If you’re a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscriber who only has a Switch 1, June was a quiet month for the retro game collections. However, if you were a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscriber lucky enough to snag a Nintendo Switch 2, you got a whole new retro system added to the collection. The new GameCube collection is exclusive to the Switch 2, and it debuted with three games.
The Nintendo Switch Online Additions for June 2025
Image of GameCube controller for Switch 2 courtesy of Nintendo StoreF-Zero GX
Younger fans who enjoy F-Zero 99 can now play the last mainline game in the F-Zero series. Older fans will also be happy to know that all of the mainline F-Zero games are now available on Nintendo Switch Online. F-Zero GX features a story mode, tons of vehicles to unlock, and super-fast racing. If it does end up being the last mainline F-Zero game ever, at least the series went out with a bang.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
The GameCube’s first entry in the Zelda series was unique for its cell-shaded, stylized graphics. While many Zelda fans at the time rejected the new art style, the graphics have aged beautifully and they still look amazing. Of course, like all Zelda games, Wind Waker offers an epic adventure full of charm and heart. Even though the fanbase may have dismissed the art style at first, they now look back on the game fondly.
Soulcalibur II
This classic arcade fighting game was ported to different systems, but the GameCube’s port is unique because it includes Link from The Legend of Zelda as a playable character. The game focuses on weapons-based combat and features impressive graphics and epic music. Although I’m normally terrible at fighting games, I can actually hold my own in this one, which shows how accessible it is.
Conclusion
The GameCube is a welcome addition to Nintendo Switch Online, though it would be nice if those of us who can’t yet get a Switch 2 were invited to the party. Obviously, this was meant as a selling point for the Switch 2, but it really seems like GameCube games could have been added to the Switch 1. In addition, the Nintendo 64 collection finally added a rewind feature and CRT filters, but again, those are only available on the Switch 2. Switch 1 players still got Nintendo 64 button-mapping, though.
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