Nintendo fans, get ready for a heavy dose of nostalgia. Starting June 5, some of the most beloved GameCube titles will be officially available through the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack and yes, this includes iconic games like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soulcalibur II.
With the upcoming release of Nintendo Switch 2, this move marks a significant push by Nintendo to bridge generations and deliver timeless classics to both old and new players. From updated hardware to retro software and even a brand-new controller inspired by the original GameCube design, June 5 is shaping up to be a pretty big day.
Let’s dive into what this means for players, the games making a return, and how Nintendo continues to master the art of gaming nostalgia.
GameCube Games on Switch Online: What’s Coming First?
The first wave of GameCube titles coming to Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack includes:
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker – Often ranked as one of the best entries in the franchise.
F-Zero GX – A lightning-fast futuristic racing game that fans have been begging to see revived.
Soulcalibur II – The beloved weapon-based fighter, complete with its original GameCube-exclusive guest character: Link.
These aren’t just random picks they’re some of the most influential and fondly remembered games of the early 2000s. And with online play now part of the equation, the experience could be better than ever for multiplayer fans.
More Titles on the Horizon
Nintendo isn’t stopping with just three games. Reports suggest that more GameCube classics will be added gradually, including:
Super Mario Sunshine – A quirky but beloved 3D platformer starring Mario and his water-powered jetpack, FLUDD.
Pokémon Colosseum – A darker, story-driven twist on the Pokémon series with full 3D battles.
If Nintendo follows its usual rhythm, new titles will likely be released in waves every few months keeping the excitement going and giving players time to appreciate each game fully.
A New GameCube Controller (With a Twist)
To celebrate the return of these retro gems, Nintendo will also be releasing a new version of the GameCube controller completely wireless and designed for use with the Nintendo Switch 2. It even includes the C-stick, which many fans of classic GameCube titles will remember fondly.
This controller will be available on June 5, the same day the GameCube games launch on the Expansion Pack. It's a clear nod to nostalgia, but also a smart move for players who prefer the feel of older hardware especially for fast-paced titles like F-Zero GX or precision-based combat games like Soulcalibur II.
Why This Matters for Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo's approach with Switch 2 appears to be all about continuity building a next-gen platform that doesn’t abandon the charm of the past. By integrating GameCube titles directly into the online service, the company is making it easier than ever for fans to revisit their childhood favorites without digging out old consoles.
And with smoother performance, upscaled visuals, and native wireless controller support, these classic games might feel better to play now than they did on their original hardware.
It’s also a reminder that in an industry often obsessed with the newest thing, sometimes the most powerful move is to bring the past forward in a meaningful way.
A New Way to Play, A Familiar Joy
There’s a reason people still talk about games like Wind Waker or Soulcalibur II two decades after their release they left an impression. And now, younger players who missed the GameCube era entirely will get to discover what made those games so special.
This blending of generations is something we’re starting to see more and more across gaming. Even indie multiplayer games like footix.io, which are fresh and modern, often take cues from classic arcade and console experiences to build fun, competitive gameplay. That timeless balance of fun, depth, and personality it’s what Nintendo has always done best.
Final Thoughts
June 5 is more than just a date it’s a turning point. It represents Nintendo’s commitment to preserving its legacy while also evolving for the future. With Switch 2 on the horizon, GameCube classics making a comeback, and a controller that blends past and present, it’s a great time to be a fan.
Whether you're returning to Wind Waker for the 10th time, racing at breakneck speeds in F-Zero GX, or diving into Pokémon Colosseum for the first time, this update is more than just retro it’s powerful, emotional, and exciting.