Genre: Game Compilation

Players: 1-4 Competitive (Local Split-Screen / Online)

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Review:

I’ll start by saying that this isn’t going to be a normal review. You won’t find an overall grade at the end telling you what I think of this collection of classic GameCube games ranging from the console’s original release in 2001 through to when the console was discontinued in 2007. This is for multiple reasons – firstly, the service is still receiving (presumably sporadic) updates that add more content. Secondly, this is not a collection you can purchase and own – rather, this is an included perk of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, and as such every player who subscribes to that service will have access to this compilation as long as they continue to have that subscription.

This app is only available on Nintendo Switch 2 for players who subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. It currently provides access to 7 games. All of the games in this collection have both North American and European release versions accessible, added an optional CRT filter, the ability to create multiple save states, and the games with multiplayer can now be played both locally and online. In addition, this collection allows players to sort games by title, release date, play time or last date played, or even create a custom order.

I should note that this app gives each game getting its own unique button mapping (decided by Nintendo, apparently), though players can remap buttons as they please for each game, with the app saving each individual game’s button mapping for later use.

The app’s menu this time around is opened using the – button. Upon starting up a new game, I highly advise you to press – and check the button mapping for the game before starting.

I should also note that the games here are emulated pretty much as they were originally released, albeit with the benefit of an improved resolution. Games that have a widescreen option can use that option here. Games that make use of the GameCube’s analog triggers can still use that function if players play these games with either a Nintendo Switch Online Nintendo GameCube Controller, or an actual GameCube controller connected to the Nintendo Switch 2 via a Wii U GameCube Controller Adapter (the one created with the Super Smash Bros. series in mind).

So… out of 7 games, what’s still worth playing today, and what isn’t? Well, here’s a rundown of what I thought of each and every one of these titles:

Game	Genre	# of Players	Score
Chibi-Robo!	3D Platformer / Misc.	1	C-
tl;dr Chibi-Robo! is an odd 3D Platformer with elements that could be described as Action-RPG or Simulation with players taking the role of a tiny robot helping around a house. Some people are charmed by this game’s cute presentation, but I can’t get past its terrible pacing and dreadful tediousness. This is extremely niche at best.
F-Zero GX	Futuristic Racing	1-4 Competitive (Local Split-Screen / Online Split-Screen)	A+
tl;dr In my opinion (and in the opinion of many others) this is still the greatest game in the F-Zero franchise, with blazing fast speeds, silky-smooth framerates, and fantastic gameplay. The visuals seem a bit overly-clean and sparsely-decorated by today’s standards, but aside from this the game still looks great today. An absolute must-play on the GameCuve app.
Luigi’s Mansion	Puzzle / Action	1	B+
tl;dr The original Luigi’s Mansion is by far the shortest game in its series, lacks the refinements added in later games in the series, and features somewhat clunky controls, but it still boasts truly unique gameplay that blends Puzzle and Action elements, excellent atmosphere, and tons of charm. This one is absolutely a game that you should check out.
SoulCalibur II	3D Fighting Game	1-2 Competitive (Local Split-Screen / Online Split-Screen)	B+
tl;dr While a bit simple by today’s standards, SoulCalibur II is still a well-crafted Fighting Game, and the Weapon Master mode adds a lot of depth and replay value to the game, acting both as a tutorial and a campaign mode. Plus, many players hold the opinion that the GameCube version of the game is the best due to the inclusion of Link as a guest character.
Super Mario Strikers	Sports (Soccer)	1-4 Competitive (Local / Online)	B
tl;dr Mario Strikers is a very good take on the sport of Soccer, though one that has aged quite considerably since its original release two decades ago. Despite this, it’s still well worth a try for fans of Mario’s more cartoony, arcadey style of Sports games.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker	Action-RPG	1	A
tl;dr This version of The Wind Waker lacks the improvements added to the Wii U HD remastered version, including the Swift Sail and the simplified triforce quest toward the end of the game. As a result, I tend to see this as an inferior version. However, it’s an inferior version of a truly great Zelda game, and one of the most beloved games in its franchise. Don’t be fooled by the cartoony visuals – this is a fantastic Action-RPG.
Wario World	3D Platformer / Action-Platformer	1	C+
tl;dr Wario World is the sort of oddball Action-Platformer that developer Treasure is known for in titles like Mischief Makers, but expanded into a limited-scope 3D Platformer. It’s interesting and unique, but also repetitive, tedious, and at times seemingly deliberately frustrating. It’s far from the best thing Treasure, Nintendo, or Wario have ever done, but it may make for an interesting distraction.

When it all comes down to it, five of these seven games are superb games well worth playing. And as for the sixth and seventh, Chibi-Robo! is a cult classic that some players will enjoy, even if I didn’t, and Wario World is… well, at least somewhat original.

Of course, that’s just how it stands now – Nintendo will update this list with additional titles later… and when they do, I’ll try to make it a point to update this list as well.

tl;dr – Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members with a Nintendo Switch 2 currently have access to 7 GameCube games, and all of these games have improved resolution, added save states, and online play for those games with multiplayer. There are only a few games now, but it’s a promising start for this app!

Grade: N/A

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