Every Nintendo console has its own nostalgic games, but--for many players--the GameCube is the company's crown jewel for top-tier games. Few consoles have been graced with such a strong lineup of games. The cubed console holds entries in most major Nintendo franchises and a few new ones as well. Many games on the GameCube took a look at the traditional Nintendo formula and changed it up heavily.
Metroid Prime brought the series into new territory with its first 3D entry, Mario Kart: Double Dash changed up core game mechanics in the Kart racing series, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker put Link in a whole new setting and left a lasting mark on the series. The GameCube really was a special console and had some amazing games.
10 Pikmin 2
Pikmin 2 has all of the makings of a classic Nintendo game. Cute characters, light animated visuals, and entertaining gameplay. Pikmin seems simple in explanation, but the gameplay can be surprisingly engaging.
Pikmin 2 took what the original game did well, and made it even better. Adding new Pikmin to control and a fresh set of visuals made the game stand out on the GameCube and fit in well with the rest of the console's lineup of games.
9 Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 is one of the best in the series, making it an obvious standout on the GameCube console. There were very few, if any, games like Resident Evil 4 on the Nintendo console at the time. This put a large spotlight on Leon Kennedy and the Resident Evil franchise.
Making Resident Evil 4 a GameCube exclusive, if only for a short time, was an interesting choice that likely led to many new fans of the franchise sprouting up. Resident Evil 4 was good enough that it is receiving a remake, set to release sometime in 2023.
8 Luigi's Mansion
Giving Luigi the reigns for a while was clearly a good idea. Luigi's Mansion is a nice twist on the typical Nintendo formula of cute and cuddly family-friendly games to new scary heights. This game has a great gameplay loop and fun characters and enemies.
This game isn't truly scary and still falls into the family-friendly category, but it manages to set itself apart. There are memorable moments scattered throughout the game. The game did well enough to warrant a few sequels, each just as endearing as the last.
7 Mario Kart: Double Dash
Despite the numerous entries made into the Mario Kart series since Double Dash's release, this game still stands as one of the best Mario Kart games to date. Not all players enjoyed this entry, especially at release, with many recounting Double Dash as the worst in the series.
Its controversial team mechanic leaves many players on the fence about the game overall, but the mechanic was something that has become overlooked. Giving players the chance to cooperate with another character or players changed up the Mario Kart formula in a way that made the racing game exciting and fresh.
6 Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
This list couldn't be made without Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. This is the follow-up to the Nintendo 64's Paper Mario game, and it somehow tops the game that already ranks as one of the best RPG games Nintendo has ever put out.
Thousand-Year Door is filled to the brim with personality and charm. It has some of the most memorable characters and interactions of any Nintendo game and a story that's not half bad. It is definitely one of Mario's most unique adventures.
5 Metroid Prime
Many would argue that Metroid Prime deserves the number one spot on this list, and that is extremely valid. This game took the typical Metroid formula and changed up a few key aspects, putting Samus into the 3D arena. Metroid prime is incredibly unique in its take on the 3D action-adventure game.
This game is very different from its predecessors, but it still retains the classic Metroid feel. The world, the gameplay, and the music all lend to the immersive and harrowing game that is Metroid Prime.
4 Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing games aren't everyone's cup of tea, but Animal Crossing's GameCube release undeniably started a legacy that continues to this day. The original North American Animal Crossing game was really something special when it was released.
With a plethora of things to do, like catching bugs, fishing, interacting with villagers, and accruing massive amounts of debt, players can sink hundreds of hours into this game and still find more to do. Many of today's Animal Crossing players have never given the original a spin, which is a shame because it is still a charming game.
3 Super Mario Sunshine
Super Mario Sunshine was the follow-up to Mario's 3D platforming adventures in Mario 64 but in a whole new setting. This isn't a favorite of many Mario fans, but the game holds a lot of nostalgic value for players that experienced it at the time of release.
This game can be really difficult for a Mario title, but its colorful tropical aesthetic makes the difficult sections much more palatable. It's definitely a unique Mario experience, and there's tons of fun to be had with the game.
2 The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker took the Zelda franchise in an interesting direction. From its setting to its character design, this game was so different from the rest of the series that some at Nintendo were initially against the changes.
Taking chances paid off, though, because The Wind Waker is not only one of the best Zelda games but also one of the best GameCube games. This game is an emotional and awe-inspiring experience that all Zelda fans should play at least once.
1 Super Smash Bros. Melee
Seeing Nintendo's most iconic characters go head to head in a battle to the death is something that you never knew you needed until you've played a Smash Bros. game. Super Smash Bros. Melee took what Super Smash Bros. did and perfected it.
With a far wider variety of fighters, moves, and arenas than its predecessor, Super Smash Bros. Melee was a landmark game on the console. The GameCube's controller also complimented the fighting game extremely well, giving players a truly special experience every time they booted up the game.