Summary
- Nintendo Switch 2 users can access a hidden GameCube startup screen in the Nintendo Classics app for the game library.
- The Switch 2 NSO + Expansion Pass now offers GameCube games like The Wind Waker and F-Zero GX.
- Switch 2 gamers can activate Easter eggs in the GameCube Nintendo Classics app, including special menu sounds and a purple UI.
Nintendo Switch 2 users have discovered a secret GameCube startup screen when using the specific Nintendo Classics app. While it is a relatively small Easter egg, this alternate starting animation is a nice dose of nostalgia for Switch 2 gamers who enjoyed the early 2000s system.
While games like Mario Kart World might be getting most of the attention surrounding the release of the Switch 2, the system launch also brought some new bonuses for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass subscribers. Specifically, the subscription service finally added GameCube games on the Switch 2. So far, only three games are available for users to download and play: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and SoulCalibur 2. However, more will be released in the coming days, with Nintendo already revealing classic titles like Super Mario Sunshine and Luigi’s Mansion will join the catalog in the future.
Nintendo Switch 2 Online GameCube Wishlist
The Nintendo Switch 2's Online subscription is getting an exclusive GameCube catalog, and there are plenty of games that still need to appear.
With GameCube games now joining the NSO + Expansion Pass, players have discovered a secret that can be activated when launching the respective Nintendo Classics app. As spotted by SpawnWave on YouTube, the iconic GameCube startup screen can be accessed by moving the left thumbstick on the controller in any direction when opening the app. As seen in the clip, this replaces the static red startup screen with the one that includes the animation and jingle from the sixth-generation console.
Secret GameCube Startup Screen for Nintendo Classics App on Switch 2
It is worth noting that this is not the only neat Easter egg the GameCube NSO app has. In addition, players can get special menu sounds when using the Switch 2 GameCube controller. Furthermore, the menu UI gets a purple makeover to match the original color scheme of the classic system when using this gamepad.
The special theme when you connect the GameCube NSO controller to the app — AK (@akfamilyhome.com) 2025-06-05T14:49:29.938Z
It is nice to see that the GameCube-specific Nintendo Classics app comes with some nostalgic features on Switch 2. Many gamers have been wanting GameCube titles to be added to NSO + Expansion Pass for a long time, so their inclusion here is doubtlessly exciting for many fans. While Nintendo has already teased several more GameCube games coming to the service in the months ahead, it will be interesting to see what the company decides to bring further down the line. Despite not being the most successful Nintendo console, the GameCube had an impressive list of games from some of the company’s most well-known IPs.
Time will tell if these GameCube games for Switch 2 will encourage more gamers to make the jump to the Switch 2. Beyond the NSO + Expansion Pass, DK Bananza Blitz is heading to the system on July 17. In addition, there are rumors that a Nintendo Direct could be happening soon, potentially revealing when the next GameCube games could be dropping.
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