10 Gamecube Games We Want On Switch 2

In the Switch 2 Direct presentation by Nintendo, it was announced that those with a subscription to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack would gain access to a carefully selected collection of emulated GameCube games.

Several popular titles such as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, Soulcalibur 2, Pokemon Colosseum, and additional ones have been verified for this platform.

For the first time since their initial release, a significant number of games originally made for systems such as NES, SNES, and Nintendo 64 will now officially be accessible on platforms beyond their original hardware.

It’s no secret that this is a significant move. Not only does it provide an opportunity for younger gamers to explore titles from previous generations, but it also revives some long-dormant series and franchises for a comeback. These are the games we’re eagerly anticipating could be included on the list.

10. Kirby Air Ride

A Reminder Before Air Riders

It’s been approximately two decades since Kirby Air Ride was initially launched for the Gamecube in 2003, as highlighted by the recent Nintendo Direct: Switch 2 Edition. While the anticipation for the forthcoming sequel, Kirby Air Riders, is high, it’s likely that newer Switch 2 owners might not be familiar with the original title due to its release more than two decades ago.

Given that we’re still unsure about the release date for Air Riders, let’s make the most of this time by disseminating some knowledge. Kirby Air Ride, remember, was a unique racing game based on a core concept: vehicles that pick up speed automatically without any player intervention.

The game offered three distinct play styles: Air Ride provided conventional point-to-point races, Top Ride featured an isolated top-down race, but it was the City Trial that truly stole the spotlight. In City Trial, up to four players navigated a sprawling cityscape, competing to find power-ups and hidden treasures.

It’s advisable to obtain Kirby Air Ride from the GameCube collection on the upcoming Switch 2, prior to the release of Air Riders. This way, novice players will have ample time to grasp the game concept without potential overlap between the two games affecting their understanding.

9. Crazy Taxi

The Perfect Time Waster

One cherished arcade classic from Sega is Crazy Taxi, which made a strong debut as a launch title on the Gamecube. Although it was once accessible through digital platforms such as Steam and Xbox Live, it has since been withdrawn and can no longer be played unless purchased from mobile stores.

As a wild gamer, I can tell you that the essence of Crazy Taxi is all about cruising around town, snatching up passengers, and zipping them to their destinations as swiftly and insanely as I dare! The game’s original version even had this thing called the Crazy Box – a collection of diverse challenges designed to put your driving skills to the test in some truly bizarre and intricately detailed scenarios.

Apart from addressing accessibility concerns, Crazy Taxi, known for its time-consuming appeal among Gamecube games, could serve well as an addition to the Switch 2’s Gamecube collection while we anticipate more substantial releases. Since Sega is yet to reveal much about a new Crazy Taxi game, it would be beneficial to offer this classic title in the meantime.

8. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat

Put Those Joy-Con 2s To Work

On the GameCube, Donkey Kong didn’t have many solo games; instead, he often shared screen time with Mario and his crew in sports and multi-character games. However, the few games that did feature him were largely connected by one of the console’s most peculiar features – the DK Bongos.

Since the bongos were designed with the Donkey Konga series in consideration, however, dealing with potential copyright issues might be tricky. Therefore, an alternative choice that could serve as a replacement might be Donkey Kong Jungle Beat.

In essence, Donkey Kong Jungle Beat appears like a typical platformer game at first glance, but it introduces an innovative twist: all of Donkey Kong’s actions are controlled via bongos. Tapping the left or right bongo controls movement, hitting both simulates jumping, and clapping your hands makes things happen.

Although it boasts just four primary controls, the game proved to be an enjoyable and fast-moving experience, particularly during the engaging one-on-one boss battles. Notably, the hypothetical Switch 2 model lacks bongos; however, by making some adjustments, motion input from the upgraded Joy-Con controllers could effortlessly take their place.

7. Super Smash Bros. Melee

Would Either Make Everyone Happy Or Angry

Just as the secluded inhabitants of North Sentinel Island have preserved their ancient ways for many years, the hardcore enthusiasts of Super Smash Bros. Melee have maintained a traditional approach to gaming since its release. They eschew the modern features added in later versions like Brawl and beyond, preferring the swift, old-school combat style of Melee. If Melee is included in the Gamecube library for the Switch 2, perhaps we can entice them to step into the contemporary gaming world.

In contrast to the extensive content found in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Melee offers a more streamlined gaming experience with fewer characters, less intricate mechanics, and faster, skill-oriented battles. The saying “Fox only, Final Destination” originated from this game, as players using the quickest character on a stage without any special features would highlight pure skill.

It would be beneficial for everyone not to depend on old game discs for Melee play any longer. This transition could bring in many new players, but it may upset some long-time players. However, such is the nature of change.

6. Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes

Currently Lost Media

To enjoy the classic Metal Gear Solid game on your Nintendo Switch, you need to buy the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection. However, this version of the game might not be as high-quality as some would like due to its porting. Interestingly, there’s an updated version of the game that has been out of circulation for a while now. It would be great if we could obtain legal access to it once more.

2004’s Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes is a unique version of the classic Metal Gear Solid game, which, as of now, has only been released on the Nintendo GameCube and hasn’t been ported to any other platforms.

The updated version boasts entirely new character designs and settings, a freshly recorded script by the original voice actors, and refined gameplay elements similar to those in the recently launched Metal Gear Solid 2.

