Top 10 GameCube Games in 2025: Top Picks by Reddit Fans

Elsa Updated on Jun 27, 2025 Filed to: Parent Control

From 2001 to 2007, the Nintendo GameCube provided something unique to gamers. Even this year, 2025, its games cheer people up because of nostalgia, updated re-releases, simple emulation and the rising popularity of retro collections.

Let's discuss great GameCube games, picking out favorites from this list, and get ready to be captivated by these great games again!

Top 10 Must-Play GameCube Games 

These are the best-loved games for the GameCube, the ones players often mention and cherish. These games demonstrate the best and most entertaining features on Nintendo's little purple system.

1Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

This beloved RPG took the charm and wit of the original Paper Mario and amplified it. Owing to its sharp dialogue, unforgettable characters and unique combat style, where pressing a button at the right time added more damage and defense, The Thousand-Year Door is still many fans' favorite game

The paper's ability to be shaped into a stage play and launched like an airplane or rolled up into a tube made the game more fun to explore and solve puzzles. Throughout the game, the use of humor and surprising events made players eager to reach the end. 

2Mario Kart: Double Dash!!

Mario Kart: Double Dash

In Double Dash!!, the game was changed by offering a double-character kart where one rides and the other handles the items. As a result, the game became even more thought-provoking and enjoyable.

The different tracks, a large variety of characters, and the introduction of special items for each character made every race an exciting event in multiplayer. It is still an excellent party game, just as enjoyable today as it was back in 2003. 

3Metroid Prime

Metroid Prime

Metroid Prime resulted in one of the best first-person action games, transforming the traditional 2D world of Metroid into an impressive 3D version. Playing as Samus Aran, the game took players through the mysterious Tallon IV so they could scan locations, solve challenges and fight aliens.

The spooky setting, thrilling noises and the sense of being isolated gave the game a unique feeling that I won't soon forget. With the latest remaster, it has become more obvious why it remains a classic game.

4Super Monkey Ball 2

Super Monkey Ball 2

Super Monkey Ball 2 involved players going through a number of interesting mazes with a monkey in a ball. 

The story-based game provided lots to enjoy, but the mini-games were the true highlights, especially Monkey Target and Monkey Golf. Friends would always gather for endless laughter and thrills, thanks to these modes.   

5Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem

Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem

Eternal Darkness excelled by pushing the boundaries, allowing its characters to interact with gamers through creative means. While exploring the story of generations of ancient evil, the game affected players with sanity effects, including showing fake errors and disconnecting the controller. 

This innovative approach to horror created a truly immersive and disturbing experience that remains unmatched. 

6Tales of Symphonia

Tales of Symphonia

The game attracted many with its captivating plot, interesting cast of characters and fun fight system for up to four players. Tales of Symphonia featured Lloyd Irving and his friends as they went on a touching and dramatic journey to save the land of Sylvarant.

This system lets players move across the screen using various attacks and strategies in combat. Because it is still so popular, it has been released numerous times.

7Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes 

Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes

A full remake of Metal Gear Solid for the PlayStation, The Twin Snakes appeared on the GameCube, featuring better graphics, new voices, and elements inspired by Metal Gear Solid games.

While some purists debated the changes, the enhanced visuals and fluid controls made this a compelling way to experience a pivotal moment in gaming history.

8Soul Calibur II

Soul Calibur II

Widely considered one of the best entries in the Soul Calibur series, the GameCube version held a unique advantage: the inclusion of Link from The Legend of Zelda as a playable character. 

This exclusive addition brought a new dimension to the already deep and satisfying weapon-based fighting mechanics. With its diverse cast, fluid combat, and engaging single-player modes, Soul Calibur II remains a benchmark for the genre.

9Mario Party 4–7 

Mario Party 4–7

The Mario Party series on the GameCube continued the tradition of chaotic and fun local multiplayer mayhem. Featuring a plethora of inventive mini-games, board game-style progression, and plenty of opportunities for friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition, these titles were perfect for gatherings. 

While each installment had its own unique boards and mini-games, the core formula of dice rolling, mini-game challenges, and star collecting remained consistently entertaining.

10Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader

Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader

GameCube owners got to enjoy stunning Star Wars battles thanks to the dazzling Rogue Leader. Using X-wings, Y-wings and A-wings, players undertook exciting battles against the Empire.

Thanks to the amazing graphics, powerful sound effects and responsive control, it gave the same feeling as watching the films. This game is still seen as a reference in the genre of console flight games. 

Why GameCube Games Are Still Worth Playing in 2025

Despite being two decades old, GameCube games continue to hold significant appeal in 2025:

1. Emulation
With the Dolphin emulator, playing GameCube games on new computers and Macs is very simple. With this program, you can convert your video to HD or 4K, making it look much better. Furthermore, the game can work well with many different modern controllers, which makes it more enjoyable.
2. Remasters 
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster have recently come to the Nintendo Switch, just like the widely admired Metroid Prime Remastered. Upgraded graphics, better controls, and even new additions in these remasters make them the preferred way to play these games.
3. Nostalgia factor 
Those who had the GameCube in their childhood will enjoy playing these games again as a trip down memory lane. Unique features, the well-known startup noise and moments spent gaming with friends and family make the memories special and endearing. That's why GameCube games are popular among those who love collecting video game history and playing retro games.
4. GameCube exclusives that never got ported
Many GameCube games could only be played on that console and not on any others. It is possible to play Eternal Darkness, F-Zero GX and Mario Party from that era only on the GameCube or with an emulator.

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Conclusion

Relive the nostalgia with these 10 must-play GameCube games Reddit still can't stop talking about in 2025!

FAQs

What Are the Best Gamecube Games for Multiplayer?
Elsa
Elsa

Top picks include Mario Kart: Double Dash!! with its unique dual-rider mechanic, the chaotic mini-games of the Mario Party series, the addictive party modes of Super Monkey Ball, and the competitive action of Soul Calibur II.

Where to Play These Games Today?
Elsa
Elsa

If you are interested in playing classic GameCube games in 2025, try one of these routes.

Physical Copies via eBay or Local Shops

Retro gaming is more popular than ever, letting you procure original GameCube consoles and games from online sites such as eBay or offline at stores that sell retro games.

Yet, bear in mind that the cost of popular games and well-maintained consoles has gone up due to strong demand. The price can be greatly influenced by how well all the original parts and boxes are present.

Dolphin Emulator on PC/Mac With 1080P or 4K Support

As mentioned earlier, Dolphin is a powerful and free emulator that allows you to play a vast majority of GameCube games on your computer.

With the right hardware, you can enjoy these games in significantly higher resolutions than their original 480i output, often reaching 1080p or even 4K. Dolphin also supports various controller types, including modern console controllers, allowing for a more comfortable and customizable experience.  

Can I Play Gamecube Games on the Nintendo Switch?
Elsa
Elsa

The Nintendo Switch does not play original GameCube discs. However, select titles like Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Metroid Prime, and Baten Kaitos have been released as remasters for the Switch.

What Is the Best Gamecube RPG?
Elsa
Elsa

Standout RPGs include the charming Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, the epic adventure of Tales of Symphonia, the unique card-based battles of Baten Kaitos, and the sky-faring exploration of Skies of Arcadia Legends.

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2419 views , 6 min read
Elsa
Elsa
Elsa has worked on a number of iOS & Android solutions, she can always find her way around almost any application. She is an accomplished, skilled and versatile writer with more than 7 years of technical article writing experience.
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