Nintendo Switch 2 to include free GameCube classics

Finally! The GameCube is getting a new lease of life through the Nintendo Switch 2, as the new virtual console feature will be exclusive to the Switch 2.

That’s right, Nintendo Switch 2 will have GameCube games, including The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, all available through Nintendo Switch Online.

GameCube is heading to Switch 2!

Of course, it’s a shame it has taken so long, however, the Switch 2 versions will feature clearer visuals and updated framerates.

The GameCube library will launch on the same day as the console - 5 June - and Nintendo is even bringing an official GameCube controller to the system to celebrate.

The GameCube is a fan-favourite console, that brought a wealth of amazing games in the legacy franchises from Nintendo.

Seeing Wind Waker on modern hardware is already a huge boon, but this opens the door for games like Super Mario Sunshine, Mario Kart: Double Dash, and many more.

Having these as part of the Nintendo Switch Online catalogue is going to bring millions of new players to some of these amazing retro games.

A while back, I wrote about how GameCube emulation needed to be a feature of the console, and it’s amazing to see it realised.

We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled to see which other games will be announced, and many of these could come hot on the heels of the console launch to give players even more to play in the first weeks of the hardware.

It’s an exciting time to be a Nintendo fan, and hopefully, with the improved visuals, we’ll get to see some more obscure games get a revitalised lease of life.

Also shown in the short presentation, was Soul Caliber 2, featuring Link from the Zelda series, so there’s another little tie-in to one of the biggest franchises for the developer and publisher.