Nintendo Switch2 Unveils Massive GameCube Library, Pokemon Fans Rejoice!

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In the April 2025 Nintendo Direct presentation, the much-anticipated details about the Nintendo Switch 2 were unveiled. Among other exciting game and feature announcements, it was confirmed that a GameCube – Nintendo Classics collection is on its way, marking a long-debated development. Starting June 5, this classic GameCube library will be available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2, alongside a new wireless GameCube controller to enhance the gaming experience. This marks the beginning of the Nintendo Switch 2’s era with these beloved titles.

The initial batch of NSO’s exclusive Switch 2 games from the GameCube era includes titles like F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and Soulcalibur 2, which fans have been eagerly awaiting for quite some time. Games such as F-Zero GX and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker have long been requested to be ported over, and the online-enabled version of Soulcalibur 2 featuring Link from The Legend of Zelda is a highly anticipated update. Additional GameCube games for NSO have already been confirmed, although some fan favorites like Super Smash Bros. Melee are currently missing. However, Nintendo has made sure that the Pokemon series is well-represented to bolster support for the Switch 2.

The Future Of the Nintendo Switch 2’s Retro Game Library Looks Bright

After the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, a series of classic Nintendo GameCube titles will progressively become available over the subsequent months. These include:

  • Chibi-Robo! Plug Into Adventure!
  • Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
  • Luigi’s Mansion
  • Pokemon Colosseum
  • Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness
  • Super Mario Strikers
  • Super Mario Sunshine

This collection of well-known Nintendo GameCube games offers something for various fanbases, even catering to those who appreciate the Chibi-Robo series. The initial lineup for Switch 2 appears promising, but a closer look reveals that some franchises are receiving more attention in this selection of titles compared to others.

Here, it’s Mario who’s garnering the most interest, given the numerous major and spin-off Mario games on the GameCube. But don’t forget that this collection includes two of the four GameCube Pokemon titles, with the full-length RPGs being especially noteworthy. This is actually the first time that Pokemon Colosseum and Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness are being moved from the GameCube, which is exciting news for fans of the series. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, their successor, Pokemon Champions, is set to debut soon too!

Why Pokemon Colosseum and Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness Coming Back Is Huge

The games “Pokemon Colosseum” and “Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness” aren’t often associated with shaping the Pokemon series because they deviate significantly from the typical Pokemon role-playing game format. Instead, these games are significant because they link the “Pokemon Stadium” games to “Pokemon Battle Revolution,” as well as “Pokemon Champions.” It’s also possible that these unique games played a part in introducing Shadow Pokemon into “Pokemon GO.” These games are both adored and controversial due to their unconventional nature, which stands out within such a tradition-bound IP like Pokemon.

There’s Nothing Quite Like Pokemon Colosseum and Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness

Gale of Darkness are set in the Orre region, which resembles the southern United States’ desert regions. Unlike typical Pokémon battles, these games have fewer wild Pokémon encounters and focus more on double trainer battles that may include Shadow Pokémon for players to claim. The games stand out due to their darker atmospheres, increased difficulty, unique soundtracks, and animations that remain impressive compared to modern Pokémon games. Consequently, they gained popularity as cult classics within the renowned franchise. Now, the new GameCube library on the rumored Nintendo Switch 2 offers a chance to revisit or discover these classic Pokémon titles, and subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online makes it an even better deal to access them.

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2025-04-05 01:34