In a whirlwind of excitement, the latest Nintendo Direct presentation left us exhilarated with the unveiling of the Switch 2’s launch date and a thrilling lineup of upcoming games. Regrettably, pre-orders weren’t immediately available post-presentation as many anticipated, but a host of captivating titles were disclosed – Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong: Bananza, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and the long-awaited return of Kirby Air Riders after 22 years! Additionally, FromSoftware is crafting an exclusive Switch 2 game titled The Duskbloods. However, the most shocking revelation was the announcement of Nintendo GameCube Classics. While only ten games have been confirmed thus far, additional titles are anticipated. Here’s my list of top 10 games I hope will be added to this collection.
The GameCube legacy
Instead of discussing the reasons why the Nintendo GameCube didn’t sell well (though it boasted the best startup animation ever made), let’s face it, by the time people truly valued this compact gaming device, it had already missed its chance. The name itself, simple as it was, was quite charming!
The GameCube debuted in 2001, approximately a year following the PlayStation 2’s release. During that generation, Sony clearly held the upper hand. However, despite facing stiff competition and limited third-party support, the GameCube was home to some of Nintendo’s most iconic games, many of which remain popular today. In fact, many fans regard it as one of Nintendo’s finest consoles. Unfortunately, its market performance suffered due to these challenges and the use of mini-discs instead of DVDs, a decision that didn’t help its cause.
As a die-hard gamer, I can hardly contain my excitement as Nintendo’s GameCube Classics collection makes its way onto Switch 2! It feels like long-overdue recognition for this iconic console. And
Here’s what I’ve got as a first-person perspective from a gamer:
“I can’t wait to dive into the lineup of Nintendo GameCube Classics that are dropping along with the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025! These games have been a part of my gaming memories, and I’m thrilled to revisit them!
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
- Soulcalibur II
- F-Zero GX
- Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
- Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
- Super Mario Strikers
- Super Mario Sunshine
- Chibi-Robo!
- Luigi’s Mansion
- Pokémon Colosseum
10 more games we need in Nintendo GameCube Classics
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Super Smash Bros. Melee elevated the original Super Smash Bros. experience by amplifying its strengths. Movements became swifter, sleeker, and more intricate, enabling complex techniques such as wavedashing, L-canceling, and dash dancing. This enhancement made the game an absolute blast for both casual gamers and competitive players alike.
Instead of the N64 version boasting just 12 characters, Melee significantly expanded the roster to a total of 26, introducing beloved figures such as Marth, Roy, Ganondorf, and Bowser. To this day, over two decades since its release, Melee continues to thrive in the esports scene.
Instead of simply being a game, “Melee” represented a distinctive period in time. It offered speed, excitement, and endless replay value, ultimately solidifying its position among the greatest fighting games.
Melee wasn’t merely a game; it symbolized an epoch, characterized by its rapid pace, entertainment factor, and unending replayability, eventually establishing itself as one of the finest fighting games ever made.
Metroid Prime
Metroid Prime stood out as pioneering during its release, seamlessly combining first-person gameplay with the exploration-focused aspects of the Metroid series. The game’s atmosphere was exceptional, boasting an eerie soundtrack and intricately designed landscapes on planet Tallon IV. It excelled at immersing players in its world, utilizing feelings of isolation, environmental storytelling, and an ever-present air of mystery to keep gamers hooked.
The controls were swift and accurate, providing a seamless first-person fighting experience alongside the traditional Metroid platforming and exploration. The morph ball functionality, enemy scanning visors, and lock-on aiming all felt instinctive and fitting. Metroid Prime raised the bar for action-adventure games, leaving a lasting impact on subsequent titles in the genre. It was an ideal blend of classic Metroid charm and groundbreaking new gameplay, solidifying its place among the top GameCube games.
I know Metroid Prime was remastered in 2023, but it just has to be in this collection.
Resident Evil 4
Absolutely! Resident Evil 4 initially debuted as a GameCube exclusive, revolutionizing the survival horror genre. It abandoned the traditional fixed camera angles and slow combat tactics for a more dynamic, action-oriented experience that truly transformed gameplay. The antagonists in this game were genuinely terrifying, from the Ganados and Regenerators to the ominous Salazar Statue, not to mention the memorable boss fights. Every confrontation offered a distinct challenge, whether you were engaged in combat with towering monstrosities or cunning human adversaries.
Resident Evil 4 wasn’t merely a video game; instead, it served as a groundbreaking experience. It injected fresh energy into the series and established new standards for both survival horror and action games. Without a doubt, it stands among the best games for GameCube not just because it introduced something novel, but because it fundamentally transformed the concept of an action-horror game.
Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader
In Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader, you’ll find yourself seated in renowned starcraft, soaring through thrilling dogfights over legendary Star Wars landscapes. The sensation of speeding through the cosmos and dueling TIE fighters was nothing short of exhilarating. Graphics-wise, it was a visual treat on GameCube, boasting intricate environments, authentic lighting effects, and cinematic space combat scenes.
