The Switch has become something of a hotbed for classic game ports, remasters, and sequels. These have mainly been drawn from Nintendo's most recent consoles, along with prominent 3rd party titles ranging from Dark Souls to Katamari. While many more obscure GameCube franchises have been left out of the party, they're becoming a growing presence of late. IPs like Luigi's Mansion, Super Monkey Ball, Fire Emblem, and Animal Crossing coming to Switch all serve as nostalgic callbacks to Nintendo's purple box.
Still, there's an even more vast and diverse library of untapped potential when it comes to the Cube library. Existing as they do on the fairly unsuccessful GameCube, a good chunk of these games and franchises have been somewhat lost in the pages of gaming history. It's a shame, as many would add to the Switch's already robust library and prove a great fit.
So without further ado, let's take a look at some of the largely forgotten GameCube franchises that need to be resurrected for Switch.
10 Geist
This n-Space-developed action game stands as one of the more underrated shooters; not just of the GameCube library, but possibly of the 2000s gaming scene. Geist contains a distinct paranormal premise that makes for a gripping narrative and the unique gameplay feature to "possess" other beings.
A spruced-up sequel to this shooter would be awesome on the Switch, given the improved graphics and motion controls that can serve to enhance the epic sensibilities of Geist. A multiplayer mode with online support could also have some wicked potential. Imagine playing co-op missions where one person takes the role of a spirit, or a face-off that allows players to possess the bodies of their opponents.
9 Super Mario Strikers
There's been an abundance of Mario sports titles over the years, to the point where it's become somewhat played out. Yet, soccer renditions of the mustached plumber and company have still been largely unexplored, with only a couple Strikers titles released; with the original breakout hit being on the GameCube.
The chaotic, fast-paced nature of the multiplayer makes for an addictive and enduring romp. These qualities would translate well on Switch, given the "pick up and play" sensibilities of its handheld feature, and its solid online mode which would complement the game. A Switch sequel could perhaps follow the Rocket League model, with competitive online matches, timed events, and customizable players that can be decorated with unlockable items.
8 Phantasy Star Online
If we're being technical, Sega's Phantasy Star Online originated as a Dreamcast title, which in turn can be traced back to a Genesis RPG series. Yet, the series came out with a bang on the GameCube - coming as a bundle of Episodes 1 and 2 and being among the first to showcase GameCube's (limited) online functions. These games introduced many Nintendo fans to a whole new, more immersive, and more epic way to experience RPGs.
Given the Switch's notoriety with ports of RPG classics, a Phantasy Star Online remastered bundle, or even better - a brand new sequel, would seem like a no-brainer. It would be nice to relive this colorful, enriching experience with friends and strangers alike on a console that actually has a real online presence and structure in place.
7 Timesplitters
Seeing as we now have the spiritual successor to the Rare-style platformer in Yooka-Laylee, why not throw in a spiritual successor to Rare's FPS gems? Timesplitters turned out to be something of a surprise hit - though it perhaps wasn't a shock to fans of Goldeneye and Perfect Dark, being created by much of the core dev team behind those classics.
This series - especially the GameCube sequel - channels the elements of what made those experiences great, with an interesting campaign and a fleshed-out and addictive multiplayer mode. A Switch sequel, or at least a remastered compilation of the first two games, could help fill in a relative weak spot in the console's library.
6 Donkey Kong Jungle Beat
This strange platforming romp from Nintendo proved that platformers could be both simplistic and enduring - thanks to the amusingly unique control method in the case of Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. The game merely uses a couple of plastic bongo drums; an accessory released late in the GameCube's life. Rather than make for a broken experience, as many gamers feared, having Donkey Kong swinging and bouncing around by bashing bongo drums made for an even more satisfying game.
The unique concept underlying the gameplay brings with it tons of untapped potential for a sequel. Perhaps a sleeker, more refined wireless version of the bongos can be bundled with it. But what's cool is that the game could be playable even without this accessory, thanks to the motion controls of the Joy-Cons, which could function like virtual drumsticks.
5 Viewtiful Joe
Given the presence of many quirky and cartoony indie games that permeate the Switch library, the underrated action beat-em-up, Viewtiful Joe, would seem to fit right in. Of course, this isn't an indie title, as it comes from Capcom, but the avant-garde comic book art style and undiluted, in-your-face action sure make it feel like one.
The basic mechanics could be easily handled with separate Joy-Cons, and the simplistic and fast-paced nature of the game would make for a terrific handheld experience. The game could take advantage of being tethered to Nintendo's online infrastructure too, with unique daily challenges and events to fight your way through.
4 Tales Of Symphonia
The Switch is a natural when it comes to JRPGs, and seeing as one of the best games in the Tales series, Vesperia, has recently seen a remaster on Nintendo's console, why not add a similarly awesome game in the series, Symphonia? While this appealing epic from Namco was perhaps the greatest RPG on GameCube, its sequel on Wii proved somewhat disappointing.
Perhaps a third game in a potential Symphonia trilogy can redeem the series on Switch? At the very least, a port or even more spruced up Tales of Symphonia Chronicles could be great for younger gamers and Zelda fans who never experienced these titles. There's surely plenty of older fans who want to relive the thrilling adventures on the majestic world of Sylvarant.
3 Pikmin
Much like Pikmin 3, this 4th iteration of the charming plant-based strategy title from the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto has been in limbo for a while. We do know that this next installment is confirmed, but we know next to nothing about the game. Given how long ago the title was announced and what little information has been unearthed, the game might as well be vaporware for the time being.
Hopefully, the likely Switch release does come to fruition, as the RTS gameplay would make for a great fit for the handheld-console hybrid and touchscreen functionality. The Switch's superior graphics, HD rumble to enhance Pikmin plucking, and more robust online features could make this the strongest of the 4.
2 Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem
As a result of hardships of Silicon Knights, the developers behind this psychological thriller and hidden gem on the Cube, we've heard little about the future of this awesome game. Supposedly, Nintendo had renewed the license for the Eternal Darkness title roughly a year ago, but beyond this, there's been radio silence.
A sequel to this 17-year-old horror-based action game on the Switch could have tremendous potential. The crux of the game's appeal and innovation lied in its ability to toy with players by making them question their own sanity; like Eternal Darkness' protagonists themselves. You'd be strung along with "glitchy" looking elements which were purposely injected, like shrinking corridors and false "corrupted save" messages. Imagine the added potential of these "sanity effects" with the Switch's motion controls and touch screen.
1 F-Zero GX
While the origins of this classic futuristic racer can be traced back to the SNES, the most recent F-Zero title on GameCube was arguably the strongest - albeit the hardest.
Of all developers, it was Sega - once Nintendo's greatest rivals - who stepped up to the plate and created one of the most robust and thrilling F-Zero games to date. A Sega-produced sequel that adheres to GX's epic, fast-paced sensibilities could make for a great arcade racer which could give Mario Kart 8: Deluxe a run for its money. With slick HD graphics, a fleshed-out online mode (30 player support anyone?) and handheld support - F-Zero fans would have their hair blown back.