25 Best GameCube Games You Must Try in 2024

Forget the sleek consoles of today – the GameCube was a quirky powerhouse! That little purple box delivered unforgettable experiences. Whether you owned one back in the day or are curious about its legacy, get ready for a blast from the past. We’re counting down the 25 best GameCube games ever, guaranteed to make you want to dust off that old console.

The Ultimate GameCube Games List

25 Super Smash Bros. Melee

Why It’s Awesome: Melee is the pinnacle of chaotic fun. It’s fast, frantic, and surprisingly deep. Whether you’re a casual button-masher or a hardcore pro memorizing frame data, it has something for everyone.
Who’ll Love It: Anyone who enjoys a good party game, competitive players looking for a challenge, and Nintendo fans who want all their favorite characters duking it out.

24 The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

Why It’s Awesome: Wind Waker trades in the usual Zelda realism for a gorgeous, cartoony world. Sailing the vast ocean, discovering hidden islands, and battling quirky pirates and classic Zelda foes creates an unforgettable experience.
Who’ll Love It: Zelda fans of all stripes, those yearning for open-world exploration, and anyone who appreciates charming, lighthearted adventures.

23 Metroid Prime

Why It’s Awesome: Metroid Prime brought Samus into the first-person perspective, and it was magnificent. From scanning alien creatures to unlocking powerful suit upgrades, Prime immerses you in a hostile sci-fi world packed with secrets.
Who’ll Love It: Gamers who enjoy puzzle-solving within atmospheric environments, fans of powerful female protagonists, and players who love a little sci-fi action.

22 Resident Evil 4

Why It’s Awesome: RE4 shifted the franchise towards tense, over-the-shoulder action and set the standard for survival horror games for years to come. Its spooky villages, grotesque enemies, and memorable characters make it a thrill ride.
Who’ll Love It: Fans of horror games that don’t skimp on the action, players who like a story with twists and turns, and those brave enough to face chainsaw-wielding maniacs.

21 Luigi’s Mansion

Why It’s Awesome: This launch title surprised everyone! Instead of the usual Mario platforming, you play as the cowardly Luigi, armed with a vacuum cleaner to capture playful ghosts in a spooky mansion.
Who’ll Love It: People who like a touch of the supernatural, those seeking a shorter but replayable adventure, and players who enjoy a good dose of slapstick humor.

20 Mario Kart: Double Dash!!

Why It’s Awesome: Double Dash shook up the Mario Kart formula! Two racers control one kart, one driving, the other tossing items. This creates wild cooperative opportunities and plenty of hilarious arguments over who messed up.
Who’ll Love It: Groups of friends looking for a chaotic good time, those who relish a more strategic Mario Kart experience, and of course, fans of classic Mario Kart action.

19 Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Why It’s Awesome: This RPG is bursting with personality! It has a papercraft art style, hilarious dialogue, unique turn-based battles with audience participation, and a heartwarming story full of surprises.
Who’ll Love It: Anyone who likes a good laugh, fans of classic RPGs with a twist, and those who love Mario and his unusual crew of friends (and enemies!).

18 Animal Crossing

Why It’s Awesome: The original Animal Crossing started a relaxing revolution. Move to a town full of quirky animal neighbors, decorate your house, catch fish, and just chill. Everything happens in real-time, making it a wonderful way to unwind.
Who’ll Love It: Those who crave a laid-back experience with no pressure, collectors who enjoy catching bugs and finding fossils, and anyone who loves making animal friends.

17 Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem

Why It’s Awesome: This psychological horror game doesn’t just scare you, it gets in your head. Your character’s sanity meter decreases as they witness horrifying events, leading to hallucinations and fourth-wall-breaking moments.
Who’ll Love It: True horror fans who want more than jumpscares, gamers looking for a mature and unique story, and those who like a touch of Lovecraftian madness.

16 Pikmin 2

Why It’s Awesome: Captain Olimar crash-lands back on the Pikmin planet with a new partner! Command adorable plant-based creatures to solve puzzles and combat weird wildlife. It’s strategic, charming, and surprisingly addictive.
Who’ll Love It: Anyone who enjoys real-time strategy elements, players who like quirky world design, and gamers who enjoy discovering hidden secrets in their environment.

