When Nintendo started offering classic games with its online service, I really hoped GameCube titles would be included eventually. Now that they are, it feels like the process of waiting for new games is just as frustrating as it was before they were even added.
The Switch 2 launched almost a year ago with GameCube games included, but we currently only have access to nine titles from that classic library. Here are some games fans are hoping Nintendo adds to Switch Online soon.
10. Pokémon Colosseum
Basically the Smoking Gun for How Confusing This Drip Feed Is
Pokémon Colosseum was announced as part of the initial lineup of GameCube games coming to the service, but we’re still waiting for it. It’s been almost a year, and two other promised games haven’t been released yet. To make things even more frustrating, the sequel, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, was added in March. While Pokémon XD is enjoyable, many parts of the story are much easier to understand if you’ve first played Colosseum.
I’m curious about when Pokémon Colosseum will be released. It’s odd that its sequel came out before it did, and there might be an issue they’re working to resolve. Apparently, Pokémon Colosseum was an early adopter of double battles and has a glitch that lets you get unlimited Poké Balls. You can do this by throwing a Poké Ball with your first Pokémon, then switching its position in your bag with your second Pokémon’s turn – this prevents the game from actually using a Poké Ball from your inventory.
This is a major bug, and it probably explains why Pokémon Colosseum isn’t available on the service yet. I really just want to be able to play this classic Pokémon game!
9. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
The All But Forgotten Sequel GameCube Classics Needs
Whether Metroid Prime 4 lived up to your expectations or you found Miles frustrating, the important thing is it’s actually here! It even launched as a major title for the Switch 2. However, despite the usual excitement around new releases for characters like Fox McCloud and Yoshi, Metroid Prime 4 didn’t seem to gain much traction. While players can revisit the original Metroid Prime with a remastered version on Switch, another game truly deserves more recognition.
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes builds upon the success of the first game, offering an enhanced experience. The story follows Samus as she explores a planet on the brink of collapse, which created a shadowy duplicate after being hit by a meteorite. This game also introduced Dark Samus, a character who later appeared as Samus’s rival fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Echoes has a lot to offer players, and it would be a great addition to the Nintendo Switch Online service. It’s been stuck in the Wii trilogy re-release since 2009 with no clear justification, making its availability on NSO highly anticipated.
8. Super Mario Sunshine
I Need a Vacation On Isle Delfino, And I Need It Bad
It’s disappointing that Super Mario Sunshine isn’t yet available on Nintendo Switch Online. While other Mario games like Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Bros. Wonder have received attention – boosted by the recent movie and the Switch 2 release, respectively – Sunshine seems to have been overlooked. It feels like it’s fallen through the cracks.
While Pokémon Colosseum had significant glitches that likely delayed its release, that doesn’t seem to be the issue with Super Mario Sunshine. The 40th anniversary of Mario is wrapping up, and despite being announced as part of the GameCube Classics collection, Sunshine still hasn’t been added. What’s causing the delay?
Even though Super Mario Sunshine isn’t perfect, I still have a strong fondness for it – I really miss playing it! It was my absolute favorite Mario game on the GameCube, and I often find myself wanting to revisit it. Unfortunately, Nintendo hasn’t released a way for me to do that yet.
Super Mario Sunshine was included in the 3D All-Stars collection, but since that collection was only available for a limited time, it’s no longer available to purchase.
7. Harvest Moon: Magical Melody
The Perfect Harvest Moon Game For GameCube Classics
Image via LongplayArchive on YouTube
You might be wondering why I’m suggesting Harvest Moon: Magical Melody for the Nintendo Switch Online service instead of Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life. Your initial thought probably gives it away, though. A Wonderful Life just received a remake, and adding both that and the original would mean Nintendo would have to add two games instead of one to keep things balanced.
Magical Melody for the GameCube let players choose their character’s gender within the same game, unlike some other titles that required separate versions. This makes it a more efficient addition to the Nintendo Switch Online service – only one game needs to be added, similar to how both the original Harvest Moon and Harvest Moon 64 are currently available.
6. Star Fox Adventures
We Just Need a Different Star Fox Game On Switch, Please
It’s exciting to see Star Fox returning to the Switch, but it’s disappointing that it’s just a re-release of Star Fox 64. Considering Star Fox 64 was originally a remake of the SNES game, and both versions are already available on Nintendo Switch Online, it feels like we’re stuck with older titles instead of getting a truly new Star Fox experience. We need more than just revisiting Star Fox 2.
Nintendo has confirmed the existence of Star Fox Adventures, sparking excitement among fans who see it as a natural addition to the collection of rare and sought-after GameCube titles. With Nintendo working to revitalize the Star Fox franchise following the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, there’s a clear demand – and a real opportunity – to bring this game to a wider audience.
