10 Must-Play GameCube Games Every Gamer Needs to Know

The Nintendo GameCube may not have been the best-selling console of its time, but it left a deep mark on the memories of millions of gamers. Released in 2001, the small, purple cube-shaped console won over fans with its diverse catalog packed with innovative titles.

Unlike its direct competitors, such as the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, the GameCube focused on experiences that combined Nintendo tradition with creative boldness. Many games released for it remain memorable to this day, whether for their refined gameplay, unique art style, or the way they expanded on beloved franchises.

In this article, we'll revisit 10 unforgettable Nintendo GameCube games, exploring their qualities, cultural impact, and why they’re still remembered today as true icons in the history of video games. Get ready for a nostalgic trip that shows why the GameCube, despite not being a sales leader, was an essential console in shaping Nintendo's identity in the 128-bit era.

"The Legend of Zelda" has always been one of Nintendo's most iconic series, and the GameCube received two titles that, to this day, divide and delight fans: The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess. The former boldly introduced a colorful, cartoonish cel-shading style, contrasting with expectations of a realistic Zelda. This decision caused controversy at the time, but ultimately proved to be one of the series' most timeless visual styles. Sailing the vast seas of Hyrule conveyed a unique sense of adventure, reinforced by the enchanting soundtrack and the charisma of the characters.

Twilight Princess, released late in the console's lifespan (and also for the Wii), offered the exact opposite: a darker, more realistic direction. It was acclaimed for its vast world and its exploration of a melancholic, mature atmosphere. Many players saw in it the Zelda they had always dreamed of, with intense battles and challenging dungeons.

The contrast between the two games on the same console highlights the franchise's versatility. While Wind Waker focused on lightness and innovation, Twilight Princess brought depth and epicness. Both, in different ways, became unforgettable experiences for GameCube owners.

When people thought of "Metroid," the first thing that came to mind were 2D exploration games. So when Nintendo announced that Metroid Prime would be a first-person shooter, many fans were skeptical. However, the result was revolutionary.

The title brought a new perspective to Samus Aran's journey, without sacrificing the franchise's essence: meticulous exploration, solitary atmosphere, and sense of discovery.

What was most impressive was how the game managed to convey the solitude of the planet Tallon IV. Every mysterious corridor, every ancient ruin, and every hostile creature reinforced the sense of isolation. Rather than focusing on fast-paced action, Metroid Prime balanced combat with exploration and environmental puzzle-solving. The protagonist's visor, which displayed scan information, enhanced the immersion, making the player feel as if they were inside the space hunter's armor.

Graphically, the game was a spectacle, showcasing what the GameCube was capable of. The meticulous details and immersive setting created the feeling of being in a living, breathing world. More than just a shooter, Metroid Prime was a unique experience that redefined the franchise's direction. Its influence is felt to this day, and it's considered one of the best titles ever released for the console.

Following in the footsteps of Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine brought the revolutionary formula of 3D world exploration to the GameCube, but with a major new twist: the use of the FLUDD, a water backpack that expanded gameplay possibilities. Set on the sunny Delfino Isle, the game featured colorful and vibrant tropical settings, breaking away from the series' traditional style.

What set Sunshine apart was the way it combined platforming with unique cleaning and movement mechanics. With the FLUDD, Mario could briefly fly, slide on jets of water, or solve creative puzzles. This innovation divided opinions, but for many, it brought a freshness to the franchise.

Another notable feature was the level design, which required precision and skill, especially in the secret stages where the player was deprived of the FLUDD and had to rely solely on classic platforming skills. Furthermore, the idyllic vacation atmosphere brought a relaxed tone, unlike any other Mario game.

Although controversial for some fans, Super Mario Sunshine established itself as a unique experience, remembered both for its visual charm and its bold reinvention of the plumber's gameplay. It's a title that deeply shaped the GameCube's identity.

The GameCube debuted with an unexpected title: Luigi's Mansion. For the first time, Luigi went beyond being just Mario's shy brother to star in his own adventure. In the game, the charismatic character finds himself inside a haunted mansion, armed with the Poltergust 3000, a ghost-sweeping machine.

Unlike traditional platformers, Luigi's Mansion focused on exploration, puzzle-solving, and enemy capture. The dark setting mixed with lighthearted humor created a unique atmosphere. The protagonist's charisma and his fearful expressions made the journey really enjoyable.

Despite being relatively short, the game stood out for its originality and attention to detail, such as dynamic lighting, interactions with ghosts, and the constant sense of discovery. Each room in the mansion offered secrets, and bosses required creative strategies to defeat.

More than just a spin-off, Luigi's Mansion gave the character his own personality, solidifying him as much more than just a "sidekick". It was a groundbreaking title that demonstrated Nintendo's willingness to experiment with different ideas for its console. Today, the franchise is one of the company's most beloved, and it all began with this unforgettable GameCube title.

Among all the GameCube titles, few achieved the popularity of Super Smash Bros. Melee. The game expanded on the formula pioneered on the Nintendo 64 and became the most beloved fighting game among Nintendo fans. With a robust roster, impressive graphics for the time, and frenetic gameplay, Melee won over casual and competitive players alike.

What set it apart was its mechanical depth. Simple to learn but difficult to master, Melee became a benchmark for the competitive scene, still played in tournaments today. The speed of the fights, the advanced techniques, and the variety of characters offered endless possibilities.

