This article was updated by Andrea Trama on 23 April 2026 with a list of GameCube games available on Switch 2. It was first published on 15 April.
An update has been released for Nintendo Switch 2s GameCube app, with the latest software version 1.6.1. The GameCube app was added last year, as a perk for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. However, the app is only available to play on the Nintendo Switch 2, and not the original system.
Since its launch last June, nine games have been released for the GameCube app. Nintendo has slowly taken over more fan favorites from the era. Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness was released on the Nintendo Switch 2 last month, marking the first time it has ever been released on another platform. The game's predecessor, Pokemon Coliseumhas also been teased for the GameCube app, but Nintendo hasn't said much about that in a while.
There might be a problem getting Animal Crossing to Nintendo Switch Online
Fans hoping to see the original Animal Crossing released on Switch 2 via the GameCube Nintendo Classics app may be in luck.
Nintendo Switch Online's new GameCube update
Nintendo Switch Online's GameCube app has been updated to version 1.6.1. Nintendo hasn't released patch notes, but it seems the new update is focused on fixing a bug in a specific game. Nintendo acknowledged a problem with Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness shortly after the game was added. The issue caused crashes and some players lost save data as a result. It appears that the latest software update fixes this issue, and it's not clear that anything else has changed.
Currently, there are nine GameCybe games available on Nintendo Switch Online:
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Chibi Robo!
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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
Additionally, Pokemon Colosseum, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes and Pikmin 2 are rumored to be coming to Switch 2 in the future.
When it comes to software updates, Nintendo is often vague about what's changing, but fans can usually figure things out. Those hoping that this update might include more games to play are out of luck, as many classic GameCube games aren't on the Nintendo Switch 2 yet. Favorites like the original Animal Crossing, Metroid Prime 2and Super Smash Bros. Melee would make a lot of people happy, and maybe even convince some Nintendo Switch Online subscribers to upgrade to the more expensive tier. So far, Nintendo seems to be taking its time adding GameCube games, distributing them as they continue to add games to the apps for the NES, Virtual Boy, and more.
Although it has become more popular in recent years, the GameCube was something of a flop for Nintendo. Despite low sales, the system boasted an impressive library, and many of its best games remained stranded for decades. As a result, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance and other GameCube games have become expensive on the secondary market; it's not uncommon to see some GameCube favorites fetching $100 or more on sites like eBay. The Nintendo Switch 2 app gives players a chance to experience these favorites without breaking the bank, and that's a very good thing.
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Until now, the GameCube app has largely focused on games originally published by Nintendo. Soulcalibur 2 has been the only exception, but the Nintendo version featured Link as a playable character. That probably made the game more of a priority for Nintendo, and it remains to be seen if the app will see other third-party games added. Skies of Arcadia Legends, Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg, The Simpsons: Hit and Runand Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes All would be welcome on the app, but fans will have to wait and see what is added in the future.
