Nintendo Switch Online has been a divisive service for many Nintendo fans, as some decry its lack of support for traditional party chat, and others take issue with Nintendo's lack of stable servers. One aspect that has received its fair share of praise, however, is Nintendo Switch Online's classic game libraries. After the addition of Game Boy and GBA games in February this year, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers can enjoy all six catalogs while standard tier subscribers can play through the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries.
The progression of NSO's available classic catalogs has been rather self-explanatory, moving in order of release for each iconic console. Nintendo did throw a bit of a wrench into fan expectations by introducing Game Boy and GBA libraries at the same time, but now all eyes are on one of Nintendo's most underrated consoles, the GameCube. The GameCube was home to several landmark games for Nintendo, many of which have been stuck on the console for nearly two decades. If -- and hopefully when -- Nintendo brings GameCube games to the Switch, there are a few games that deserve to debut in the library.
Super Smash Bros. Melee on Nintendo Switch
If there's any game that exemplifies the Nintendo GameCube, it is Super Smash Bros. Melee. Nintendo's second entry in its platform fighting series took the foundations of the first and built on them exponentially, increasing the roster size, graphical quality, and gameplay depth. With the online connectivity featured in other NSO libraries, Super Smash Bros. Melee could grow beyond its cult following to become more popular than it ever was during the GameCube era. The N64 library is still missing the original Super Smash Bros., but Nintendo could make up for it by ensuring Melee is available on day one.
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! on Nintendo Switch
Most Nintendo consoles are defined in part by their Mario Kart game, and the GameCube was no exception. With the release of Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Nintendo proved its experimentation during the early 2000s extended beyond the curious shape of its home console. Double Dash!! gave players the most dynamic racing action up to that point in the series, with each kart featuring two racers that could swap between driving and throwing items at any time. Double Dash!! on the Switch would give gamers similar opportunities to other classic Mario Kart entries, with online play and a portability that wasn't possible on its original console. No matter how cute and convenient the handle on the GameCube was, the Switch certainly does it better.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker on Nintendo Switch
Nintendo's creativity and experimentation during the GameCube era didn't stop with the company's favorite plumber, as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker gave fans a cel-shaded world full of aquatic adventure. While it was not without its controversies on release, it has since become a beloved Zelda entry and one of the most essential games in the GameCube's library. Many fans have wanted a rerelease of Wind Waker HD on the Switch considering how many Wii U games have been ported to the console, but adding it to a GameCube catalog would likely be just as good.
If Nintendo is going to make a GameCube library a hit on Switch, it has to include games that are must-play experiences. Many Switch owners have complained over the years that certain games on the NES and SNES catalogs feel like filler, so a GameCube game list will be under intense scrutiny. Nintendo Switch Online already has a higher price tag thanks to N64 games, so a GameCube library will have to further justify that price point with standout debut titles. There's no official plans to add a GameCube library to the Switch in the near future, but hopefully Nintendo will impress.