Switch 2 Will Get GameCube Games Through Nintendo Switch Online, New GameCube Controller

As part of the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo has announced that GameCube games will come to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack for the first time--and they'll be exclusive to the Switch 2.

A small library of GameCube games will be available on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription service as soon as the Switch 2 launches, with the launch games including favorites like Wind Waker, Soulcalibur 2, and F-Zero GX. Some titles will even have extra functionality on the Switch 2, with games that support multiplayer now supporting online play for up to four players, as well as local play.

While only the three games will be available from launch, Nintendo has teased some of the other GameCube games that will come to the Switch 2 further down the track, including:

• Super Mario Sunshine
• Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
• Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness
• Super Mario Strikers
• Chibi-Robo!
• Luigi's Mansion
• Pokemon Colosseum

Nintendo also announced a brand-new GameCube controller that will launch on the same day as the Switch 2. Looking almost identical to the classic GameCube controller, the Switch 2 version will have extra functionality--such as wireless connectivity, and the Switch 2's brand new C button for live chat. Players will need to have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership (not just a free trial) to purchase the GameCube controller, and will be limited to one purchase per account.

Whether playing with the GameCube controller, Pro controller, or standard Joy-Cons, players will be able to modify the control scheme to their liking for each of the GameCube games on offer.

Check out some more of the biggest announcements that were made during the Switch 2 Direct. The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5 this year at a retail price of $450.