest app version
New catalog games are delivered through updates to the existing Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics app.
The strongest starting choice depends on whether you want a long adventure, difficult racing, tactical battles or local multiplayer. This tier list ranks the current Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics catalog while also identifying the best game for each major genre.
Essential Classics
The most complete and rewarding games in the current library.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Best overall adventureAction-adventure
A large ocean-based Zelda adventure with memorable dungeons, expressive visuals, island exploration and extensive optional content.
- Best For
- Adventure fans and first-time GameCube players
- Accessibility
- High
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Multiplayer
- None
- Replayability
- High
F-Zero GX
Best racing gameRacing
One of the fastest and most demanding racing games in Nintendo's catalog, supported by deep machine handling and difficult mastery goals.
- Best For
- Experienced racing players and time-trial fans
- Accessibility
- Medium
- Difficulty
- Very high
- Multiplayer
- High
- Replayability
- Very high
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Best RPG and strategy gameTactical RPG
A character-driven tactical campaign featuring unit recruitment, class promotion, support conversations and carefully designed battle maps.
- Best For
- Strategy players and story-focused RPG fans
- Accessibility
- Medium
- Difficulty
- Moderate to high
- Multiplayer
- None
- Replayability
- High
Highly Recommended
Excellent games with strong identities, minor accessibility barriers or more specialized appeal.
SOULCALIBUR II
Best fighting gameFighting
A responsive fighting game with approachable controls, varied weapon styles, a substantial Weapon Master mode and Link as a guest fighter.
- Best For
- Local versus play and weapon-based combat
- Accessibility
- High
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Multiplayer
- Very high
- Replayability
- Very high
Luigi's Mansion
Best shorter adventureAction-adventure
A compact haunted-house adventure built around exploration, environmental puzzles, portrait ghosts and treasure collection.
- Best For
- Short atmospheric adventures and collectible hunting
- Accessibility
- High
- Difficulty
- Low to moderate
- Multiplayer
- None
- Replayability
- Medium
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
Best Pokémon adventureRPG
A distinctive Orre-region RPG centered on double battles, Shadow Pokémon, purification and team building with limited capture choices.
- Best For
- Pokémon fans seeking a story-focused console adventure
- Accessibility
- High
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Multiplayer
- Low
- Replayability
- High
Chibi-Robo!
Best hidden gemAdventure and platforming
A creative household adventure where everyday rooms become large exploration areas filled with tasks, secrets and interconnected character stories.
- Best For
- Exploration, character stories and unusual objectives
- Accessibility
- Medium
- Difficulty
- Low
- Multiplayer
- None
- Replayability
- Medium
Great for Multiplayer
A focused arcade game that is especially strong with friends but offers less solo variety than higher-ranked titles.
Super Mario Strikers
Best sports and party gameSports
An aggressive arcade soccer game with simple controls, powerful items, hard tackles and dramatic Super Strike opportunities.
- Best For
- Fast local multiplayer and short competitive sessions
- Accessibility
- High
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Multiplayer
- Very high
- Replayability
- High
Each Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics guide focuses on the systems and objectives most likely to stop new players. Open a game section to see an early-game plan, major progression goals, important collectibles, unlock conditions and commonly missed content.
Beginner Tips
- Use the telescope and map to mark islands before sailing away from them.
- Carry bait for Fishmen so each Great Sea sector can be added to the sea chart.
- Keep multiple bottles available for fairies, potions and quest items.
- Use Treasure Charts while positioned inside the matching sea sector.
Progression Route
- Complete Outset Island and the first visit to the Forsaken Fortress.
- Travel through Dragon Roost Island, Forest Haven and the Tower of the Gods.
- Upgrade the Master Sword by completing the Earth and Wind Temple routes.
- Locate the required Triforce Charts and recover the Triforce Shards.
Collectibles
- Heart Pieces
- Treasure Charts
- Empty Bottles
- Great Fairies
- Nintendo Gallery figurines
- Triforce Charts and Shards
Bosses
- Gohma
- Kalle Demos
- Gohdan
- Helmaroc King
- Jalhalla
- Molgera
Unlockables
- Hero's Charm
- Magic Armor
- Deluxe Picto Box
- Second Quest
Commonly Missed
- Begin the Picto Box quest early if you plan to complete the Nintendo Gallery.
- Speak to Fishmen in every sea sector instead of relying only on island names.
- Return to Outset Island with expanded wallet and bomb capacity for optional upgrades.
Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics preserves the original GameCube button layout while adapting it to modern Switch 2 controllers. The left stick replaces the Control Stick, the right stick replaces the C Stick, ZR represents the original Z Button, and the + Button acts as START/PAUSE. Players can open the Nintendo Classics in-game menu to view or customize the mapping.
| Controller | Movement | Camera / C Stick | GameCube Z Button | Start / Pause | Special Buttons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joy-Con 2 Pair | Left Stick | Right Stick | ZR | + Button | C Button opens GameChat; Capture Button saves screenshots or video | Portable play and standard multiplayer sessions |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller | Left Stick | Right Stick | ZR | + Button | Dedicated C Button and Capture Button | Long sessions, racing games, fighting games, and tactical games |
| Wireless Nintendo GameCube Controller | GameCube Control Stick | GameCube C Stick | Z Button | START/PAUSE | Adds a C Button for GameChat and a Capture Button alongside the original-style layout | The closest experience to playing on the original GameCube |
| Game | Left Stick | A Button | B Button | X / Y / Z | Shoulders (L / R / Z) | C Stick |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker | Move Link | Context action, talk, open, pick up, or roll | Use sword | Use assigned items | L targets enemies or centers the camera; R performs defensive and contextual actions | Move the camera |
| F-Zero GX | Steer the machine | Accelerate | Brake | Change view and activate race functions, including boost after it becomes available | Slide sideways and perform advanced turning or attack inputs | Adjust the viewpoint |
| SOULCALIBUR II | Move, sidestep, crouch, and jump | Horizontal attack | Kick | X guards, Y performs a vertical attack, and Z can be used for configured command shortcuts | Execute configured attack or guard shortcuts | Not required for standard combat |
| Chibi-Robo! | Move Chibi-Robo | Interact with objects and characters | Cancel or perform movement-related actions | Access tools, equipment, and game menus | Use title-specific camera and tool functions | Rotate the camera |
| Super Mario Strikers | Move the selected player | Pass the ball or switch players | Shoot on offense or tackle on defense | Perform advanced passes, dekes, checks, and item actions | Use turbo and additional team controls | Used for supporting team commands |
| Wario World | Move Wario | Jump | Punch and perform attack combinations | Use additional movement and combat actions | Grab, carry, and throw enemies or objects | Control the camera |
| Luigi's Mansion | Move Luigi | Inspect objects, open doors, and call out | Turn off the flashlight while held | Open the map, inventory, and supporting interfaces | R operates the Poltergust 3000; L uses collected elemental powers | Aim Luigi's flashlight and Poltergust |
| Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance | Move the map cursor | Select units, confirm commands, and choose destinations | Cancel or return to the previous menu | View unit details, ranges, and supporting information | Cycle through units and map information | Adjust the tactical map view |
| Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness | Move the player character or navigate battle menus | Interact and confirm selections | Cancel or return | Open menus and title-specific information screens | Navigate supporting battle and menu panels | Used where camera control is available |
Custom Button Mapping
- Open a game and enter the Nintendo Classics in-game menu.
- Choose the Controls or button-mapping option.
- Select the GameCube input that needs to be changed.
- Assign the preferred Switch 2 button and save the configuration.
Mappings can be restored to the default layout. Control changes apply through the Nintendo Classics app rather than altering the original game data.
Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics runs the original games through the Switch 2 application while adding system-level improvements. Original character models, textures, level designs, balance, music, and gameplay remain intact, so these releases should not be confused with remakes such as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD.
Higher-Resolution Output
Games are displayed at a higher resolution than their original GameCube output, producing sharper edges, cleaner menus, and more readable text on modern displays.
- Applies To
- All supported games
- Game Variation
- The amount of visible improvement depends on each game's original art style, textures, effects, and interface.
- Not Included
- No newly modeled characters, replacement textures, ray tracing, or remade environments.
Clearer Image Quality
Switch 2 provides a cleaner digital image than the original console's standard analog-era presentation.
- Applies To
- All supported games
- Game Variation
- Fast games such as F-Zero GX and Super Mario Strikers benefit from clearer motion, while text-heavy games such as Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance gain more readable interfaces.
- Not Included
- Original low-resolution textures and pre-rendered assets remain part of each game.
Standard and CRT Screen Modes
Standard mode presents a clean modern image, while CRT mode recreates the softer scanline-style appearance associated with televisions used during the GameCube era.
- Applies To
- Application-wide
- Game Variation
- Players can choose the mode that best suits a game's visuals rather than being locked to one presentation.
- Not Included
- The CRT option is a display filter and does not change game mechanics or internal assets.
Original Aspect Ratios and Widescreen
The application preserves each game's original display behavior instead of forcing every title into a stretched widescreen image.
- Applies To
- Varies by game
- Game Variation
- Games with an original widescreen setting can use that title-specific option; games designed around a 4:3 presentation retain their intended composition.
- Not Included
- There is no universal remastered 16:9 conversion for every game.
Suspend Points
A suspend point records the current game state so play can resume from that moment without relying only on the title's original save locations.
- Applies To
- All supported games
- Game Variation
- This is especially useful before difficult races, battles, missions, or lengthy tactical turns.
- Not Included
- Suspend points do not replace permanent in-game save data or unlock content automatically.
