Report: Nintendo Switch to support GameCube through Virtual Console

By Gabe Gurwin December 7, 2016

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The upcoming Nintendo Switch console won’t be able to play discs, but it appears that this won’t stop it from playing classic GameCube titles like Super Smash Bros. Melee and Luigi‘s Mansion. A new report from Eurogamer has stated that the system will support GameCube software through the Virtual Console system first introduced on the Wii.

Thus far, Eurogamer reported that three games have already been “prepped for Switch” — Luigi’s Mansion, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Smash Bros. Melee. Melee is a large reason behind Nintendo’s support of a GameCube Virtual Console, as the company wants the competitive scene to continue into the future — a GameCube controller adapter for the Switch is also being discussed.

The next game reportedly being tested for inclusion in the GameCube Virtual Console is the original Animal Crossing, and testing is also occurring to ensure that the additional NES games included in the original GameCube release are working as intended in the Switch environment.

For those who purchased Virtual Console games on the Wii U, there will apparently be an “upgrade” program for the Switch to allow users to transfer their games to the new system for a less-than-full-price fee.

Nintendo has shown a commitment to supporting Wii U games on the Switch so far, as well, but these don’t actually appear to be the exact same games available on the struggling console — Splatoon and Mario Kart 8, for instance, both appear to include new Switch-specific features. The exception appears to be The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which looks to be functionally identical on both platforms.

What GameCube games would you like to play on the Nintendo Switch? Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance and Battalion Wars could both be good choices, as they were originally designed as “home console” versions of previously handheld-based series.

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Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…

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