Nintendo’s GameCube Classics library launched on June 5, 2025, as part of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack—and it is available only on Nintendo Switch 2. The launch lineup included The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, SOULCALIBUR II and F-Zero GX. You need an active Expansion Pack membership to play; the GameCube controller is optional.
What is Nintendo Switch 2’s GameCube Classics library?
GameCube Classics is Nintendo’s subscription library of GameCube games for Switch 2. Nintendo announced it during its April 2, 2025 Nintendo Direct and launched it on June 5, 2025. It is included with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, rather than presented as a series of separate game purchases. Nintendo Switch Online membership information
Which GameCube games were available at launch?
Nintendo named these three games for the service’s June 5, 2025 launch:
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
- SOULCALIBUR II
- F-Zero GX
Nintendo said additional titles would be added later. This is the launch lineup, not a definitive list of what is currently available. Check Nintendo’s live library for your region to see the current catalog and availability. Nintendo Direct announcement, April 2, 2025
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#1 Best Overall
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- Enjoy a curated library of 70+ classic Super NES and NES games. You can compete (or cooperate) online with friends, share your screen, or virtually pass the controller, depending on the game.
- Access a collection of Game Boy games to play anytime, anywhere!
- In addition to the game data regularly saved to your system, you’ll have online backup. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one.
- Enhance your online experience with the Nintendo Switch Online app. For example, you can use voice chat with players in compatible games.
What do you need to play?
- A Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo identifies the GameCube Classics library as exclusive to Switch 2; it is not available on the original Nintendo Switch.
- An active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. Nintendo Support says active members have ongoing access to the collection. Membership prices and terms can vary by region and may change, so check Nintendo’s regional membership page.
- The GameCube Classics app. On Switch 2, download the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics library to access the games.
Nintendo’s instructions describe access through the subscription library; they do not describe buying each classic separately. Nintendo Support: Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics
Does the GameCube controller work on Switch 2?
Yes. Nintendo says its GameCube Controller is for use with the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics library on Switch 2. It is an optional accessory, not a substitute for the console or the required Expansion Pack membership. You can use another compatible controller if you prefer. Nintendo Support: Nintendo GameCube Controller FAQ
Rank #2
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- Library of classic Nintendo 64 games
- Collection of classic and colorful Game Boy Advance games
- All Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass* content as released
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise DLC *
- Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion*
How do the games look and support multiplayer?
Nintendo’s 2025 announcement said the games would have higher screen resolution than their original GameCube releases. It also described local or online play for up to four players in supported games. That does not mean every title supports four-player multiplayer; check the details for the individual game in Nintendo’s catalog.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is GameCube Classics available on the original Switch?
No. Nintendo describes the library as exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2. An Expansion Pack membership alone does not make the GameCube collection playable on the original Switch.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy a curated library of 70+ classic Super NES and NES games. You can compete (or cooperate) online with friends, share your screen, or virtually pass the controller, depending on the game.
- Access a collection of Game Boy games to play anytime, anywhere!
- In addition to the game data regularly saved to your system, you’ll have online backup. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one.
- Enhance your online experience with the Nintendo Switch Online app. For example, you can use voice chat with players in compatible games.
- Redemption: Online
Rank #4
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- Online Play – Battle it out or cooperate with players online in compatible games like Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Invite friends to your in-game island or visit theirs in Animal Crossing: New Horizons!
- NES and Super NES - Nintendo Switch Online – Enjoy a curated library of 70+ classic Super NES and NES games. You can compete (or cooperate) online with friends, share your screen, or virtually pass the controller, depending on the game. With the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app, you can also voice chat during your play sessions in compatible games.
- Access a collection of Game Boy games to play anytime, anywhere! Face off against Wario in Super Mario Land 2 - 6 Golden Coins and thwart an intergalactic menace in Metroid II - Return of Samus as you revisit (or discover) these classics games.
- Save Data Cloud* – In addition to the game data regularly saved to your system, you’ll have online backup. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one.
- Smartphone app – Enhance your online experience with the Nintendo Switch Online app. For example, you can use voice chat with players in compatible games. In addition, the app gives players of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Splatoon 2 access to special game-enhancing features.
Rank #3
![Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack 12-month Family Membership – [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/4167UlUf-SL._SL160_.jpg)
- Library of classic Nintendo 64 games
- Collection of classic and colorful Game Boy Advance games
- All Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass* content as released
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise DLC *
- Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion*
How to decide whether you can play a particular game
- Check your console: you need Switch 2.
- Check your membership: it must be Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack and active.
- Check the title: consult Nintendo’s live regional catalog rather than assuming the launch lineup is the full current selection.
- Choose your controller: Nintendo’s GameCube Controller is supported, but optional.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