For quite some time now, whether the altered gameplay is preferred or not has sparked much discussion among gamers. We wouldn’t presume to decide which version reigns supreme as taste differs from person to person. However, it’s pleasing to have options like different versions of the same game, making it enjoyable for those who grew up playing Twin Snakes instead of the original one.

5. Viewtiful Joe

Celebrate Clovers

In late 2002, Nintendo sought to boost Gamecube sales by requesting Capcom to create five exclusive games for the console as proof of third-party support. These titles, collectively known as the Capcom Five, included Resident Evil 4, Killer7, P.N.03, an unfinished game called Dead Phoenix, and Viewtiful Joe, which was Clover Studio’s debut work.

Viewtiful Joe is a tribute, on a grand scale, to television series based on tokusatsu (special effects) like Kamen Rider and Super Sentai, as well as action movies that use special effects. The main character’s powers, thanks to VFX, allow him to slow down time to give more impact to his punches, speed up to ignite himself, and zoom in the camera to showcase his unique style.

Given that Clover Studio is rebranding as Clovers for the Okami sequel, this could be an ideal opportunity to shine light once more on their other dormant game franchises. If a new Viewtiful Joe sequel isn’t feasible, making the original available on the Switch 2 would surely be an excellent alternative.

4. SSX Tricky

Snowboarding With Style

In the past, before sports games predominantly featured loot boxes and became homogenized, they showcased some interesting and imaginative concepts. One of the most beloved sports games on the GameCube was SSX Tricky, which served as the second installment in Electronic Arts’ snowboarding adventures series.

SSX Tricky boasted an unmistakable aesthetic with its vibrant graphics and elongated, quirky character designs. The action unfolded on colossal snowboarding tracks in the mountains, providing ample opportunities for launching yourself skyward from ramps to execute some truly outlandish stunts.

The game’s single-player mode featured a complex adversarial system, where one AI-controlled character would consistently challenge you and hinder your progress.

The unique predicament surrounding intellectual property (IP) licensing with SSX may be the primary factor preventing a remaster from being released. Nevertheless, given Nintendo’s track record in negotiating such agreements, there might be hope yet.

3. Star Fox: Assault

One More Chance For Dormant Franchises

Although Star Fox is considered one of Nintendo’s key franchises, it has been over five years since the release of the latest Star Fox game, Star Fox Zero for the Wii U in 2016. Even if a new game isn’t forthcoming, Nintendo should make an effort to keep this series relevant and current somehow.

Why not add Star Fox: Assault to the GameCube’s classic library since Star Fox, Star Fox 2, and Star Fox 64 are already available on the Switch’s retro collection?

As a gamer, I’d say Star Fox: Assault is the next logical leap from the thrilling ride of Star Fox 64. It keeps the classic rail shooter and open-area dogfighting segments that made us all fans, but it takes things to a whole new level by incorporating Landmaster tank battles and on-foot missions. The on-foot sections really amped up the gameplay density, transforming what were once just background details into fully explorable dungeons.

To put it simply, Star Fox: Assault didn’t sell exceptionally well, but offering it at a bargain price could enhance its reputation. If not Star Fox: Assault, then perhaps we should focus on something other than Star Fox Adventures, as revisiting that game doesn’t seem appealing at the moment.

2. Wario World

Everyone Loves A Pile Driver

Over the course of time, Wario has been involved in numerous games, predominantly side-scrolling platformers and the popular WarioWare series of microgame collections. Noteworthy, only one 3D game featuring Wario has been released so far: “Wario World”, which was introduced in 2003. This game stands out from any other platformer you’ve played that features a plumber or a character associated with them.

Wario World may appear to have a straightforward structure with individual levels, but it’s filled with intricate mazes, trials, and brain-teasing puzzles, plus formidable boss battles. You can’t simply stroll from one end of a level to another; you must delve deeply to gather enough Red Crystals to unlock the door for the boss encounter.

This game further showcased Wario’s notorious strength fueled by garlic. Enemies who were knocked down could be hurled far off, whirled into a disorienting spin, and finished off with a high-flying piledriver. It’s a game brimming with wild and peculiar spectacles, and it’s worthy of lasting longevity.

1. Ribbit King

The Age Of Frolf Is Upon Us

While it would be delightful to have all the popular Gamecube classics on Switch 2, it could be disappointing if that’s the only thing we receive. Just like any console, the Gamecube had its share of undiscovered treasures, and bringing these lesser-known yet worthy games into the fold, especially with the inclusion of online multiplayer, would be a great addition to the platform. For instance, a game like Ribbit King, which gained cult status, could greatly benefit from this enhancement.

Ribbit King centers around the game known as “Frolf,” a fun twist on golf where instead of balls, you use frogs. Your goal is to send your tiny amphibian friend towards the hole while collecting point-earning bubbles and activating events along the way. Using various items that can be equipped, you can adjust your frog’s flight path, prevent it from tiring out, and enjoy other exciting features.

Games such as Mario Golf: Super Rush demonstrate a clear demand for unconventional golf games, and anyone who’s played Ribbit King can vouch for its enjoyable multiplayer experience. Combine these elements, and you’ve got a surefire hit that could attract players to the Switch 2’s Gamecube collection.

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2025-04-11 17:11