# What are GameCube classics on Nintendo Switch 2?

> Playing GameCube games on Switch 2

*Published: 2026-02-27 | Updated: 2026-02-27 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/answers/what-are-gamecube-classics-on-nintendo-switch-2*

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## Product: Nintendo Switch 2
**Brand:** Nintendo

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.

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| PayMore Taylor | $459.99  | Check |
| AliExpress | $582.75  | Check |

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*Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from thousands of retailers, and analysis of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.*