TheGameCubeis Nintendo’s fourth game console, and it found itself in direct competition with the original Xbox and the PlayStation 2. While the GameCubewas 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 GameCubethat 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.
It’s rather unfortunate that GameCubedidn’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 greatGameCube exclusive gamesthat 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 June 29, 2025 by Stephen LaGioia:While fans speculate about the potential lineup for Switch 2, whichNintendo 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 underratedtitlesfrom 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.
This list does not include Japan-only releases, nor does it feature remasters or remakes.
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 notnearlythe 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 onGuitar 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 thatDonkey Konganever saw the light of day on the motion-controlled console, or its successor, the Switch.
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 Adventuresholds 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 classicStar Foxelements like flying, but takes an approach more akin toSuper Mario 64andJet Force Gemini, with its balance of action and depth, complemented by a theatrical presentation and gripping narrative.
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 Avalanchefeels 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 thisrobust extreme sports experience, and ensure snowboarders have an exciting ride for hours on end.
While the Wii’sStrikersrendition known asChargedwas 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 whatMario Kartis 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 theSwitch has since seen a more expansive sequel, it’s hard to match the pure, pick-up-and-play entertainment value of this sports game.
MostKirbygames 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 aGameCube exclusivefor so long!
TheMario Partyseries continues to be one of Nintendo’s biggest party gamesthat is present on pretty much every console they’ve released. The GameCube was treated quite specially in this regard, receiving a whopping fourMario Partygames that messed around with different gameplay mechanics to make for a unique and engaging experience every single time.
Many people considerMario Party 4to be the best of the bunch, simply because this game features classicMario Partygameplay without any shenanigans added to the mix. The gameplay can be a bit slow-paced compared to modernMario Partygames, but players who look past this minor issue will enjoy one of the bestMario Partygames 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!
Mario Golfis a long-running sports game on Nintendo consoles that has witnessed its fair share of entries. WhileMario Golf: Super Rushwas 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 likeMario Golf: Toadstool Tourto be a far better game in every way. While the game wasn’t a revolution for theMario Golfseries in any way, the solid gameplay and fun visuals made for agreat multiplayer experience on GameCube, as players tackle several unique golf courses with their friends.
Fire Emblemis a series of amazing strategy JRPGs that have become synonymous with the Nintendo brand. Pretty much every major Nintendo console has featured at least oneFire Emblemgame, and the GameCube is no exception to this golden rule.
In fact, thisoften-forgotten ARPGis a huge change to the establishedFire Emblemformula, 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.
Pokemon Colosseumbuilds 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.
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.
The Nintendo GameCube had a few very odd accessories, with the mic being one of them. The mic was used forMario Party 6 & 7, Chibi-Robo!,Karaoke Revolution,andOdama,with the latter possibly having the most unique use for it.
Odamais 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.
