Why the GameCube Still Rules
Alright, we’ll be honest. The GameCube didn’t have the biggest library of its era, but it delivered an absurdly strong run of games that still feel great to play. Nintendo’s first-party hits, a few all-time third-party classics, and some wonderfully weird experiments gave the system a personality we still crave to this day. Love it or hate it, you can’t ignore some of the coolest titles this little console brought us, and we’re here to pay homage to them!
1. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
We all love a good Zelda game, but this is the GameCube version that commits to a bold style and never flinches. Sailing feels relaxing until it suddenly becomes a hunt for secrets you didn’t know you wanted. Even if you first picked it up today, you’d finish it impressed by how well its charm holds up.
2. Metroid Prime
Metroid Prime nails the feeling of being alone somewhere beautiful and hostile without ever tipping into melodramatic. It’s surprisingly addictive once you get into the rhythm, and by the end, you’ll understand why so many people still argue it’s a masterpiece.
3. Super Smash Bros. Melee
Hey, there’s a reason this title destroys friendships! Melee is fast, sharp, and endlessly replayable, whether you’re messing around with friends or learning the deeper tech. The roster’s stacked with icons, and the stages have personality without becoming unreadable. If you’ve got a competitive streak, this game will happily keep you busy for years.
4. Resident Evil 4
They could have released this on the Game Boy, and we’d still sing its praises! Resident Evil 4 takes the series in a new direction and somehow makes it look effortless. The pacing’s incredible, the combat feels crunchy, and the set pieces still land.
5. Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
Double Dash!! is one of those games where teamwork and chaos become the whole point—in the best way. Swapping drivers and items mid-race adds a layer of strategy that keeps every lap lively, and it’s also the kind of party game that turns one race into an entire evening.
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6. Super Mario Sunshine
Well, of course, we aren’t done with Mario yet. Sunshine is a weird Mario, and that’s exactly why it’s so memorable. The FLUDD mechanics make movement playful, and the sunshine-soaked setting keeps things upbeat even when the game gets tough. Yeah, you might get snippy at those levels, but you won’t stop playing either.
7. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
This is the kind of story that leans into comedy and commits to it with confidence—and that’s something we can appreciate. The combat system stays engaging while timing and audience reactions keep you involved, and to top it all off, you’ll end up caring about characters you didn’t expect to love.
8. Luigi’s Mansion
Don’t even think about rolling your eyes! Respect our boy, thank you. Luigi finally got the spotlight, and he made being nervous look heroic. The mansion is packed with clever little interactions that reward you for poking at everything, but it’s also short enough to binge (and charming enough to remember).
9. F-Zero GX
Blink, and you might miss it. F-Zero GX is blisteringly fast, and it doesn’t apologize for being hard. The controls are tight, the sense of speed is wild, and the soundtrack pushes you forward, which only adds to the chaos. When you finally nail a perfect run, you’ll feel like you earned it.
10. Pikmin 2
Pikmin 2 expands the original in a way that feels both smarter and somehow even more mischievous. The cave system adds risk and surprise, and juggling two captains makes multitasking feel all the more rewarding. Our only complaint is that even when we lose a few Pikmin, we still come back for more.
11. Animal Crossing
Okay, well, how could we forget about this classic? This is the ultimate cozy game, turning a quiet routine into something you’ll look forward to every day. The town’s nice and snug, the neighbors are weirdly memorable, and the little goals add up over time.
12. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader
It takes a special kind of game to deliver the Star Wars flight fantasy with confidence. The missions not only look and sound fantastic, but the action also hits that sweet spot between arcade fun and a real challenge.
13. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem
If you want a game that brings horror and a whole lot of personality, look no further. The sanity effects mess with your expectations in unsettling ways, and it doesn’t take long for you to sink into madness. If you like games that surprise you, this one always finds new ways to do it.
14. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Path of Radiance makes tactical battles feel meaningful because your choices have weight. The cast is strong, the story takes itself seriously without becoming dull, and the difficulty forces you use some serious brain power. It’s the kind of title that doesn’t really let go of you.
15. Tales of Symphonia
We love a game that offers a big, satisfying RPG adventure! Not only that, but also one that’s easy to sink into. Combat stays energetic, and the party banter keeps the journey lively, so you’ll easily lose hours of your life.
16. Viewtiful Joe
What doesn’t Viewtiful Joe offer? It’s stylish. It’s loud. Best of all, it’s proud of how over-the-top it is. Don’t worry—you’ll get knocked around at first, then start playing like you own the screen. The slow-motion mechanics turn fights into a show you’re directing, which makes every encounter feel deliberate.
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17. SoulCalibur II
SoulCalibur II is one of those games you know will change your life as soon as you pick up the controller. The roster has range, sure, but the matches are also snappy, and it’s easy to learn without feeling shallow.
18. Kirby Air Ride
Don’t let this title fool you! It looks simple, but it hides a surprisingly competitive heart. City Trial in particular creates stories every time you play, and it’s hard not to get invested. Trust us; you’ll start out laughing and end up fighting for upgrades.
19. Pokémon Colosseum
Colosseum takes Pokémon into a different vibe, and it works better than you might think. Double battles and shadow Pokémon create a distinct strategy that forces you to plan ahead, so if you’ve played a lot of mainline Pokémon, this one feels like a refreshing detour.
20. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Say hello to a proper epic. Twilight Princess brings a grander, darker tone while keeping the classic Zelda structure satisfying. The dungeons are strong, the combat feels solid, and the journey builds toward a big payoff. All in all, you’re in for one heck of a ride.