Furthermore, the game was a true celebration of Nintendo's history. Every arena, every soundtrack, and every detail paid tribute to the company's franchises. Playing as Mario, Link, Pikachu, Samus, and so many others in epic battles was a dream come true for many fans.

Its cultural importance extends beyond the GameCube. Melee became a lasting phenomenon, helping to keep the competitive fighting game scene alive and cementing the franchise's legacy. For many, it remains the best Smash Bros. ever made.

Amidst Nintendo's giants, Viewtiful Joe stood out as one of the GameCube's most creative surprises. Developed by Capcom, the game embraced a superhero style inspired by Japanese tokusatsu, blending 2D action with stylized graphics reminiscent of animated comics.

The story revolved around Joe, an ordinary young man transported into a movie and given powers to face villains in stylish battles. The combat system stood out for its use of cinematic abilities, such as slow motion and acceleration, which allowed for spectacular combos and creative solutions.

The visual charm was unmistakable. The cel-shading gave the game a timeless feel, while the over-the-top humor and entertaining narrative captivated players. But Viewtiful Joe wasn't just about style: its intense difficulty required quick reflexes and mastery of the mechanics.

Despite not achieving the same level of popularity as Nintendo's biggest titles, Viewtiful Joe achieved a cult following. For many, it was one of the most original experiences on the GameCube, showing that the console was also a stage for bold innovations from third parties.

Pikmin was one of the most creative titles released for the GameCube. Created by Shigeru Miyamoto, the game presented a unique premise: commanding small creatures called Pikmin to explore a hostile planet and retrieve parts of Captain Olimar's spaceship.

The gameplay blended real-time strategy with exploration elements. Each type of Pikmin had specific abilities, requiring the player to use their wits to overcome obstacles and enemies. Furthermore, the game introduced a time limit, forcing careful planning to complete objectives.

The game's charm stemmed from its almost childlike yet melancholic atmosphere. The world was vibrant and colorful, but also conveyed the feeling that Olimar was a tiny being lost in a vast and dangerous environment. This duality captivated players, making each discovery meaningful.

Pikmin not only stood out as a successful new IP for Nintendo, but also launched a franchise that continues to receive sequels to this day. Its originality and freshness have secured a special place in the hearts of GameCube fans.

Among the RPGs released on the GameCube, few are as celebrated as Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. The game maintained the series' charming visual style, with characters that looked like they were cut out of paper, but added even more narrative and mechanical depth.

The plot followed Mario on a journey to collect Crystal Stars and uncover the secrets of an ancient, legendary door. The highlight was the humorous dialogue and comical situations, which brought memorable characters to life. Unlike many traditional RPGs, combat was turn-based but required active player interaction to increase damage or defend themselves.

The partner system also enriched the gameplay, with each partner offering unique abilities both in and out of battle. Furthermore, the paper-based environments allowed for creative solutions, such as transforming into an airplane or crossing gaps by folding Mario's body.

The balance of humor, charisma, and depth made The Thousand-Year Door one of Nintendo's most beloved RPGs. To this day, fans are still clamoring for a remake or re-release, such is the longing for this GameCube masterpiece.

The Mario Kart franchise was already a consolidated success, but the GameCube brought one of the most innovative entries: Mario Kart: Double Dash‼. The game's unique feature was that it allowed two characters in the same kart, one driving and the other using items. This mechanic added strategy and dynamism to the races.

The cast was vast, with both classic and new characters, and each pair had unique items, increasing the variety of racing. Furthermore, the game allowed switching between the two characters during the race, opening up new tactics.

The tracks were vibrant and well-designed, including classics like Baby Park and DK Mountain. The frenetic gameplay, combined with the ability to play cooperative multiplayer, made each race an unpredictable and fun experience.

Double Dash was also notable for being the first game in the franchise to allow for play with multiple consoles connected via a local network, something revolutionary for its time.

To this day, many fans consider this the most creative entry in the series, precisely because of its unique mechanics. Double Dash‼ not only maintained the franchise's signature fun, but also dared and innovated in memorable ways.

Before the global phenomenon it would become years later, Animal Crossing made its GameCube debut in the West. The game offered a different proposition than anything players were used to: living in a quiet village, interacting with anthropomorphic animal neighbors, and customizing your own home.

Without clear objectives or defined endpoints, the game offered complete freedom. The internal clock tracked real time, with events and seasonal changes occurring as the days passed. This made each game session unique, encouraging players to return daily.

Simplicity was Animal Crossing's greatest charm. Chatting with neighbors, collecting furniture, fishing, or participating in community events created a sense of belonging rare in video games of the time. It was a relaxing and personal experience, a stark contrast to the more intense and competitive games in the GameCube catalog.

This title marked the beginning of one of Nintendo's most beloved franchises, demonstrating that even everyday experiences could transform into something magical. The GameCube was the stage that brought this innovative idea to life, and fans fondly remember the first time they entered their virtual village.

The Nintendo GameCube may not have dominated the market in terms of numbers, but its legacy lies in its catalog of unforgettable games. From epic adventures like The Legend of Zelda to innovative experiences like Pikmin and Animal Crossing, the console demonstrated that creativity and boldness can overcome any commercial limitation. Many of these games remain relevant today, whether through re-releases, sequels, or the nostalgic memories of those who played them.

The GameCube was, above all, a console marked by diversity: it introduced new classics, reinvented old franchises, and paved the way for bold experiments. That's why, more than two decades later, it remains so fondly remembered by video game fans.