Nintendo has officially confirmed that Super Mario Sunshine will join the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics library on August 13, 2026, giving Nintendo Switch 2 players another first-party GameCube title to revisit.
The beloved 3D platformer will be available exclusively to subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier.
GameCube classic returns on Nintendo Switch 2
Originally released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2002, Super Mario Sunshine marked Mario’s first major 3D adventure after Super Mario 64. Set on the tropical Isle Delfino, the game follows Mario as he is wrongly blamed for polluting the island by a mysterious lookalike. To clear his name, he must restore the island’s Shine Sprites while uncovering the identity of the real culprit.
Nintendo’s announcement confirms that the title will be playable through the GameCube library included with Nintendo Switch Online’s Expansion Pack. The company also released a new trailer showcasing the upcoming addition to the subscription service.
One of the game’s defining features is FLUDD (Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device), the water-powered backpack that transformed Mario’s movement and platforming. Beyond cleaning polluted areas, FLUDD allows players to hover across gaps, rocket into the air, and solve environmental puzzles using different nozzle upgrades.
The adventure also features Yoshi, expansive sandbox-style levels, and platforming challenges that helped distinguish Super Mario Sunshine from other entries in the series. Its bright island setting and movement-focused gameplay have earned it a dedicated fan base over the years.
The addition of Super Mario Sunshine continues Nintendo’s effort to expand the GameCube – Nintendo Classics lineup on Switch 2. With the game becoming available on August 13, Expansion Pack subscribers will soon be able to experience one of the GameCube’s most recognizable Mario adventures without needing the original hardware.
