18 GameCube exclusives we want to see on Nintendo Switch's Virtual Console

GameCube games are finally set to make a debut on Virtual Console when the Nintendo Switch launches in March 2017, and we couldn't be happier.

Though the GameCube struggled financially during its lifespan, it has garnered quite the cult following in the years since - and there's no doubting the quality of its line-up of games.

Seriously, just dig through the archives for a few minutes and you'll no doubt spot a few of your favourite games of all time nestled in its library. It's that good.

But for those who'd rather have the games come to them, you are in the right place. So read on for the 18 GameCube classics we're desperate to see on the Nintendo Switch.

Disclaimer: Before we begin, it's worth mentioning that Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi's Mansion, and Super Smash Bros. Melee have already been announced for Virtual Console. We're also skipping a few games that have already been remade, or are currently available on Virtual Console - like REmake, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and Metroid Prime, for example.

Animal Crossing

So integral has Animal Crossing become to Nintendo's console line ups, that it's actually quite hard to believe that it was only conceived right at the end of the N64's life cycle.

In fact, the first time you came across it may well have been on the GameCube, where an enhanced port of the original was launched only a year or so - depending on your region - after the N64 original.

You could argue that this should sit in the N64 Virtual Console, but considering the fact it still hasn't been emulated on any Nintendo console since, we'd rather have the enhanced GameCube version thank you very much.

Baten Kaitos and Origins

Is Baten Kaitos the most underrated JRPG franchise? I'd surely give it that title.

Not only did it have one of the most innovative card-based battling systems of all time (your cards matured and turned into different cards in real time for crying out loud), it also had an incredibly interesting and detailed world to explore that's unlike anything seen in a JRPG since.

For the most part, the characters also managed to avoid being a walking bunch of cliches too - which is a rarity in the genre. Their personal motivations and relationships with each other were a joy to behold.

In hindsight, releasing a brand new JRPG franchise on a struggling console may not have been the best idea in the world, but those who played it will still be grateful for the experience.

Let's give it - and its excellent prequel - a new lease of life on the Switch.

Chibi-Robo!

Chibi-Robo! Is the cult classic to end all cult classics. You play as a ten-centimetre tall robot, who is tasked with cleaning a house and solving various problems for its inhabitants.

That admittedly sounds a bit rubbish, but there's also talking toys, adorable animation, and a sharp script. It offers a joyous slow burning experience like no other, and it's a game that needs to be rediscovered by more people on the Switch.

Eternal Darkness

Resident Evil, eat your heart out. Though the horror series thrived on GameCube thanks to the timed exclusivity of Resident Evil 4, the excellent REmake, and Zero, it was Eternal Darkness which truly brought the horrors.

It didn't just rely on jump scares either. The real terror was generated courtesy of a unique sanity meter which messed with you personally, as well as your character. Maybe you'd hear babies crying in the background or you'd be trolled into believing that your save had been deleted.

It's garnered quite the cult following since, and well deserves a second chance on Nintendo Switch.

Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

Path of Radiance brought Fire Emblem into 3D with aplomb, thanks to its gorgeous visuals, engrossing plot, and popular primary character Ike - who's since been added to the Smash Bros. roster.

Considering that the GameCube original now costs a small fortune, a rebirth on Nintendo Switch might be the only way for fans of the franchise to replay this excellent SRPG.

F-Zero GX

Do I really have to explain why F-ZERO GX should come to the Nintendo Switch Virtual Console? Seriously?

Well, how about the fact that it was the last F-Zero to hit a Nintendo console? That's right - we've had a 13 year drought for the super-fast racing franchise. Nintendo is a cruel mistress.

So while we wait, hope, and pray for another entry, Nintendo should have mercy on us and release the last entry in the franchise on Virtual Console. Please.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures

Four Swords Adventures is a primarily multiplayer Zelda in which up to four players can take control of a different coloured Link each, and adventure across Hyrule - working together to solve puzzles, explore dungeons, and battle bosses.

Given that the Switch makes playing together easier than ever before thanks to its detachable controller which splits into two, Four Swords Adventures would be an absolutely perfect fit for the Virtual Console - and would allow this gem a new lease of life.

Mario Kart: Double Dash

Mario Kart is pretty much confirmed for the Switch, with a new enhanced version of Mario Kart 8 already announced that features new tracks, characters, and hopefully DLC down the line.