Though Nintendo hasn’t always prioritized it, giving this often-overlooked Star Fox game a chance to shine now would be fantastic for players who never got to experience it originally. And honestly, I’m one of those players!
5. Mario Party 5
Bring Back the Capsule Machine-Based Mayhem
The Nintendo Switch is quickly becoming the ultimate platform for Mario Party games. With all the original Nintendo 64 titles available, plus newer entries like Super Mario Party, Mario Party Superstars, and Mario Party Jamboree, it already has a lot. But I still think we need one more – Mario Party 5! It might sound crazy, but I’m a huge fan of that game.
Mario Party 5 takes place on unique game boards called “Dreams,” and you’re helped along the way by the Star Spirits from the Paper Mario series. Instead of regular items, you collect capsules that give you lasting benefits on the board. Using enough capsules throughout the game can really change how things play out.
It’s likely that all of the Mario Party games will be added to Nintendo Switch Online eventually. But if I could only choose one, I’d definitely go with Mario Party 5.
4. Rayman Arena
All-In-One, One-For-All
So, Ubisoft already gave Nintendo the okay to put Rayman 2 on the Nintendo 64 Classics service, which is awesome! It makes me think we might see even more Rayman games added down the line. Everyone’s already campaigning for Rayman 3, and it definitely deserves a look, but I’m hoping Rayman Arena gets some love too. That game was seriously underrated and would be a blast to play again!
Rayman Arena is a racing game with a twist – it also includes battle modes and keeps the fun, acrobatic platforming Rayman is known for. It’s a really colorful and enjoyable game, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Rayman Arena is a quirky game, and each version plays a little differently. It didn’t get great reviews when it first came out, but many people still enjoy it thanks to fond memories. Ultimately, it’s great to have another unique game to explore, and Rayman Arena definitely offers that.
3. Tales of Symphonia
We Have To Go Back
Nintendo and Bandai Namco have a strong working relationship, consistently delivering benefits to players. Bandai Namco has supported Nintendo with titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Kirby Air Riders, and has even brought back older, less well-known games through the Nintendo Switch Online Classics service.
Nintendo is now well-placed to include Tales of Symphonia in its collection of classic GameCube games. Symphonia is a beloved and highly-regarded title from the Tales series, and many fans consider the GameCube version to be the best way to experience it. Adding it to the service would be a fantastic addition.
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Honestly, I think the GameCube version is still the best way to play this game, even compared to the 2023 remaster on PS3, Switch, and Xbox. It’s a shame to say that, because it’s such a fantastic game, but it feels like there aren’t many good ways to play it. I really think adding it to Nintendo Switch Online would be awesome – it’d be a huge reason for people to subscribe, and make the game way more accessible.
2. Ribbit King
Putting The ‘Cult’ In GameCube Classics
A common theme with Nintendo Switch Online is that the game selections aren’t always what people expect. While they don’t always feature the most popular titles, this can actually be a good thing, bringing attention back to older, lesser-known games. For example, a game like Ribbit King might seem like a surprising choice for the GameCube Classics collection, but it has a dedicated fanbase who would be thrilled to play it on a current console.
Ribbit King is a fun game where you play ‘Frolf’ – basically golf, but with frogs! Instead of clubs, you use a hammer to launch the frogs, and they bounce off bubbles and obstacles to earn points. The goal is to get each frog into the hole using as few hits as possible.
Ribbit King is a uniquely quirky game for its time – a quality rarely seen in games from the early 2000s. If Nintendo is looking for GameCube titles to include on Nintendo Switch Online beyond licensed games and titles from other companies, Ribbit King would be a solid and appreciated choice from Bandai Namco.
1. Skies of Arcadia Legends
The Odds Are Low, But Not Zero
It’s 2002, and Sega’s Dreamcast console is no longer being made. With the Dreamcast gone, Sega needed a new way to get its games to players, so they started releasing them on other consoles. This is how the game Skies of Arcadia was re-released as Skies of Arcadia Legends for the Nintendo GameCube.
The devoted fans of Skies of Arcadia feel the same way Xenoblade Chronicles fans did when their game was stuck on the Wii – they’ve been waiting for a re-release for a long time. While many other classic Dreamcast games have been updated or re-released, Skies of Arcadia has consistently been overlooked.
Nintendo and Sega have a partnership to bring classic Sega Genesis games to Nintendo Switch Online. While Sega is hesitant to release Skies of Arcadia, now would be the ideal time. It would be a fantastic game for RPG lovers, Sega fans, and anyone who enjoys adventures with sky pirates – there’s so much to appreciate about it, and a release would be a dream come true.
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2026-05-13 23:41