GameCube NSO collection announced during Nintendo Switch 2 Direct

Over the last few months there were a few major updates to the Nintendo Switch Online game collections that NSO subscribers were hoping for. One wild theory was that the “C” button would allow players to Cast their game to the TV, turning the handheld and the TV into the two screens of the Nintendo DS. This turned out not to be the case, as we now know that it’s the Game Chat button. Perhaps the simpler theory, and the one that turned out to be true, was that Nintendo would release a Nintendo GameCube classics collection. This collection arrives on the same day as the new console, June 5th.

Nintendo announces the launch of the GameCube collection for NSO subscribers

This collection of classic Nintendo GameCube games won’t be available to just anyone. Not only will users need to have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, but they will also need to subscribe to the second tier, Expansion Pack. This is where users will find other benefits like free DLC for major games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, as well as other classic collections like the GameBoy Advance and the Nintendo 64 collections.

The trailer shown during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct featured a handful of games that will be available at launch, as well as a look forward to what to expect in the future. The first game shown was The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. This classic cartoon-style, cel-shaded entry in the legendary series has had an HD port to the Wii U, but this will be the first time it arrives on the Switch.

Soul Calibur 2 will also be available, particularly notable for its inclusion of Link as a playable character. The collection will also include F-Zero GX, the racing game featuring Captain Falcon of Super Smash Bros. fame. Players will be able to race with up to four total players in online or local co-op. While not a part of the collection when the Switch 2 launches in June, we did get a look at more games planned to join the collection at some point. Look forward to Super Mario Sunshine, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, Super Mario Strikers, and Luigi’s Mansion just to name a few. No mention of Super Smash Bros. Melee so far.

Alongside this announcement, Nintendo shared a new GameCube controller that works with the new console. It will be wireless, including the new Game Chat button, and presumably a microphone or audio jack as well. The controller will be available on the My Nintendo Store on June 5th, the same day as the Nintendo Switch 2 launch, and will only be available to Nintendo Switch Online members.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

March 24, 2003

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• Overview

• Nintendo
• GameCube
• The Legend of Zelda (franchise)
• Nintendo Direct
• Nintendo Switch
• Nintendo Switch Online