GameCube NSO Shouldn’t Be Switch 2 Exclusive

by

The anticipated GameCube NSO is being touted as a significant draw for purchasing Switch 2, as it offers gamers the opportunity to revisit some stellar titles from its extensive library that have never been accessible on contemporary systems before. This marks the first time Nintendo has made these classic games playable on modern platforms, which fans of the company have long been yearning for. With an impressive initial lineup and online multiplayer support for certain games, it’s heartening to see GameCube classics appearing on cutting-edge Nintendo devices.

It should have launched on the original Switch, though.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve been thrilled with the high-quality games from NSO on Switch, but something’s been lacking that special “it” factor for me. The collection featuring classics from NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64, and SEGA Genesis is impressive, but many of these titles were previously available on the Wii or Wii U. Sure, there are gems like Mega Man: The Wily Wars on the Genesis app, but they don’t quite make this system a must-have for me.

For a considerable period, fans have been eagerly anticipating the GameCube Online Service (NSO) on the original Nintendo Switch. Despite the occasional humor about its power limitations, the system is capable of running GameCube games smoothly. It seems almost unfair to restrict this feature to the upcoming Switch 2, considering how passionate fans are about this particular request.

As a devoted fan, I’m guessing that the strategy behind locking GameCube emulation on Switch 2 might be to attract existing Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) members. Since we’re already shelling out $50 annually for NSO and its Expansion Pack, having access to an emulator with SoulCalibur 2 right off the bat could seem like a sweet bonus. However, it’s hard not to see this move as a bit greedy from Nintendo, given their pricing for these classic games.

Fans may find themselves disheartened due to the recurring pattern where Nintendo restricts classic games during an upgrade, similar to how the New 3DS had exclusive access to SNES titles that regular 3DS users missed out on. This move left fans puzzled as emulating SNES games isn’t particularly challenging, but Nintendo argued that the original 3DS lacked the necessary capabilities for SNES games. Given the impressive gaming potential of the system, this explanation feels somewhat awkward.

There’s nothing indicating that the Nintendo Switch can’t run GameCube games through NSO. In fact, the console itself includes remakes of GameCube games, making it puzzling why these classic games would be restricted to a newer device. While Nintendo might claim they developed the emulator for the Switch 2, fans understand this argument is just corporate speak.

As someone who’s excited about gaming, it’s quite disheartening that not everyone can grab a Switch 2 immediately. The absence of GameCube Nintendo Switch Online feels particularly disappointing in this situation. However, games like Hades 2 are sure to keep us entertained while we wait for the new system to become more accessible.

Read More

2025-04-16 13:42