15 Super Mario Sunshine

Why It’s Awesome: Mario’s tropical vacation takes platforming to the next level with F.L.U.D.D., a water-powered jetpack. Blast away goop, hover across gaps, and discover creative platforming challenges in a sunny, open world.
Who’ll Love It: Mario fans craving a new twist on the formula, players who enjoy vibrant worlds and challenging secrets, and those who appreciate catchy summery tunes.

14 F-Zero GX

Why It’s Awesome: Pure high-speed adrenaline! F-Zero GX hurtles you around insane tracks at unbelievable speeds. Master drifting and boosting while surviving chaotic races against unrelenting opponents.
Who’ll Love It: Fans of brutally difficult racers, players who like futuristic themes and pumping soundtracks, and anyone looking to test their reflexes with unforgiving gameplay.

13 Soul Calibur II

Why It’s Awesome: Fluid weapon-based combat, diverse characters, and iconic guest stars (Link on the GameCube!) elevate Soul Calibur II. It’s visually impressive and accessible to newcomers while offering depth for competitive players.
Who’ll Love It: Fighting game enthusiasts, those who appreciate historical and fantasy aesthetics, and anybody who wants to see their favorite video game characters go head-to-head.

12 Viewtiful Joe

Why It’s Awesome: Style is everything! Viewtiful Joe is a side-scrolling beat ’em up with vibrant cel-shaded visuals and crazy superpowers. Slow down time, dodge attacks with flair, and unleash devastating combos.
Who’ll Love It: Comic book fans, those who enjoy challenging action games, and anyone seeking a truly unique, over-the-top experience.

11 Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

Why It’s Awesome: This is the game that introduced many Western players to the Fire Emblem series. Its grid-based tactical battles, compelling story of war, and cast of memorable heroes make it a strategy RPG standout.
Who’ll Love It: Fans of deep turn-based strategy, those who enjoy stories with political intrigue, and anyone who loves building a powerful army of unique characters.

10 TimeSplitters 2

Why It’s Awesome: A hilarious, fast-paced first-person shooter jam-packed with content. Its wild range of modes, bizarre characters, and endlessly replayable multiplayer make TimeSplitters 2 a party game staple.
Who’ll Love It: Fans of classic arena-style shooters, players craving diverse multiplayer experiences, and anyone who enjoys a good dose of absurd humor.

09 Star Fox Adventures

Why It’s Awesome: Fox McCloud goes on a Dinosaur Planet adventure! Explore on foot, puzzle-solve, and battle with his trusty staff. It’s a fresh take on the Star Fox universe, though true space dogfighting is only a portion of the game.
Who’ll Love It: Those looking for a Zelda-like experience starring Fox, fans of Rare (the developers), and gamers who enjoy discovering lush, diverse worlds.

08 Skies of Arcadia Legends

Why It’s Awesome: Take to the skies in this swashbuckling RPG! Captain an airship, explore floating continents, battle fantastical creatures, and recruit a charming crew in a world ripe for adventure.
Who’ll Love It: JRPG fans looking for a unique setting, those who love the spirit of classic pirate tales, and anyone seeking lighthearted, high-flying thrills.

07 Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes

Why It’s Awesome: A remake of the PS1 classic with updated visuals and gameplay tweaks. Experience Solid Snake’s stealthy mission, filled with political intrigue and iconic boss encounters, reimagined for the GameCube.
Who’ll Love It: Fans of the Metal Gear series, players who crave tense stealth action, and those who like a dose of spy thriller drama in their games.

06 Tales of Symphonia

Why It’s Awesome: This beloved JRPG features a real-time action battle system, a heartwarming tale of friendship and destiny, and a beautiful cel-shaded world. It’s a classic for a reason!
Who’ll Love It: Fans of fast-paced JRPG combat, players wanting a hefty story, and anyone looking to be swept up in a grand anime-like adventure.

05 Beyond Good & Evil

Why It’s Awesome: Embark on an epic sci-fi adventure as Jade, an investigative photojournalist out to expose a vast conspiracy. A mix of stealth, puzzles, and open-world exploration make this a unique and beloved classic.
Who’ll Love It: Adventurers seeking a memorable story with a strong female lead, those who love uncovering secrets, and players who enjoy a dash of social commentary in their games.

