Best GameCube Exclusives

The GameCube is Nintendo’s fourth game console, and it found itself in direct competition with the original Xbox and the PlayStation 2. While the GameCube was unable to compete with the hugely successful PlayStation 2 thanks to its built-in DVD player and third-party support, it did have many excellent games; albeit some obscure ones. Unfortunately, many were released on the GameCube that have yet to see release elsewhere. With Nintendo remaking many of its classic games, there is a possibility that players may yet see a remake or remaster of some of the games on this list, but only time will tell.

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It's rather unfortunate that GameCube didn't sell many units, since the console houses some of the greatest Nintendo exclusives that some fans still enjoy. Sadly, a lot of them remain trapped on this console, which is something Nintendo fans are used to — and some ironically pride themselves on in a sense. There are so many great GameCube exclusive games that have faded from the limelight, and it's a shame that the only way to enjoy these titles is via the use of emulation.

Updated January 22, 2025 by Stephen LaGioia: While fans speculate about the potential lineup for Switch 2, which Nintendo has finally teased in a recent video, many find themselves looking back at the impressive, expansive backlog of older Nintendo libraries while they wait. Often overlooked is the fun, diverse, and unique lineup of games for GameCube. Though often viewed as aesthetically "cute" and humble, the console was deceptively capable in terms of hardware (for its time). It's fitting that the Cube also holds several obscure, frankly underrated titles from the big N as well as second and third-party developers. A key reason for these games falling under the radar is their confinement in exclusivity purgatory. Even after years, and in an era full of remasters and remakes, GameCube remains home to several great games shackled by this exclusivity.

17 Donkey Konga

A Bongo-Based Rhythm Romp That's An Absolute Blast

It's perhaps no surprise why this obscure rhythm game remains trapped in GameCube land — as it requires at least one pair of the rare plastic set of bongo drums that act as its musical controller. Well, theoretically, players can use the GameCube controller — but it's not nearly the same experience. Indeed, having players face-off in musical showdowns by bashing and clapping away on toy bongos makes for a super fun, amusing romp.

Players are tasked with pounding the drums and clapping in time to a slew of Nintendo-themed tunes, along with a side of classic/modern pop and rock. In some respects, it's a simplified — and even funnier — take on Guitar Hero. While the song selection is a mixed bag compared to the more extensive, contemporary set list of the sequel, there's a certain charm to this colorful music bash scarcely matched.

In many ways, this physical party game is a foreshadowing of the type of titles that went on to populate Wii — which makes it all the stranger that Donkey Konga never saw the light of day on the motion-controlled console, or its successor, the Switch.

16 Star Fox Adventures

This Rare Space Odyssey Is Often Overlooked

UK developer Rare's swan song on Nintendo consoles manages to be an overlooked title; which is interesting given its rather iconic lead sci-fi hero, Star Fox. Given that the once-devout Nintendo developer has shifted its focus to Microsoft, and that 3D platforming adventures aren't quite in fashion, it's unlikely we'll see this colorful journey again anytime soon.

Yet, Star Fox Adventures holds up quite well — thanks to its array of vast, vibrant locales rife with distinct foes and oodles of collectibles that encourage exploration. The game sprinkles in classic Star Fox elements like flying, but takes an approach more akin to Super Mario 64 and Jet Force Gemini, with its balance of action and depth, complemented by a theatrical presentation and gripping narrative.

15 1080 Avalanche

A Faster-Paced, More Accessible Snowboarding Sequel

The GameCube wasn't exactly known for its plethora of deep, exciting sports titles — but this sequel to the N64 hit breaks the mold to be sure. The game draws from the thrilling snowboarding blueprint of its predecessor, and smooths out some rough edges and dated gameplay with a tighter, more exhilarating experience.

While on the surface, 1080 Avalanche feels more accessible than the N64 debut, the campaign quickly dives into a grueling and more involved set of trials. Players will need to balance swift racing with a slew of flashy stunts, while experimenting with distinct boards that each control a tad differently.

Capping off each set of trials is the Avalanche event, which has players scramble down treacherous snowy hills while chased by a deadly avalanche. Trick Attack, Time Trial, and Gate modes round out this robust extreme sports experience, and ensure snowboarders have an exciting ride for hours on end.

14 Super Mario Strikers

Gamers Can Get Their Kicks With This Party-Meets-Soccer Romp

While the Wii's Strikers rendition known as Charged was renowned for its surprisingly solid online mode, this GameCube debut of Mario and friends playing soccer thrived with undiluted party gameplay and competitive couch multiplayer. With a myriad of players, power-ups, and gameplay modes, Nintendo and Next Level Games ensure that both soccer newbies and pros alike can get something out of this chaotic romp.

