Here’s a fresh look capturing the return of GameCube nostalgia on modern hardware—perfectly blending the classic controller aesthetic and the new-age Switch 2 experience.
Nintendo Switch Online Welcomes Another GameCube Classic
Super Mario Strikers Kicks Off the Expansions
Nintendo has expanded its GameCube library on the Switch 2’s Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier with the addition of Super Mario Strikers (also known as Mario Smash Football in some regions) starting July 3, 2025 (Polygon, 9to5Toys, GameSpot). This marks the first post-launch addition following the initial trio of games made available at console debut.
Originally released in 2005, Super Mario Strikers brings its chaotic, over-the-top arcade soccer action to the collection, complete with power-ups, aggressive gameplay, and electrifying matches (Polygon, 9to5Toys, GameSpot).
The Full Roster: GameCube Titles on Switch 2
Since launch day on June 5, 2025, Switch 2 users with the Expansion Pack have had access to these GameCube classics:
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
- Soulcalibur II
- F-Zero GX
(The Verge, thenintendochannel.com, GameSpot, miketendo64.com, Nintendo Life, Wikipedia)
Additional confirmed titles in the pipeline (release dates TBD) include:
- Super Mario Sunshine
- Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
- Pokémon Colosseum
- Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
- Chibi-Robo!
- Luigi’s Mansion
- Super Mario Strikers (now live)
(The Verge, thenintendochannel.com, Nintendo Life, miketendo64.com, Wikipedia, 9to5Toys)
As of August 21, 2025, Chibi-Robo! has also joined the lineup (Wikipedia).
Cool Perks & Future Outlook
This GameCube collection, branded the Nintendo Classics, offers several modern enhancements to classic titles:
- Higher resolution visuals, superior to original GameCube output (The Verge, Nintendo Wire, Wikipedia)
- Online multiplayer support for compatible games—now with up to four players (Nintendo Wire, GameSpot, The Verge)
- Per-game control mapping, allowing players to customize inputs (thenintendochannel.com, Wikipedia)
- Dedicated GameCube wireless controller, complete with USB-C charging and built-in GameChat support (thenintendochannel.com, Nintendo Wire)
Quick Recap Table
| Detail | Insight |
|---|---|
| Latest Addition | Super Mario Strikers (July 3, 2025) |
| Launch Games | The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur II, F-Zero GX |
| Upcoming Titles | Chibi-Robo!, Super Mario Sunshine, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Pokémon Colosseum, Pokémon XD, Luigi’s Mansion |
| Launch Platform | Nintendo Switch 2 via Online + Expansion Pack |
| New Features | Enhanced visuals, online play, remappable controls, dedicated controller |
Final Thoughts
Nintendo continues to build a robust retro catalog on the Switch 2. With Super Mario Strikers now live and more beloved GameCube games in the pipeline, the Nintendo Classics collection is shaping up to be a highlight of the Expansion Pack. The combination of enhanced presentation and modern features brings timeless experiences to both longtime fans and new generations alike.
Let me know if you’d like a spotlight on any of the upcoming titles—or comparisons of how they stack up to their original releases!