When Nintendo released the GameCube in 2001, it was a scruffy and controversial console, but one with a lot of charm. Although many gamers considered it underpowered in comparison to the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, the Nintendo GameCube ended up having one of the best libraries of games of the bunch.
Over 20 years after the console’s initial release, many of the best games remain incredibly hard to play or purchase. Hopefully, Nintendo will finally make some GameCube remakes on Switch, so fans can get their hands on some of the best sixth-generation games of all time. Listed in no particular order, here are 5 dazzling, underrated GameCube gems that deserve new life on the Switch.
5. Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg
Developed by Sonic Team, Billy Hatcher and The Giant Egg has everything you’d want in a GameCube-era adventure game. You play as the lovably goofy Billy Hatcher, who must defeat the Dark Raven and his army of crows by utilizing his egg-handling abilities.
Each level feels like an action-packed puzzle, as Billy cannot do much aside from manipulating the eggs he finds, but must bash through environmental blockades and blast down baddies. It’s such a shame that this title remains hidden on the GameCube, as Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg would make for an amazing Switch remake.
4. Geist
While the GameCube had plenty of family-friendly titles to consume, it was a bit short on Mature-rated experiences. However, the first-person shooter, Geist, stands as one of the system’s most underrated titles in the entire library. Developed by n-Space, this quirky action game puts you in control of a good-willed ghost, packed to the brim with the power of possession.
In Geist, you can possess enemies and go in guns blazing, but the game also offers sillier supernatural interactions as well. Some sections will have you possessing in-game items like food bowls or water faucets, adding a tinge of charming intrigue to its puzzles. Between inventive boss fights
3. Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness
It’s no secret, Pokemon games make a lot of money. Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is a Pokemon RPG that has been restricted to the GameCube since 2005, and despite fans clamoring for a remaster or Switch remake, Nintendo has been pretty silent. Gale of Darkness is also a perfect example of why remakes and remasters help bring old games to fresh audiences, as a current copy of the GameCube disc costs around $200 in the used market.
As the sequel to Pokemon Colosseum, Gale of Darkness follows your custom hero as they try to free the hearts of “shadow” Pokemon around his home region of Orre. Players collect and train their party of pocket monsters as they battle through an entertaining story and interesting world. In my opinion, if Nintendo is going to continue remastering and remaking Pokemon games on Switch, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness should be next on the line.
2. Chibi-Robo
Playing as a tiny character in a massive world has always had a unique appeal to it, and Chibi-Robo is an underrated GameCube gem that showcases this concept wonderfully. Developed by Skip Ltd and Bandai, Chibi-Robo sees players controlling a tiny cleaning robot, completing quests to earn “Happy Points” and exploring a quaint residence from the smallest of perspectives.
Many things make Chibi-Robo an excellent contender for a GameCube remake on Switch, but it’s the constant charm, colorful art, and addictive gameplay that make it a clear candidate. Whether you’re calmly cleaning some dirty floors or completing adventurous missions, Chibi-Robo is a GameCube game that deserves far more attention than it received back in 2005.
1. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem
We’ve seen a resurgence of survival horror in gaming lately, especially major remakes like Resident Evil 4. However, one of the scariest games in the genre has been locked to the GameCube since 2002. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem isn’t just a gem of the genre, but a game that is in dire need of a Switch remake.
Developed by Silicon Knights, Eternal Darkness is a third-person game that is reminiscent of Silent Hill, with disturbing enemies, mind-bending plot twists, and limited weapons. Cleverly tricking by occasionally breaking the fourth wall, it’s a game that has become famous for its smart scares and thought-provoking narrative. In short, if there was a remake of Eternal Darkness on Switch, every survival horror fan would be rushing to make their purchase.
Short author bio:
Matt Owen
As a lifelong gamer and overall media fiend, Matt gets his hands on every new game and watches an unhealthy amount of movies and TV: action, horror, mystery, and sci-fi in particular. When not bingeing on entertainment, he enjoys reading and writing short stories, cooking, and producing video and podcast content.