04 Pokemon Colosseum

Why It’s Awesome: It’s Pokemon, but with a gritty twist! You play a former bad guy rescuing “Shadow Pokemon”. Colosseum focuses on epic double battles and has a mature, post-apocalyptic vibe unlike other games in the series.
Who’ll Love It: Pokemon fans looking for a change of pace with darker themes, those who primarily enjoy Pokemon battles, and anyone curious about a different side of the Pokemon world.

03 Prince of Persia: Sands of Time

Why It’s Awesome: Master the flow of time, wall-run, and execute amazing acrobatic moves to traverse ancient Persian palaces. Sands of Time revitalized the series and blends platforming, combat, and puzzles effortlessly.
Who’ll Love It: Action-adventure fans, those who love a good story with memorable characters, and players who enjoy challenging platforming and environmental puzzles.

02 1080 Avalanche

Why It’s Awesome: It’s not just about reaching the finish line first! Master tight controls, pull off tricks for points, and most importantly, anticipate and survive deadly avalanches in your path.
Who’ll Love It: Those who enjoy a balance of speed and precision, adrenaline junkies, and fans who like their sports games a bit more extreme than usual.

01 Killer 7

Why It’s Awesome: Killer 7 is like nothing you’ve ever played! Take on the roles of seven deadly assassins in a surreal, neo-noir world. Its bizarre story, on-rails shooting mechanics, and striking visual style make this an unforgettable experience.
Who’ll Love It: Fans of the director Suda 51’s unique work, those craving a trippy and stylish story, and gamers who appreciate truly experimental and unconventional titles.

Wait, Where Can I Play These Games Now?

Sadly, Nintendo doesn’t make the GameCube anymore. But don’t fret! You still have options if you want to experience these brilliant games:

The Hunt for Originals: If you’re a collector, scour used game stores, online marketplaces, and maybe even your own attic! Finding physical copies can be rewarding, but be aware “are GameCube games worth collecting?” – some titles are now pretty expensive.
The Wii Option: Many (but not all) GameCube games are backwards compatible with the Wii. If you own a Wii, it’s an easy and often cheaper way to play some classics. A heads up, though – original GameCube controllers are best!
A Word on Emulation: This involves running GameCube games on a PC. It’s a legal gray area, so I’ll tread lightly. Emulation is often the only way to experience rarer titles, but setting it up can be tricky.

Love the GameCube? Check Out These Similar Games

If you tore through our top 25 and crave more, here are some ideas:

Same Console, Different Vibe: The GameCube had hidden gems beyond our list. Try quirky titles like “Chibi Robo” or the RPG “Baten Kaitos.”
Sibling Systems: Explore similar games on the N64 or the original Xbox and PS2. They share that early 2000s magic with the GameCube.
Games “Like Zelda”: Did Wind Waker steal your heart? “Beyond Good & Evil” and “Okami” (PS2) have similar adventurous vibes, though their gameplay differs.
Modern Throwbacks: Indie games often channel the GameCube’s spirit. Check out titles like “A Short Hike” for a charming adventure or “Shovel Knight” for retro platforming goodness.

GameCube: The Console That Keeps on Giving

Some might say the GameCube is outdated. But its games have a timeless power that newer consoles can’t always replicate. Here’s why it’s still amazing:

Strong Community: GameCube fans are dedicated! There’s a thriving online scene, with competitive tournaments held to this day.
Rising Value: If you held onto your games, they might be worth something! Some titles, or “most expensive GameCube games”, are highly sought after by collectors.
Pure Fun: GameCube games often prioritised pure, joyful gameplay, perfect for when you need a break from complex modern titles.

Where to Find Your GameCube Game Fix

Ready to relive the memories or experience the GameCube games for the first time? Here are some reliable places to hunt for games:

Local Love: Check used game stores, pawn shops, and even retro game conventions in your area. You might get lucky!
Online Marketplaces: Ebay and similar sites are treasure troves, but research “where to buy used GameCube games” to avoid fakes and scams.
Specialist Sites: Dedicated retro game stores often have curated selections with fair prices and guaranteed working copies.

Let’s Chat!

What was YOUR favorite GameCube memory? Did I miss any must-play classics? Share your GameCube love in the comments below!