In the year 2001, Nintendo released its sequel to the Nintendo 64: the GameCube. This cube-shaped console was not the most successful in sales. In fact, at the time, it was Nintendo's worst selling home console. According to Nintendo's sales data, the GameCube sold under 22 million units. It was not a pop culture phenomenon like the Wii and Switch would be years later. Despite low sales, the GameCube would go on to be appreciated for two reasons. The first is the popular controller that is still in use today. The second, and bigger factor, is the incredibly strong software library.
The GameCube's Amazing Library
The Nintendo GameCube was home to a number of critically acclaimed games. Of course, the system launched with Luigi's Mansion, which is about to get its third installment this year. Later in the GameCube's launch year saw the release of Super Smash Bros. Melee, a game that remained popular over 15 years after its debut. Super Mario Sunshine, one of Mario's most unique adventures, was released for the GameCube. Metroid Prime, considered by many as one of the greatest games of all time, released early in the GameCube's lifespan. A couple of notable franchises got their start on the console. Pikmin, as well as Animal Crossing (for fans outside Japan), began on GameCube.
All of this is just the tip of the iceberg, because the console is home to many other fantastic games, such as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. However, despite having so many notable titles, the GameCube seems to have been neglected by Nintendo.
The Virtual Console And Nintendo's Neglect of GameCube
When the Wii launched, one of its notable features was backward compatibility with GameCube games. So, if you wanted to make shelf space for a Wii, and still wanted to play GameCube games, everything worked out nicely. The Wii also introduced the Virtual Console. This digital service allowed players to download and play games from Nintendo's past. Now, older fans could relive Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Newcomers, perhaps children who didn't grow up in the late 90s, could also play these iconic titles. Simply put, the Virtual Console was an excellent idea, and continued into Nintendo's next console.
The Wii U is Nintendo's worst selling console, but those who did own it appreciated its Virtual Console library. The Wii U allowed for backward compatibility for Wii games, but not GameCube. This was fine, but then fans saw there was no GameCube titles being offered in the Virtual Console or eShop. What's really interesting is that the Wii U actually added some Wii games to its eShop. You could download Super Mario Galaxy and Kirby's Return to Dreamland, but there was no way to play Super Mario Sunshine or Kirby's Air Ride. Anyone who picked up a Wii U as their first console, and wanted to play GameCube titles, were out of luck. They could play games from the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, and Wii, but not GameCube.
The Arrival Of Ports And Remasters
Nintendo has re-released a few GameCube titles. There was the Metroid Prime 1 & 2 port as part of the Metroid Prime Trilogy on Wii. There was also The Wind Waker HD on Wii U, and Nintendo brought the original Luigi's Mansion to the 3DS last year. Fans are wondering if this is the future for GameCube titles. Recently, there was the trend, "#remasterthousandyeardoor," so demand is strong for bringing back GameCube titles. While more remasters would be good, a majority want GameCube titles to be available digitally and inexpensively, considering the GameCube is becoming a "retro" console much like the Nintendo 64.
GameCube On Switch?
Interestingly, there were reports back in 2016 saying the Nintendo Switch would be getting GameCube games on its Virtual Console. This unfortunately was not the case, and in fact, Nintendo later stated the Switch would not have a Virtual Console. Currently, the only 1st-party classic Nintendo games available on Switch are NES titles through Nintendo Switch Online. There have been rumors that SNES games will join the lineup at some point. As for GameCube, here's something interesting: Nintendo deputy general manager Yoshiaki Koizumi told French website Metlty (via Polygon), "What I can tell you is that we are working on things that go in that direction," when asked about GameCube titles on Virtual Console. Keep in mind though, this was before Nintendo stated there would be no Virtual Console on Switch. This might then mean two things: GameCube digital plans are scrapped, or the company is bringing them digitally another way.
Recently, Nintendo said it's thinking about an "extension" for Nintendo Switch Online, and looking into "other methods" of providing the games. Nintendo also sees that many fans are "wanting to play past titles." Nintendo is not ignorant of fans' desire to play classic games from the company's library. So, how could GameCube games be brought back today? Of course, there's the idea of a separate Virtual Console-like service for GameCube games, or simply putting them on the eShop. Then there's adding the titles as part of Nintendo Switch Online. The problem there is that if Nintendo adds the consoles in order, it could be years before GameCube is next. So, what could be best is either adding select GameCube games for purchase to the eShop over time, or begin sprinkling GameCube titles (along with SNES and Nintendo 64) into Nintendo Switch Online.
Don't Lose Hope
The GameCube is not one of Nintendo's most successful consoles, but it has a strong library of games. Many fans reminisce of traveling through Corona Mountain in Super Mario Sunshine, and having some friends over for frenetic racing in Mario Kart: Double Dash. Nintendo appears to have neglected the GameCube, aside from re-releases. The future could be bright, however. There is no confirmation that GameCube games are coming, but Nintendo is very aware of fans' desire, and the company could be working on something. Many fans would rejoice if Nintendo brought back Chibi-Robo!, and Star Fox Adventures.