Skip to main content

Report: Nintendo Switch to support GameCube through Virtual Console

my nintendo qr rewards nintendoswitch hardware 2
Image used with permission by copyright holder
The upcoming Nintendo Switch console won’t be able to play discs, but it appears that this won’t stop it from playing classic GameCube titles like Super Smash Bros. Melee and Luigi‘s Mansion. A new report from Eurogamer has stated that the system will support GameCube software through the Virtual Console system first introduced on the Wii.

Thus far, Eurogamer reported that three games have already been “prepped for Switch” — Luigi’s Mansion, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Smash Bros. Melee. Melee is a large reason behind Nintendo’s support of a GameCube Virtual Console, as the company wants the competitive scene to continue into the future — a GameCube controller adapter for the Switch is also being discussed.

Recommended Videos

The next game reportedly being tested for inclusion in the GameCube Virtual Console is the original Animal Crossing, and testing is also occurring to ensure that the additional NES games included in the original GameCube release are working as intended in the Switch environment.

For those who purchased Virtual Console games on the Wii U, there will apparently be an “upgrade” program for the Switch to allow users to transfer their games to the new system for a less-than-full-price fee.

Nintendo has shown a commitment to supporting Wii U games on the Switch so far, as well, but these don’t actually appear to be the exact same games available on the struggling console — Splatoon and Mario Kart 8, for instance, both appear to include new Switch-specific features. The exception appears to be The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which looks to be functionally identical on both platforms.

What GameCube games would you like to play on the Nintendo Switch? Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance and Battalion Wars could both be good choices, as they were originally designed as “home console” versions of previously handheld-based series.

Gabe Gurwin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…
Nintendo Switch 2 specs and design reportedly leak thanks to prototype
An image of the Nintendo Switch - OLED Model Mario Red Edition.

A series of leaked images corroborated by Video Games Chronicle appear to have given us our first look at Nintendo's next console.

That platform, which is colloquially known as the Nintendo Switch 2, has been rumored for a long time and is going to be revealed before the end of this fiscal year. The Nintendo Switch 2 appears to be in full production now, and some images and specs of what appear to be a factory prototype of it appeared on a Chinese website, as spotted by r/gamingleaksandrumours. It features a mix of real-life photos and CAD mock-ups of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Read more
The best single-player Nintendo Switch games
Link and other characters from Tears of the Kingdom.

The Nintendo Switch has continued to dominate the video game world thanks to mixing portability and the ability to play games on a TV. On top of that, the Switch is home to one of the best game lineups in history, ranging from party experiences to those that can be played solo and some in between. While multiplayer and online titles have huge audiences, single-player games have been a staple of video games since the medium began -- leading to some unforgettable experiences.

With that in mind, we've decided to take a look at the best single-player games on Nintendo Switch. This list is made up of games that can be played offline, even if some have a multiplayer component or online functionality. We'll cover lots of different types of games, from high-profile AAA titles to indie darlings, so hopefully there will be a little something for everyone.

Read more
These Switch bundles come with one of Nintendo’s best multiplayer game for free
nintendo switch mario kart 8 deluxe bundle peach yoshi

Nintendo is kicking off the holidays early with two new Switch bundles set to release "early this fall" that will basically give you a copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Nintendo Switch Online for free.

Nintendo announced the bundles on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday. The bundle with the regular Nintendo Switch and Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con controllers will cost $300, while the one with the Switch OLED and white Joy-Cons will sell for $350. Both bundles include a console, a digital download of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and 12 months of Nintendo Switch Online.

Read more