Highlights
Nintendo Switch Online has been successful for Nintendo thanks to its library of classic games and appeals to both older and new gamers.
Nintendo's limited rollout of nostalgic titles and failure to include GameCube games on their service have faced criticism. Adding GameCube games, specifically the highly sought-after Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, would undoubtedly generate excitement, appeal to a wider audience, and fulfill the desires of devoted fans.
The Nintendo Switch has experienced significant success in recent years, largely attributed to the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service. One of its most notable advantages is the access it grants to an extensive collection of Nintendo's classic games, spanning from the NES to the N64. This not only allows older gamers to revisit beloved childhood favorites but also introduces a wealth of iconic hits to new players.
However, despite the appeal of Nintendo Switch Online, there is always room for improvement. One area that could be enhanced is the release of classic titles, which has been a slow and gradual process, with certain highly anticipated additions taking years to become available. Despite ongoing pleas from fans, Nintendo has yet to take the necessary steps to fully complete the service by incorporating these final elements.
GameCube Games Being Added To Switch Online
The GameCube boasts a vast collection of top-tier games that should be introduced to Nintendo Switch Online. As physical copies of these titles have become scarce and pricey, accessibility becomes a concern for contemporary players longing to revisit the past. Notably, Metroid Prime and Super Mario Sunshine are already playable through a remaster and a rare inclusion in the 3D All-Stars title, respectively. This serves as a testament to the difficulty in locating classics from that era on the Switch today.
If games like Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem or Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg were made available on the service, they would experience a revival, capturing the attention of an entirely new generation of players. Furthermore, including GameCube games would enhance the value of the service, providing greater incentive for potential consumers. This arrangement would result in a mutually beneficial situation, granting gamers access to fresh content while enabling Nintendo to expand its user base even further.
Paper Mario: TTYD Should Lead the GameCube Charge
To introduce GameCube titles, Nintendo requires a standout game to lead the way. The company prefers spacing out additions to its online service, often highlighting one exceptional inclusion. Since Metroid Prime and Super Mario Sunshine are already available on the Switch through alternative means – Prime's original on GameCube and Sunshine being limited – another option must take the spotlight as the flagship entry for the GameCube lineup.
In light of this, attention gravitates towards Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, widely acknowledged as the best in the series and consistently ranked among the top Mario games of all time. As the first installment has already been added to the N64 game selection, it only makes sense to bring its sequel on board for those eager to know what happens next. Moreover, the Paper Mario franchise enjoys a devoted fanbase, so any appreciation Nintendo expresses for the intellectual property will undoubtedly foster player goodwill.
It's disappointing that GameCube games haven't been added to Nintendo Switch Online yet, and there's no confirmation if it will happen in the future. However, there is a clear demand from players for it, and this could bring a multitude of new titles to Nintendo's service.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remains a cherished classic among those who played it years ago, and it still delivers as a charming and enjoyable RPG. If Nintendo were to select a standout game to kick off a GameCube lineup on Nintendo Switch Online, this iconic Mario adventure should be their top priority.