Report: Nintendo Switch to support GameCube through Virtual Console

By Gabe Gurwin December 7, 2016

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.

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.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

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…

Gaming

The best co-op games on Nintendo Switch

Amazon earth day used Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Nintendo Switch is home to some of the best cooperative games on the market. Whether you’re looking for something fast-paced like Streets of Rage 4 or creative like Minecraft, there’s no shortage of incredible co-op games on Switch. However, finding the best ones can be challenging -- thanks to Switch’s gigantic library, you’ll have to wade through thousands of games before stumbling upon the best.

Below you’ll find our list of the best Switch co-op games. This includes recent releases such as Super Mario Wonder, along with games that can be played both competitively and cooperatively, such as Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Regardless of which game you pick, you’ll be treated to some of the best co-op gaming the hybrid handheld has to offer.

Gaming

The best multiplayer games on Switch

Mario and his friends.

Part of the Nintendo Switch's appeal is its versatility -- you can play it at home on your TV or on the go in portable mode. This versatility also applies to multiplayer and co-op games, which can be played with single Joy-Con controllers, in tabletop mode, and wirelessly both online and locally. Better yet, many of these Nintendo Switch games allow for crossplay with other consoles and PCs.

And while the Switch might not be the competitive powerhouse that the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are, it still offers an incredible library of multiplayer games. In fact, the portable console is home to some of the best co-op experiences we've seen in this generation, and new competitive games are being added all the time. Here are our favorites, whether you're a fan of raucous racing games, mellow simulators, or monster-hunting titles of the finest caliber.
The best multiplayer games on Nintendo Switch

Gaming

2023 gaming report card: how did PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo score?

The Xbox Series X and PS5

It's been a long year filled with massive games, but we've finally reached the end of 2023. There's no question that this year will be remembered as one of the all-time best for new releases -- and one of the worst for game creators -- but it's been a whirlwind 12 months for the "big three" console makers. PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo all had pivotal years, though in entirely different ways. While the Nintendo Switch took a victory lap, the PS5 entered an experimental era. The Xbox Series X, on the other hand, finally delivered the suite of exclusives fans had been waiting for ... with mixed results.

To reflect on such an eventful year, we've decided to take on the role of teacher and hand each company a final grade for 2023. We took several factors into account here. Exclusive games are a major component of the final grade, naturally, but we also looked at how well each system maintained its wider ecosystem. That includes supporting services like PS Plus and Game Pass and evaluating how new hardware changed how we play.