Nintendo has announced that it will not prioritize bringing classic GameCube games to Switch Online. Although two classic GameCube games were recently released for the Nintendo Switch, it seems that not all games from this console will be made available.
With each passing year, an increasing number of titles are considered retro games. Some even categorize Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 as such. As a result, ensuring the preservation of these games becomes more crucial. Different methods, such as emulators, have historically been employed for this purpose. However, including backward compatibility in future consoles is a significant step towards addressing this issue, which is why it greatly appeals to gamers.
The news of gamers potentially playing GameCube software on the Switch was first reported by Go Nintendo. At Nintendo's 83rd Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, during a Q&A event, President of Nintendo Shuntaro Furukawa revealed that the HD versions of Pikmin 1 and Pikmin 2 became available on June 22 for Nintendo Switch. While this statement does not provide a definite confirmation or denial of future GameCube releases on the Switch, it sheds light on recent developments.
The news is not pessimistic for Nintendo fans. The decision to release Pikmin 1 and its sequel without prior announcement was a positive move, despite the controversial change made in Pikmin 2's Switch port. Nintendo clearly has an interest in making these games available, but they must find a balance between timely releases and efficient use of resources. While these re-released games sell well, Nintendo has other priorities and cannot promise that every game will transition to the Nintendo Switch.
Patience is required to see how many GameCube titles will make their way to the Nintendo Switch. The library will not be available all at once; instead, the games will likely be released over several years. Bringing over the entire GameCube library is a daunting task due to its extensive collection of games. However, there is some promising news: a trustworthy Nintendo leaker recently revealed that F-Zero GX and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door are coming to the Switch. While this rumor has not been officially confirmed, it would be another significant step if it proves to be true.
Source: Go Nintendo