The next two games are coming to the GameCube app Nintendo Switch 2 has already been decided, although Nintendo has kept a tight lid on when the next game release will take place. The GameCube app is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 and requires an active subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
The GameCube app was released alongside the Switch 2 in June 2025. As part of the Nintendo Classics app lineup for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, the GameCube app allows players to play a select series of fan-favorite games. Players can also use features such as save states, customizable controls, and GameChat. At the time of writing, the latest game to be released was on the GameCube app Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness in March 2026.
Two Nintendo GameCube classics are still missing
Although the GameCube app received an update in April to fix an issue with Pokemon XD: Gale of DarknessNintendo hasn't shared much about its future plans for the app. However, Nintendo has previously confirmed that the GameCube app's next game will be Super Mario Sunshine and Pokemon Coliseum. While no release date was made for either GameCube title, both games were hinted at during the GameCube app's initial reveal during the April 2025 Nintendo Direct broadcast. Considering that only nine GameCube titles have been released via Nintendo Switch Online since the Switch 2 launched, Super Mario Sunshine and Pokemon Coliseum has been absent.
Nintendo GameCube games available on Nintendo Switch Online (July 18, 2026)
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Chibi Robo! Plug into the adventure!
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Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
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F-Zero GX
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Luigi's mansion
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Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness
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Soulcalibur 2
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Super Mario Strikers
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The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
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Wario World
Super Mario Sunshine was originally released in Japan in July 2002 before heading to the West a month later. Like the other 3D platformer Super Mario series, Super Mario Sunshine took place on Isle Delfino, a tropical beach resort and popular vacation spot. With the help of a unit called FLUDD, Mario is tasked with cleaning up Isle Delfino after a mysterious villain named Shadow Mario kidnaps Princess Peach and covers the island with graffiti. To date, Super Mario Sunshine is the only one Super Mario 3D platformer with full voice acting during its cutscenes. Since then, Nintendo has cut back significantly on voice acting in 3D Super Mario titles due to negative feedback from players following Super Mario Sunshine.
When it comes to Pokemon Coliseumthe popular JRPG was released in Japan in November 2003 before making its way to North America and Europe in the spring of 2004. Unlike previous Pokémon titles, Pokemon Coliseum did not contain random encounters. Instead, players could “talk” Shadow Pokemon from other trainers to use in their teams. Pokemon Coliseum can also connect to Pokémons Gen 3 titles, incl Pokemon Emerald and Pokemon FireRedvia the GameCube's Game Boy Advance adapter cable. With that in mind Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is a sequel to Pokemon Coliseumthe continued absence of Pokemon Coliseum is a puzzling decision.
Even if Super Mario Sunshine was re-released on Nintendo Switch as part of Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection, the compilation was removed from the Nintendo eShop in March 2021. It remains to be seen when Nintendo will officially launch Super Mario Sunshine and Pokemon Coliseum on the GameCube app, but they will come at some point.
- Released
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March 22, 2004
- ESRB
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e
- Publisher
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Nintendo
- Engine
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Unreal Engine 4
- Multiplayer
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Local multiplayer
Source: ComicBook