The game is somewhat the soccer equivalent of what Mario Kart is to racing — drawing on the fundamentals of the genre for the crux of its fun, but sprinkling random elements like bananas and red shells to add chaos and laugh-out-loud party flair. While the Switch has since seen a more expansive sequel, it's hard to match the pure, pick-up-and-play entertainment value of this sports game.

13 Kirby Air Ride

A Simple-Yet-Exhilarating, Celestial Ride

Most Kirby games are meant to be as approachable as possible, with these games being geared towards kids who are casual gamers and don't appreciate challenging experiences. Such is the case with this delightful Kirby game, a fun if somewhat simple racing game that lets players control a wealth of iconic characters from the series in high-stakes races.

The game is easy to get into, but the lack of depth when it comes to the racing gameplay is quite noticeable. Regardless, players will have a great time competing in races with their friends, trying to attain victory as many times as possible. Given how simple this game is, fans are puzzled as to why this game has remained a GameCube exclusive for so long!

12 Mario Party 4

Peak Mario Party on GameCube, With Many Strong Minigames

The Mario Party series continues to be one of Nintendo's biggest party games that is present on pretty much every console they've released. The GameCube was treated quite specially in this regard, receiving a whopping four Mario Party games that messed around with different gameplay mechanics to make for a unique and engaging experience every single time.

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By  Nadia Grace Mullings

Many people consider Mario Party 4 to be the best of the bunch, simply because this game features classic Mario Party gameplay without any shenanigans added to the mix. The gameplay can be a bit slow-paced compared to modern Mario Party games, but players who look past this minor issue will enjoy one of the best Mario Party games that got the basics right and allows a group of four players to enjoy a simple yet competitive video game that could become quite cutthroat in no time at all!

11 Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour

Golfing Has Seldom Been More Thrilling

Mario Golf is a long-running sports game on Nintendo consoles that has witnessed its fair share of entries. While Mario Golf: Super Rush was deemed to be a disappointment by many, the game still had solid gameplay once players ignored the huge price tag and the dearth of content, that is.

Many fans look back fondly to the series' past, finding titles like Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour to be a far better game in every way. While the game wasn't a revolution for the Mario Golf series in any way, the solid gameplay and fun visuals made for a great multiplayer experience on GameCube, as players tackle several unique golf courses with their friends.

10 Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance

A Rewarding Epic, Filling A Needed GameCube Niche

Fire Emblem is a series of amazing strategy JRPGs that have become synonymous with the Nintendo brand. Pretty much every major Nintendo console has featured at least one Fire Emblem game, and the GameCube is no exception to this golden rule.

In fact, this often-forgotten ARPG is a huge change to the established Fire Emblem formula, being the first game in the series to feature voice acting, 3D graphics, and proper cutscenes to give the story more weight. This was a step in the right direction, with both fans and critics loving the expanded score of the series, even if there were times when the visuals were a bit too drab and uninteresting at times.

9 Pokemon Colosseum

An Amped-Up, Fleshed-Out Successor To Pokemon Stadium

Pokemon Colosseum builds up on the success of its predecessor, adding improved 3D graphics and featuring dual battles in a first for this popular spin-off series. The gameplay was as solid as ever, with the story mode being quite fun in its own right despite feeling somewhat threadbare compared to its parent series.

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Multiplayer battles are especially engaging, with players using a ton of strategic thinking to employ their Pokemon's best moves and take out their opponent's roster of strong and imposing Pokemon. It's a shame that this game hasn't seen a release outside of the GameCube, and only time will tell if fans will finally get their hands on this title via Nintendo Switch Online.

8 Odama

Pinball Meets Tactical Combat

The Nintendo GameCube had a few very odd accessories, with the mic being one of them. The mic was used for Mario Party 6 & 7, Chibi-Robo!, Karaoke Revolution, and Odama, with the latter possibly having the most unique use for it .

Odama is a pinball game where players guide their army of soldiers with voice commands so they bring the bell, or the Ninten-bell, to the other end of the screen. The pinball, called the Odama, can destroy enemies and their buildings as well as hit the Ninten-bell, which will knock over all of the enemy soldiers. This is certainly one of the more innovative games to hit a Nintendo console pre-Wii, and one that deserves its day into the sun again in some form.