Regional Game Versions
The app can provide access to different regional versions where Nintendo makes them available.
- Applies To
- Selected games and supported regions
- Game Variation
- Language, title screens, timing, names, and other original regional differences may change when another version is selected.
- Not Included
- Regional selection does not combine exclusive content from multiple versions into one new edition.
Customizable Controls
GameCube inputs can be reassigned to preferred Joy-Con 2 or Pro Controller buttons through the Nintendo Classics control settings.
- Applies To
- Application-wide
- Game Variation
- Players can create more comfortable layouts for racing, fighting, action, role-playing, or tactical games.
- Not Included
- Remapping does not add new moves or alter the original control logic.
Original GameCube Editions
Each release is based on its GameCube edition, preserving original stages, modes, characters, difficulty, and progression.
- Applies To
- Every catalog title
- Game Variation
- SOULCALIBUR II remains the GameCube edition featuring Link, Luigi's Mansion is the original GameCube game, and The Wind Waker is not the later HD remaster.
- Not Included
- Features created for later ports, remakes, remasters, or sequels are not automatically included.
Original Accessory Features
Core controller-based content is preserved, but functions originally dependent on separate Game Boy Advance hardware or link cables are not treated as standard Switch 2 features.
- Applies To
- Varies by game
- Game Variation
- This affects accessory-based functions associated with titles such as The Wind Waker and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness.
- Not Included
- The application does not turn unsupported physical GameCube accessories into new virtual features.
Multiplayer availability in Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics follows the modes built into each original game. Supported titles can be played on one Switch 2, through local wireless with nearby systems, or online with Nintendo Account friends, while single-player adventures remain limited to one active player.
| Game | Mode | Same-System Local | Local Wireless | Online | Max Players |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker | Adventure | 1 player | Not supported | Not supported | 1 |
| F-Zero GX | Split-screen races | 2-4 players | 2-4 players through a supported Nintendo Classics session | 2-4 invited friends | 4 |
| SOULCALIBUR II | Versus battles | 2 players | 2 players through a supported Nintendo Classics session | 2 invited friends | 2 |
| Chibi-Robo! | Adventure | 1 player | Not supported | Not supported | 1 |
| Super Mario Strikers | Soccer matches | 2-4 players | 2-4 players through a supported Nintendo Classics session | 2-4 invited friends | 4 |
| Wario World | Action platforming | 1 player | Not supported | Not supported | 1 |
| Luigi's Mansion | Adventure | 1 player | Not supported | Not supported | 1 |
| Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance | Tactical role-playing campaign | 1 player | Not supported | Not supported | 1 |
| Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness | Story Mode and Battle Mode | Story Mode is single-player; supported Battle Mode formats allow multiple players | Up to 4 players for supported Battle Mode sessions | Up to 4 invited friends for supported Battle Mode sessions | 4 |
Same-System Multiplayer
4 playersConnect one compatible controller or complete controller set for each player on a single Switch 2.
Local Wireless Multiplayer
4 playersEach participant joins the supported Nintendo Classics session from a nearby Switch 2; no internet matchmaking is used.
Online Multiplayer
4 playersEach remote player needs Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, the app, an internet connection, and a Nintendo Account. Sessions are private with Nintendo Account friends only.
GameChat and Screen Sharing
4 playersFriends can communicate and share their screens while playing. GameChat does not increase a game's player limit.
Nintendo expands the GameCube catalog through downloadable Nintendo Classics app updates. Newly available games appear in the Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics application after the relevant update is installed, while announced games without release dates remain listed as upcoming.
Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics Launches
The GameCube catalog becomes available exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members, with higher-resolution output, screen options, suspend points, online play for supported games, and customizable controls.
Super Mario Strikers Joins the Catalog
The original GameCube soccer game is added with its single-player modes and multiplayer matches for up to four players.
Wario World Arrives
Wario's GameCube action-platforming adventure joins the application with its original combat, treasure hunting, stages, and boss battles.
Luigi's Mansion Opens Its Doors
The original Luigi's Mansion becomes playable on Switch 2, including the mansion exploration, portrait ghosts, Boos, and Poltergust 3000 mechanics from the GameCube release.
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance Is Added
Ike's first full adventure joins the catalog with its original tactical maps, support conversations, class progression, story chapters, and GameCube presentation.
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness Returns to Orre
The Shadow Pokémon role-playing adventure is added with Michael's campaign, Pokémon purification, Cipher battles, Mt. Battle, and supported Battle Mode content.
Super Mario Sunshine
Nintendo has confirmed the original GameCube adventure for a future catalog update. Mario's Isle Delfino journey, FLUDD mechanics, Shine Sprites, and platforming stages will be included when the game is released.
Pokémon Colosseum
Nintendo has confirmed Pokémon Colosseum for a future update. The release will feature Wes, Rui, Shadow Pokémon, Cipher, the Orre region, and the original GameCube story and battle content.