GameCube classics are exactly what they sound like: GameCube games you can play on your Switch 2. It's part of Nintendo Switch Online, but only works on the Switch 2, not the original.

What's Available Now

The service launched with three games:

• The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (the big one)
• F-Zero GX (still incredible after all these years)
• Soulcalibur II (Link was in this version, remember?)

What's Coming

Nintendo has confirmed more:

• Super Mario Sunshine
• Luigi's Mansion
• Both Pokémon games (Colosseum and XD)
• Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
• Chibi-Robo

The library will grow over time, just like the N64 and SNES collections did.

How They've Been Improved

These aren't just ROM dumps. They look better than original GameCube, have customizable controls, and include suspend points (save states). There's even a CRT filter if you want that old-TV look. Online multiplayer works too.

The Catch: You Need Expansion Pack

GameCube classics aren't in the basic $20 per year Nintendo Switch Online. You need the Expansion Pack at $50 per year. That also gets you N64, Game Boy, and other retro games.

If you're not interested in retro games, this might not be worth it for you.

Why Not Original Switch?

GameCube games need more power to emulate. The original Switch couldn't handle it. The Switch 2 can.

The Controller Situation

There's an official wireless GameCube controller if you want the authentic experience. The Joy-Con 2 and Pro Controller work fine, but GameCube had a weird button layout that some people prefer for these specific games.

Nope. Your old dock won't work with the Switch 2. The console is bigger and needs a new dock anyway.

The Simple Reason

The Switch 2 is larger. It has a 7.9-inch screen compared to the original's 6.2 inches. It literally won't fit into the old dock. You'd damage something trying.

The Technical Reason

Even if size wasn't an issue, the old dock can't do 4K. It maxes out at 1080p. The Switch 2 dock has HDMI 2.1 for 4K HDR output. Different hardware.

Don't Worry Though

The Switch 2 comes with its own dock in the box. You're not missing out on anything. Only buy extra docks if you want them in multiple rooms.

Fun Fact

The original Switch can actually use the Switch 2 dock if you put it in there carefully. Same USB-C connector. It won't do 4K (the original Switch can't), but it works. Not officially supported, but people have done it.

Travel Docks

If you have one of those compact portable docks, it might work with Switch 2. Depends on the size and how the connector is positioned. Check before assuming your travel setup still works.

Probably yes, eventually. The Joy-Con 2 uses the same kind of analog sticks that caused drift on the original. Nintendo didn't switch to drift-proof technology.

Wait, Why Not?

A lot of people expected Hall effect sensors, those magnet-based sticks that don't wear down. Third-party controllers have used them for years to avoid drift.

Here's the catch: the Joy-Con 2 attaches magnetically. Those magnets would mess with Hall effect sensors, which also use magnets. Nintendo had to pick one or the other. They went with the magnetic attachment and stuck with traditional sticks.

Kind of annoying, honestly.

The Silver Lining

Nintendo still offers free repairs for drift. The class-action lawsuit made sure of that. If your Joy-Con 2 develops drift, contact Nintendo and they'll fix it at no cost.

Some people say the Joy-Con 2 sticks feel better built than the originals. The controller is bigger, so maybe there's more room for sturdier components. But it's too early to know if drift will be less common.

What You Can Do

If you're really worried about drift, buy a third-party controller with Hall effect sensors. 8BitDo makes good ones. They won't snap onto the Switch 2 magnetically, but they'll work wirelessly forever without drift.

Or just use the Joy-Con 2 normally and take advantage of the free repair program when needed.

The Reality

Potentiometer sticks will always drift eventually. That's just physics. The question is how long it takes. Nintendo's betting the Joy-Con 2 will last longer. We'll see.