So why would we want a Mario Kart that's considered to be a bit of a misstep on a console which features, arguably, the finest Mario Kart ever created?

Good point. But Double Dash is still quite fondly remembered and, most importantly, does something a little different with the formula that's well worth experiencing - and that's that you have two characters on each kart.

Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes

The GameCube was absolutely on point with is remakes. We had REmake, which turned Resident Evil into a masterpiece and eventually spawned its own prequel in the awesome Zero, and Twin Snakes - a remake of the already brilliant Metal Gear Solid.

It's still the game you know and love, but with drastically improved visuals, new cut scenes, and mechanics introduced in the sequel, Sons of Liberty - a game it borrows heavily from.

Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door

I don't think it's even remotely contentious to claim that The Thousand Year Door is the best Paper Mario, is it? I mean, the first was excellent but this one ramps it all up to max.

And the less said about the rest of the Paper Mario games, the better.

Pokemon Colosseum

You'd be forgiven for assuming that Pokemon Colosseum is a sequel to the Nintendo 64 hit, Pokemon Stadium, but it's really not that. In fact, it was the closest we had got to a fully 3D Pokemon game on a home console - but just not quite there.

The focus was much more on story than catching Pokemon, and there really wasn't much in the way of exploration. It was more akin to a JRPG than a monster collector.

But it wasn't so bad, and well worth checking out if you're a fan of Pokemon. Just don't expect the full Pokemon experience.

Skies of Arcadia: Legends

Skies of Arcadia originally launched on the Dreamcast, where it barely saw the light of day. The lucky few who did play it though, will no doubt have realised they were playing one of the finest JRPGs of all time.

The critics noticed, though, and it was universally acclaimed - so it's only right that it got a second chance on the GameCube. Sadly, that console also struggled.

Skies of Arcadia: Legends deserves to be played by the masses so it can finally get the appreciation it deserves. Let's make that happen on the Switch.

Starfox Adventures

Starfox Adventures is the best Legend of Zelda game that never existed - and that was its primary problem.

Those who went in expecting an experience to rival Starfox 64 will have been bitterly disappointed by the lack of space and guns - which is fair enough, this is Starfox after all.

But for those of us who went in without expectations experienced a wonderful adventure which rivals that of its influencer, The Legend of Zelda. It was utterly gorgeous, featured a unique battle system, and had an interesting world to explore - with dinosaurs.

Super Mario Strikers

At this point, is there a sport that Mario hasn't played in some form? Better yet is the question, why hasn't there been a Mario plumbing game? That's his job, after all.

Anyway, this is besides the point. Super Mario Strikers is the mustachioed hero's take on football - or soccer for those in the US - and it's a faster, more aggressive version than seen on your TV.

Each team is made up of five, and features a hero - like Mario, a goalkeeper, and three toads or koopers. You then pass it around, use power-ups, and power shots to try and get it in the back of the net - just like real football.

Tales of Symphonia

Ah, Tales of Symphonia. Not only are you the finest Tales game by a country mile, you also just so happen to be the greatest game of all time in this humble editor's opinion.

But before I get all weepy, I'm just going to stick to the reasons why it's such a damn good game. It's utterly gorgeous, has an incredibly focused plot that gives you a sense of adventure from the get go and isn't afraid to tug on your heartstrings, and the finest set of characters ever to grace a Tales game.

Seriously, the number of solid characters here is just ridiculous.

Sure, the combat system has since been surpassed by Zestiria, and Vesperia has it beaten on the visual front, but Symphonia laid down the foundations for what was to come, and has to be commended for that.

Besides, it still leads in terms of characterisation, plot, and world.

Wario World

Isn't it about time Wario got his own 3D platforming adventure? Nintendo certainly seems to have thought so, and the result was exactly that on the GameCube.

It's a little more focused an experience than a typical Mario platformer, and has a greater focus on combat. Wario doesn't just jump on heads either. Here he can grab, throw, and ground pound enemies.

Wave Race: Blue Storm

Wave Race: Blue Storm is a sequel to the N64 original, and does what it says on the tin - which is provide races on water.

It was a launch title for the GameCube, but still held up quite well visually by the end of its lifecycle - with some particularly nice water effects.

Considering that it still remains the latest entry in the franchise, it would be nice to see it revived on the Switch - particularly as Nintendo has just renewed the licence. Could we see a new entry?