Nintendo Switch Online's library of GameCube games is still fairly small, but the limited selection contains some heavy hitters. From The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker to Luigi's Mansion, it's thankfully possible to play some of the best GameCube games ever made through the subscription service.
While all the included titles are good, they're not all completely equal. Genre preference can go a long way in choosing between these classics, which range from high-speed racers to more relaxed adventures. If you're totally undecided on which game to check out first, though, some do arguably edge ahead of others in overall quality.
Pokémon XD: Gale Of Darkness
3D adventures may have become standard for Pokémon in recent years, but at the time of the GameCube, the idea of getting to play a complete Pokémon RPG in 3D. Pokémon Colosseum was the answer to many fans' dreams, and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness continued Colosseum's legacy with an expanded Pokédex, improved mechanics, and larger overall scope.
Unfortunately, its ambitions were limited in other regards, with plenty of material in the game being essentially recycled fromPokémon Colosseum. A more lighthearted story also lost the unique tone of Colosseum, which felt like a comparatively gritty spin-off compared to the typical Pokémon approach. Pokémon XD: Gale Of Darkness is still fun to play today, but now that 3D is the Pokémon standard, its biggest selling point isn't all that unique.
Wario World
Super Mario Sunshine is coming to the Nintendo Switch Online library soon, but in the meantime, the platforming go-to is Wario World. While this can feel like a comparatively underwhelming alternative, it's still a fun game in its own right.
Wario World ultimately takes a simple approach, ignoring complex platforming challenges in favor of beating up enemies and grabbing treasure in true Wario fashion. It's not a particularly long game, and the graphics don't show off the best of the GameCube's capabilities. Even so, plenty of fun ideas, well-designed levels, and inventive boss encounters make Wario World a solid way to spend some time on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Super Mario Strikers
Mario sports games used to have a lot of personality, and Super Mario Strikers is no exception. While it doesn't yet commit to the battle-scarred imagery of its Wii sequel, Mario Strikers Charged, it takes an over-the-top approach to soccer that embraces physicality and aggressive action.
Mario Strikers Charged ultimately added a lot to the formula, so Super Mario Strikers can feel slightly limited by comparison when playing today. Nonetheless, it's still a fantastic pick-up-and-play sports game, and plenty of fans would argue that it has a magic that the Switch game Mario Strikers: Battle League failed to recapture.
Luigi's Mansion
At this point, we're already getting into some of the greatest games ever released on GameCube, a testament to how strong the Nintendo Switch Online lineup is overall. Luigi's Mansion is the perfect outing for Mario's timid brother, tossing him into a ghost-ridden mansion and delivering a unique gameplay loop that stands apart from any other Mario fare.
Progressing throughout the spooky environment, Luigi is tasked with solving a unique array of puzzles and vacuuming up ghosts with his Poltergust. It's a short experience overall, but when it comes bundled in with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion subscription, that's hard to complain about. Above all else, Luigi's Mansion is a masterclass in atmosphere, making it a must-play for anyone with a few hours to kill.
Chibi-Robo
Chibi-Robo failed to make much of an initial splash, but over time, this cult classic has grown into a titan of the GameCube library. The basic premise of Chibi-Robo doesn't exactly sound exciting, as the small robot's main objective is to complete various household tasks.
While some critics at the time found its graphics underwhelming for a late GameCube release, it's easy to appreciate how unique the game remains today. Not only does it turn its chores into an interesting gameplay loop, but it also works in a surprisingly thoughtful and clever story that's playing out in the backdrop of the adventure. Chibi-Robo is a unique game on every level, and the details ultimately turn it into something even more special.
F-Zero GX
The F-Zero series is all about taking racing action to its limits, and F-Zero GX didn't waste the new opportunities that the GameCube provided. From stylish effects to a 60 FPS framerate, its visceral pleasures are undeniable, and it's an incredible racing game that asks players to push themselves to their limits.
Make no mistake, F-Zero GX is tough, but mastering its blisteringly fast races is well worth the time. Games like Fast RMX and Redout have attempted to fill the F-Zero void in the modern era, but there's still nothing quite the same as F-Zero GX.
Soulcalibur 2
If you like fighting games, you're probably well aware of Soulcalibur 2's reputation. If you don't, this might still be one to check out. Soulcalibur's focus on weapons sets it apart from some of the biggest fighting game franchises, and the inclusion of The Legend of Zelda's Link makes the GameCube version of Soulcalibur 2 an extra dose of broad appeal.
With a fantastic character roster, classic fast-paced gameplay, and an excellent atmosphere, Soulcalibur 2 still represents the series at its very best. If the drip-fed content and emphasis on DLC that defines many modern fighters ever gets you down, this is the perfect classic to return to.
Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance
The Fire Emblem series has exploded in popularity in recent years, but Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is proof of how great the franchise was even before Fire Emblem: Awakening brought it to new audiences. Notably, Path of Radiance's story still represents the series at its best, with a mature narrative and compelling protagonist that more recent games have struggled to live up to.
If you're playing Path of Radiance after being introduced to the series by a game like Three Houses, you might have some trouble adjusting to the long (but optional) battle animations. With a little patience, though, Path of Radiance will invariably prove its greatness. After years of steadily increasing prices pushing the GameCube original out of the realm of affordability, it's a fantastic inclusion for Nintendo Switch Online.
The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker
The Legend of Zelda series is known for its consistent quality, and The Wind Waker is one of the very best. While the cartoon direction initially disappointed many fans of the more realistic style and darker tone found in Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, it's aged better over time than almost any other games of its era.
The Wind Waker's big selling point lies in its wide-open seas, which are filled with enough intriguing island destinations and secrets to outstrip most open-world games today. Factor in a strong story and possibly the best iteration of Ganondorf in the entire franchise, and it's not hard to see why this is both a towering achievement for the GameCube era and one of the most essential games in the entire Nintendo Switch Online catalog.
