Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics is available on Nintendo Switch 2 for members with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. Its initial lineup included The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-ZERO GX and SOULCALIBUR II. The GameCube-style controller is optional; a standard compatible controller can be used instead.
What Nintendo added—and when
Nintendo announced the GameCube collection on April 2, 2025, as part of its Nintendo Classics library for Switch 2. The collection became available on June 6, 2025. Nintendo’s launch announcement named three games and said more would follow; those titles are the initial lineup, not a complete current catalog.
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle | $568.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth | $619.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The official collection name is Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics. Nintendo describes it as part of Nintendo Classics, its classic-games library. The GameCube collection is available on Switch 2, not the original Nintendo Switch.
What you need to play
- A Nintendo Switch 2 console.
- An active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. A standard Nintendo Switch Online membership does not meet the stated requirement.
- A controller. The special GameCube-style controller is not required.
Nintendo’s current U.S. plan overview lists Expansion Pack at $49.99 USD per year for an individual account or $79.99 USD per year for a family account covering up to eight accounts. These are U.S. prices; regional pricing and plan availability vary. Check Nintendo’s U.S. membership overview for current terms.
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#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Initial GameCube lineup
Nintendo’s April 2025 announcement and June 2025 availability notice named these launch titles:
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
- F-ZERO GX
- SOULCALIBUR II
Nintendo said additional games would be released in the future. The launch announcements do not establish the full catalog available today, so consult Nintendo’s current GameCube Classics listing for the latest additions.
Rank #2
- The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
- Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***
Display options
Nintendo described a retro screen filter as an option. It also said some titles offer widescreen gameplay when the original GameCube game supported widescreen. That qualification matters: widescreen is not promised for every game in the collection.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need the GameCube-style controller?
No. Nintendo Support says: “This controller is optional and not required to play the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics collection of games.” The wireless controller is designed for the Switch 2 GameCube library, recharges over USB-C and includes controls for Switch 2. Nintendo warns it may not work well with some other Switch 2 games because it lacks controls those games use.
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Rank #3
- 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
- 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
- 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
- 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
- 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.
Nintendo Support lists the controller at $64.99 USD or $84.99 CAD, plus shipping and tax, for the U.S. and Canada. The page says it is sold only through Nintendo Store in those markets, is limited to paid Nintendo Switch Online members, and is not a limited-time offer. Check Nintendo’s controller FAQ for current price, stock and eligibility.
Quick Recap
Official Nintendo announcements
- Nintendo’s April 2, 2025 announcement introduced the GameCube collection and described its features.
- Nintendo’s June 6, 2025 announcement confirmed availability and the three-game launch lineup.
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.
