Super Mario Sunshine Arrives on Switch 2 GameCube Classics on August 13, 2026

1. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker – launch title
2. Soulcalibur II – launch title
3. F-Zero GX – launch title
4. Luigi's Mansion – added later
5. Super Mario Sunshine – added August 13, 2026
6. Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness – added March 17, 2026
7. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance – added January 2026
8. Chibi-Robo! – added later
9. Super Mario Strikers – added later
10. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! – added later

Note: Some sources reported 9 titles before Sunshine, placing the post-Sunshine total at 10 . Nintendo has also confirmed Pokémon Colosseum as a future addition . The library is exclusive to Switch 2 and requires an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription .

Nintendo Music Soundtrack

On August 13, 2026, Nintendo added the full Super Mario Sunshine soundtrack to its Nintendo Music streaming service. The album was composed by Koji Kondo and Shinobu Tanaka, contains 58 tracks, and has a total runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes . A few days earlier, on August 10, four free-roam remix tracks from Sunshine were also added to the Mario Kart World playlist on Nintendo Music .

How the Switch 2 Version Compares to Super Mario 3D All-Stars

Before this release, the only modern way to play Super Mario Sunshine was through Super Mario 3D All-Stars, a limited-time collection released on the original Nintendo Switch in September 2020 and delisted in March 2021 . Here is how the two versions compare:

The Switch 2 version is widely considered the better option: it offers higher-fidelity emulation with modern convenience features and remains accessible via subscription, whereas physical copies of 3D All-Stars now trade at high aftermarket prices.

Metacritic Score & Why It Stays Divisive

Super Mario Sunshine holds a Metacritic critic score of 92/100 based on 61 reviews, with a user score of 8.2/10 from over 1,500 ratings . Despite critical acclaim, it is widely regarded as the most divisive 3D Mario game .

Common fan criticisms include:

• Camera issues – Fixed-camera angles and sometimes awkward controls frustrate players
• F.L.U.D.D. reliance – Some feel the water-pack mechanic is gimmicky and overshadows traditional platforming
• Yoshi mechanics – Yoshi's interaction with water and juice was criticized
• Blue coins – Secret blue coin collectibles are tedious and easy to miss, making 100% completion frustrating
• Level design – Some missions and Shine Sprite requirements are considered unfairly difficult or poorly paced
• Polish – It is considered the glitchiest and least polished mainline 3D Mario game

At the time of its 2002 release, critics praised the creativity, visuals, and ambitious mechanics, while a notable portion of the fanbase found it frustrating compared to the tighter design of Mario 64 or Galaxy .

Subscription & Cost Required

To play GameCube games on Switch 2, you need:

• A Nintendo Switch 2 console (GameCube games are exclusive to Switch 2 and do not work on the original Switch)
• A Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership

The Expansion Pack is the premium tier. Standard U.S. pricing as of mid-2026:

• Individual 12-month: ~$49.99/year
• Family 12-month: ~$79.99/year

The GameCube library is not sold as individual games — it requires an ongoing active subscription to access .