Rumor: Nintendo Switch is getting GameCube games via Virtual Console

Nintendo is going to release GameCube games for the Virtual Console on the Switch. Three different sources confirm this to Eurogamer. According to the sources, Nintendo currently has support for three games ready.

Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi’s Mansion and Super Smash Bros. Melee has already been readied for an appearance on the Switch, according to Eurogamer’s report. The GameCube games will be offered through the Virtual Console on the new Switch.

The sources tell Eurogamer that the Virtual Console on the Switch is being developed by NERD, which was also responsible for the emulation of NES games on the recently released NES Classic Mini console.

In addition to the three games mentioned, bringing Animal Crossing to the virtual console would also be considered. Within that game are several classic NES games to play, such as Donkey Kong and Mario and Zelda. So to get that working, the Switch console would have to emulate two consoles at the same time: the GameCube that runs Animal Crossings and inside it the NES to play the integrated games. According to the Eurogamer article, it is not yet certain whether this will actually be possible.

Until now, it was not possible to play GameCube games through Nintendo’s official console emulator. For example, on Wii U, the Virtual Console supports NES, SNES, N64, GBA, and DS games. Whether the Switch will also receive support for those games is not yet known, but it is likely.

Nintendo will release the Switch, a hybrid console that doubles as a handheld, in March. On January 12, the console builder will announce more information about the Switch and the price will also be announced.