The game successfully captured the essence of the Star Wars universe, no matter if you were piloting an X-Wing, TIE fighter, or the Millennium Falcon. Missions such as defending Rebel outposts, assaulting Star Destroyers, and destroying the Death Star kept things exciting and varied. For GameCube owners, Rogue Leader was a must-have, offering an action-packed experience that raised the bar for space shooter games. It brilliantly replicated the excitement of Star Wars space battles.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
In a distinct and enchanting manner, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door featured 2D characters in a three-dimensional realm, giving it an atmosphere reminiscent of a lively storybook. Its offbeat personalities and witty humor kept the game entertaining and endearing. The strategy-based fights were elevated by a timing aspect, allowing players to execute special moves by pressing buttons at opportune moments, making battles more immersive and interactive.
1. The tale was filled with unexpected turns, boasting witty conversations that frequently addressed the audience directly. Similarly, the game presented a vibrant group of allies, each possessing unique skills.
2. It offered an enjoyable assortment of brain-teasers, hidden treasures, and optional missions that promoted discovery.
3. Additionally, it featured various supplementary elements such as collectibles and a trading card system, making The Thousand-Year Door a delightful fusion of humor, immersive gameplay, and emotional depth, ranking it among the top GameCube games and earning it a loyal fanbase in the Mario RPG franchise.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Instead of the cheerful and playful feel of Wind Waker, Twilight Princess offered a more somber and mature tone with its deep, epic narrative. The setting had an intense, ominous vibe, marked by haunting dungeons and a shadowy world that set it apart in the Zelda franchise. Battles were swift and refined, featuring Link using his sword and shield in innovative, fluid manners. Moreover, the wolf transformation provided an intriguing twist, allowing players to experience the game from a unique angle.
The world was vast, teeming with hidden mysteries, additional missions, and subterranean realms to delve into. Twilight Princess, true to the essence of Zelda, preserved its hallmark elements like puzzles, combat sequences, and emotionally charged scenes. Yet, it also presented fresh gameplay aspects that gave it a sense of familiarity combined with novelty. Even today, it’s widely recognized as one of the series’ finest installments.
Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! introduced an innovative feature in the series by allowing two players to control a single kart. This meant that one character took charge of driving while another managed the items, adding a fresh dynamic to gameplay. The game maintained the familiar charm of the Mario Kart series with its swift, enjoyable races and a harmonious blend of intense competition and unpredictable fun. The tracks were imaginatively designed, featuring everything from winding paths to daring jumps, ensuring that each race remained engaging.
The game boasted an impressive roster of well-known Mario figures and timeless tracks such as Mushroom Bridge and DK Mountain. It was ideally suited for multiplayer action, accommodating up to four players to race simultaneously. This resulted in plenty of fun, laughter, and competitive instances. Eventually, it became the preferred choice for gatherings and a essential title to play with friends.
Viewtiful Joe
Viewtiful Joe boasted a one-of-a-kind, comic book-inspired aesthetic that left an indelible impression. Its graphics resembled cells, the camera angles were dynamic, and it was filled with flashy effects, making gameplay feel like being inside an animated film. The battles were swift and action-packed, offering combos, and even allowing players to manipulate time for dramatic, slow-motion or fast-forward moves.
The game proved to be both challenging and gratifying, keeping gamers captivated as they grasped its intricate workings. Featuring an offbeat narrative about Joe, a regular man transformed into a superhero, along with distinctive characters and exceptional vocal performances, the game exuded charm. In essence, Viewtiful Joe was distinguished by its stylish battles, demanding gameplay, and innovative approach to the action genre, earning it a spot among the finest GameCube titles.
Sonic Adventure 2: Battle
In June of 2001, which coincided with Sonic’s 10th anniversary, Sonic Adventure 2 was released.
In this game, there were two distinct narratives: one centered around Hero characters such as Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, while the other revolved around Dark characters like Shadow, Dr. Eggman, and Rouge. A major attraction was the multiplayer mode, which presented a wide array of entertaining, competitive gameplay options. Compared to its Dreamcast predecessor, the GameCube version boasted enhanced graphics, making the vibrant, speedy Sonic universe even more visually captivating. The graphical improvements showcased the GameCube’s capabilities in an impressive manner.
Donkey Kong Jungle Beat
Absolutely, let me share a playful thought here: In all seriousness, I’ve always harbored a secret desire to feature Donkey Kong Jungle Beat in such lists. The unique aspect of this game lies in its controller – the bongo drums! You navigated Donkey Kong by tapping, clapping, and drumming on these bongos in sync with the game’s rhythm. Quite an unforgettable gaming experience, wouldn’t you agree?
Could it be that, similar to how the GameCube controller featured a unique bongo-like design, Nintendo might unveil a new set of percussion instruments for this game? Given their recent history of unexpected moves, it seems plausible that they could surprise us with something like that.
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2025-04-03 16:04