Nintendo Switch Online Adds Super Mario Sunshine for Switch 2?
Yes, as of the Switch 2 launch window, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members can play Super Mario Sunshine for free as part of the Nintendo 64 and GameCube classic game library. The game was added to the service’s GameCube lineup on June 5, 2025, alongside Super Mario Sunshine’s inclusion in the expanded retro catalog.
How the GameCube Library Works on Switch 2
The GameCube app on Nintendo Switch Online is a separate emulator, distinct from the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, and Sega Genesis apps. It launched with the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, and initially included The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur II, and F-Zero GX. Super Mario Sunshine was added shortly after, making it the fourth GameCube title available through the service.
Unlike the original Switch’s GameCube support (which never existed), the Switch 2’s GameCube emulator runs at a higher resolution and includes save-state and rewind features, similar to other retro apps. You need the Expansion Pack tier, not the base Nintendo Switch Online subscription, to access this library.
What’s Included in the Expansion Pack
The Expansion Pack is the more expensive of the two Nintendo Switch Online tiers. It includes everything from the base plan (NES, SNES, Game Boy, and online play) plus:
- Nintendo 64 games (e.g., Ocarina of Time, Mario Kart 64)
- Sega Genesis games (e.g., Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Streets of Rage 2)
- Game Boy Advance games (e.g., The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap)
- GameCube games (currently four titles, including Super Mario Sunshine)
- Paid DLC for certain games, like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass and Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ Happy Home Paradise
As of mid-2025, the GameCube library is small, but Nintendo has confirmed more titles are coming, including Luigi’s Mansion and Chibi-Robo! later in 2025.
Why Super Mario Sunshine Was Delayed
The GameCube app’s launch lineup did not include Super Mario Sunshine, which surprised many fans. Nintendo likely staggered the release to build hype and give players a reason to return to the app. The game was added on June 5, 2025, the same day as the Switch 2’s launch, but only after a day-one update. Some players reported that the game appeared in the app only after updating the system, which caused temporary confusion.
This is not the first time Nintendo has added games post-launch. The Nintendo 64 app initially had only a handful of titles and grew over time. The GameCube library is expected to expand similarly.
How to Access Super Mario Sunshine on Switch 2
To play Super Mario Sunshine on Switch 2, follow these steps:
- Ensure your Switch 2 has the latest system update installed.
- Open the Nintendo Switch Online app from the home menu.
- Select the GameCube icon (it looks like a small GameCube controller).
- Choose Super Mario Sunshine from the list.
- If you see a “purchase� prompt, you are not on the Expansion Pack tier – you must upgrade your subscription.
You can also download the game to your home screen as a shortcut, but it still requires an active Expansion Pack subscription to run.
What’s Different from the Original GameCube Version
The emulated version of Super Mario Sunshine runs at 1080p (when docked) and 720p (in handheld mode), compared to the original’s 480p. It also supports suspend points, allowing you to save anywhere, and a rewind feature that lets you undo mistakes – useful for the game’s notoriously difficult platforming sections.
However, the game still runs at 30 frames per second, same as the original. Some players have noted minor input lag, but it is generally considered playable. The game does not include the original’s bonus disc content (like the Luigi’s Mansion demo), but that was not expected.
Cost and Value Comparison
The Expansion Pack costs $49.99 per year for an individual membership, compared to $19.99 for the base plan. A family plan (up to 8 accounts) costs $79.99 per year with the Expansion Pack, versus $34.99 for the base family plan.
If you only want to play Super Mario Sunshine, the Expansion Pack is the only legal way to play it on Switch 2 without buying a used GameCube and a copy of the game (which can cost $60+). The subscription also includes many other classic games, so it can be good value if you play more than one title. However, if you only care about Sunshine, you might consider buying the physical GameCube disc and a used console, but that is less convenient and often more expensive in the long run.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Some users have reported that Super Mario Sunshine does not appear in the GameCube app even with an Expansion Pack subscription. This is usually because the app needs an update. Go to System Settings → System → System Update, and ensure you are on the latest firmware. If that fails, close the app and reopen it.
Another issue is that the game may crash on certain save states, especially if you use rewind heavily. To avoid this, create multiple save points and do not rely solely on rewind. If the game crashes, you will lose any progress since your last save, but the emulator’s suspend point should still work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Super Mario Sunshine free on Switch 2?
Yes, but only if you have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. It is not free to keep – you lose access if your subscription lapses.
Can I play Super Mario Sunshine on the original Switch?
No. The GameCube app is exclusive to the Switch 2. The original Switch does not have a GameCube emulator, and Nintendo has not announced plans to bring it to the older console.
Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play Super Mario Sunshine?
Yes, you need the Expansion Pack tier. The base Nintendo Switch Online subscription does not include GameCube games.
Will more GameCube games be added to the service?
Yes. Nintendo has confirmed Luigi’s Mansion and Chibi-Robo! are coming later in 2025. More titles are likely to follow, but no full list has been announced.
Can I play Super Mario Sunshine offline?
Yes, after you download the game to your console, you can play it offline. However, you must verify your subscription online at least once every few weeks, similar to other Nintendo Switch Online games.
Does the GameCube app support multiplayer?
Currently, no. The GameCube app is single-player only, unlike the N64 app which supports online multiplayer for some titles. This may change in the future, but there is no announcement yet.
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