The GameCube, Nintendo’s fourth home console, holds a special place in the hearts of gamers because of its unique design, strangely shaped controller, and incredible lineup of games. Prior to the GameCube, Nintendo had held out on disc-based games, preferring to stick with cartridges for the Nintendo 64 (despite a failed attempt to create a disc-drive add on that eventually became the Sony Playstation).
For me personally, the GameCube was defined by it’s unique controller. It was a divisive piece of hardware, with some gamers instantly falling in love with it and others replacing it with a more traditional third party controller as soon as they were available. I have to admit I was the latter.
Be sure to also check out our best game rankings for the NES, Super Nintendo, and Nintendo 64 consoles. We’ve also ranked games for the Wii and Wii U systems. If you enjoy handheld gaming, check out our best Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo 3DS game rankings. Whew! That should keep you gaming for a while!
10. Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader
Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader puts players in the cockpit of iconic Star Wars starfighters for intense aerial battles. As a pilot in the Rebel Alliance, you engage in thrilling missions inspired by the original Star Wars trilogy.
The game’s stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and exhilarating dogfights captured the essence of the Star Wars universe. Rogue Leader showcased the GameCube’s graphical capabilities and offered an immersive and thrilling experience for Star Wars fans and space combat enthusiasts.
Rogue Leader T-Shirt
9. Pikmin 2
Pikmin 2 continues the delightful and strategic adventures of Captain Olimar as he enlists the help of colorful plant-like creatures called Pikmin. In this real-time strategy game, players command armies of Pikmin to navigate hazardous environments, solve puzzles, and collect valuable treasures.
Pikmin 2 expanded on the mechanics of the original, introducing new Pikmin types, intricate cave systems, and a co-op mode. The game’s charming visuals, addictive gameplay loop, and strategic depth made it a unique and beloved title on the GameCube.
Pikmin Amiibo (Import)
8. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess takes players on an epic and dark journey through the kingdom of Hyrule. As the hero Link, you must free the land from the clutches of the Twilight Realm and confront a menacing new foe. The game’s expansive world, challenging dungeons, and engaging storyline captivated players with its sense of scale and exploration.
Twilight Princess pushed the GameCube’s graphical capabilities to new heights, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience. With its mature themes, memorable characters, and cinematic presentation, Twilight Princess is one of the most significant entries in the Zelda series.
Twilight Princess Manga
7. Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! takes the beloved kart racing franchise to new heights with its dynamic two-character per kart feature. Players choose a duo from the extensive cast of Mushroom Kingdom characters and race against each other on various whimsical tracks. The objective is to outmaneuver opponents, use power-ups, and cross the finish line first.
With its addictive gameplay, exciting races, and chaotic multiplayer battles, Mario Kart: Double Dash!! became a staple for parties and gaming sessions with friends. The game’s vibrant visuals, tight controls, and unique track designs made it a timeless classic for GameCube owners.
Mario Kart Toy Racing Track
6. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Prepare for a charming, humorous role-playing experience in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. As the paper-thin hero, Mario, players embark on a quest to rescue Princess Peach and uncover the secrets of the mysterious Thousand-Year Door. The game’s turn-based battles, witty dialogue, and engaging storyline captivated players.
The Thousand-Year Door’s unique paper aesthetic, clever gameplay mechanics and memorable characters made it a standout title on the GameCube. This delightful RPG demonstrated the incredible versatility of the Mario universe and offered a delightful journey that blended humor, strategy, and heartfelt moments.
Neon Star Game Room Sign
5. Super Mario Sunshine
Super Mario Sunshine brings the beloved plumber to the sunny, vibrant Isle Delfino for a vacation-turned-adventure. Armed with a water-spraying backpack known as FLUDD, Mario must clean up the island’s pollution and save Princess Peach from the clutches of the villainous Bowser.
The game’s unique mechanics, including FLUDD’s various nozzles, introduced exciting platforming challenges and inventive puzzles. Super Mario Sunshine’s tropical setting, bright visuals, and delightful gameplay made it a delightful addition to the Mario franchise and a must-play for GameCube owners.
Mario Switch Pro Controller
4. Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 revolutionized the survival horror genre with its intense action and cinematic gameplay. As Leon S. Kennedy, players find themselves in a remote European village plagued by a sinister cult. Armed with an arsenal of weapons, you must navigate the treacherous town, solve puzzles, and survive relentless encounters with terrifying enemies.
Resident Evil 4’s tense atmosphere, strategic combat, and gripping storyline captivated players. Its over-the-shoulder perspective, innovative controls, and adrenaline-pumping setpieces redefined what a horror game could be, cementing its status as a GameCube classic.
Resident Evil Board Game
3. Metroid Prime
Metroid Prime revolutionized the beloved Metroid series by transitioning it into a first-person adventure. Players assume the role of Samus Aran, exploring the mysterious planet of Tallon IV and unraveling its secrets. Metroid Prime captivated players from start to finish with its atmospheric environments, intense combat, and immersive exploration.
The game’s attention to detail, masterful level design, and deep lore made it a standout title on the GameCube. Metroid Prime’s seamless blending of action, exploration, and puzzle-solving created an experience that redefined the genre and solidified Samus Aran as a gaming icon.
Metroid Samus T-Shirt
2. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Embark on a grand, nautical adventure in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. This action-adventure game occurs in a vast, cel-shaded open world where players control the young hero, Link. To rescue his sister and save the world from an ancient evil, Link sets sail on his trusty boat across the Great Sea.
The Wind Waker’s charming art style, memorable characters, and epic quests captivated players. Sailing the open waters, uncovering hidden islands, and delving into dungeons filled with puzzles and enemies made this entry in the Zelda series a fan favorite.
Wind Waker Building Kit
1. Super Smash Bros. Melee
The Best Gamecube Game of All Time
Super Smash Bros. Melee takes the chaotic brawls of Nintendo’s beloved characters to new heights. Players in this multiplayer fighting game choose from various iconic characters and engage in frantic battles across dynamic stages. The objective is simple: knock your opponents off the screen and be the last one standing.
The game’s fast-paced gameplay, precise controls, and expansive roster of characters made it an instant hit. Super Smash Bros. Melee became a staple in competitive gaming due to its depth, balance, and sheer fun factor, solidifying its position as the ultimate multiplayer experience on the GameCube.
Super Smash Bros. Icons Mug
