An unexpected leak from a major retailer has potentially revealed two upcoming additions to Nintendo's online gaming service, spoiling what might have been a surprise announcement for fans of classic titles.
Retailer Image Hints at Unannounced GameCube Titles
More GameCube games are anticipated to arrive on Nintendo's subscription service this year, and two specific titles may have been prematurely exposed. On the official Walmart website, a promotional image advertising Nintendo's retro games library features several titles currently available to Switch Online subscribers. However, keen-eyed observers have noticed that two of the depicted games are not only absent from the service but haven't received any formal confirmation from Nintendo.
The Games in Question
The two games featured in the promotional material are Metroid Prime 2: Echoes and Pikmin 2, both originally released for the GameCube in 2004. Given the context and timing, this strongly suggests that both titles will be added to Nintendo's online service in the coming months. Since this image originates from a prominent retailer, there's reasonable confidence in its legitimacy. A reverse image search yielded no other results, indicating Walmart hasn't simply copied the image from another source.
Availability and Historical Context
While Pikmin 2 has enjoyed several re-releases over the years, including an HD remaster for the original Nintendo Switch in 2023, Metroid Prime 2 has been far less accessible. In 2009, it was included alongside the first and third Metroid Prime games as part of the Metroid Prime Trilogy for the Nintendo Wii. This collection was once available digitally on the Wii U eShop until its closure in March 2023.
How to Access GameCube Games on Nintendo Switch
To play Nintendo's GameCube catalogue, subscribers need a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, which costs £2.92 per month or £34.99 for an annual subscription. It's important to note that GameCube games are exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch 2, with no compatibility for the original Switch model, even with an Expansion Pack subscription.
Speculation and Future Announcements
There have been persistent rumours that Metroid Prime 2 might receive a remaster following the successful release of Metroid Prime Remastered. This leak raises questions about whether such a project is still in development if Nintendo intends to re-release the original version. However, Nintendo's strategies are notoriously difficult to predict. Additionally, the coexistence of an HD remaster of Pikmin 2 available for purchase on the Switch suggests Nintendo is comfortable offering both original and modern versions of games on its platform simultaneously.
Officially Confirmed GameCube Titles Still Pending
Regarding GameCube games that Nintendo has formally confirmed for Switch Online, three titles remain to be released: Super Mario Sunshine, Pokémon Colosseum, and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness. No specific release windows have been provided for any of these games yet.
Upcoming Nintendo Events
Following the recent Nintendo Direct focused on The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Nintendo has another showcase scheduled this week, though it's dedicated solely to Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream. Hopes are high that a more general Nintendo Direct featuring new game announcements will follow shortly. In fact, reliable insider NateTheHate has suggested a third showcase could air in early February, though the exact format remains unclear. If this turns out to be a general Direct, the Walmart leak may have prematurely unveiled one of its key announcements.
