The Nintendo Switch 2 announcement came with many surprises, like the award-winning platformer Donkey Kong Bananza and the latest installment in the pocket monster franchise with Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
Some appreciated the enhanced specs while others valued the updated versions of beloved titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Party Jamboree. For me, the most significant announcement was the highly anticipated inclusion of the Nintendo GameCube in the Nintendo Classics library.
Joining the NES, Game Boy, and Nintendo 64, the Nintendo GameCube catalogue expands gamers’ options with modern evolutions of all-time classics. Which titles can we expect to be added in 2026? Here are four GameCube titles we are all waiting for in the next Nintendo Switch 2 Virtual Console update:
1. Super Mario Sunshine
One of the best iterations of 3D platforming, Super Mario Sunshine revolutionized the classic storyline and made it an instant classic in the summer of 2002. Its tropical vibes and colorful beaches made the game come alive in an era where vibrant colors and extravagant settings ruled the gaming market.
This is the second installment in the mainline 3D Mario series, following the 1996 smash hit Super Mario 64 and preceding the two-part Super Mario Galaxy series, which is due for a movie in early 2026.
2. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance was released in 2005 as the 9th main title in the franchise. This time, following the journey of Ike, a mercenary who leads an army against the kingdom of Daein, in a story with political and social tones.
While sales pale in comparison to other popular IPs, this Fire Emblem entry introduced one of the saga’s most beloved characters in Ike, so much so that Masahiro Sakurai made it one of his top priorities to bring more eyes to the character by adding the hero to Super Smash Bros. Brawl in GameCube’s successor, the Nintendo Wii.
3. Pokemon Colosseum
Pokemon in 3D was a tall order, especially given the incredible success of the pixelated titles during the 90s. Following them up with Nintendo 64's Pokemon Stadium and Pokemon Stadium 2, which included battle-only modes and party mini-games, was a significant first step in the right direction.
However, when the GameCube launched, Nintendo committed to bringing the handheld feel to home consoles. First, with the release of one of my all-time favorites, 2003’s Pokemon Colosseum: an entry that follows your journey against the evil Pokemon organization, Cipher, and their corruption in the Orre region. This time, playing as a former villainous member instead of a heroic bystander.
This title introduced the Shadow Pokemon system we know and love in Pokemon GO. This system completely erased wild areas to catch wild Pokemon from the game. Instead, the player could only catch Shadow Pokemon from their opponent's party carefully, planted by developers to progressively and strategically grow your team for the final boss – a must-play experience when it releases on Nintendo Switch 2's Virtual Console.
4. Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness
After massive success with Pokemon Colosseum, Nintendo doubled down in 2005 with the release of Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, a story set in the same region five years after Colosseum's events, where the new hero attempts to take the Cipher Syndicate down, once and for all.
Pokemon XD really is the best of Colosseum, and then some, enhancing the purification process of Shadow Pokemon, expanding the Pokemon pool with Gen I deep cuts, and building anticipation for the Shadow Lugia encounter featured on the game's cover art.
These GameCube titles are worth a go once the Nintendo Switch 2 Classics library updates sometime in 2026, a much-needed second wind after a complicated launch that left fans wanting more.
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