Table of Contents
GameCube Classics Expand with Major Metroid Leak
A fresh leak from Walmart has ignited excitement among Nintendo fans, teasing the arrival of Metroid Prime 2: Echoes and Pikmin 2 to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service. Spotted by Reddit user CarbVan, the listing confirms these GameCube gems will bolster the growing retro library available exclusively to Expansion Pack subscribers on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 systems.
Background on Nintendo Switch Online Evolution
Since the Nintendo Switch 2 launch last year, Nintendo revamped its online subscription tiers. The base Nintendo Switch Online offers online play and classic NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. The + Expansion Pack tier, priced higher, unlocks Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and now GameCube titles. Current GameCube lineup includes heavy-hitters like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Super Mario Sunshine, Pokémon Colosseum, and Soulcalibur II. This service requires a Switch 2 for GameCube emulation, leveraging the hybrid console's upgraded hardware for smooth 480p performance with widescreen hacks and progressive scan where supported.
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, released in 2004 for GameCube, builds on the 2002 original with dual-world mechanicslight and dark dimensionsadding complex puzzle-solving and atmospheric horror. It scored 92 on Metacritic, praised for expanding Samus Aran's lore amid alien-infested planets. Pikmin 2, also 2004, refined the real-time strategy genre with underground caves, dual Pikmin types (purple for weight, white for speed/poison), and 100-Pikmin captains. Its 90 Metacritic score highlighted tight controls and charm.
Leak Credibility and Walmart's Track Record
Walmart's pre-order pages often spill beans early, as seen with past Nintendo reveals. The listing explicitly names Metroid Prime 2: Echoes and Pikmin 2 under GameCube Nintendo Classics, mirroring official branding. While not every NSO subscriber accesses GameCube (Expansion Pack only, Switch 2 required), this fuels speculation for Metroid Prime 3: Corruption next, completing the trilogy post-2023's Metroid Prime Remastered (10/10 from reviewers).
Recent NSO updates align: January added Rayman 2: The Great Escape and Tonic Trouble to N64, plus Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance to GameCube. Animal Crossing: New Horizons got a free update with resort decorating and shared dreamscapes via NSO. eShop highlights include FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE limited edition (ends Jan 31) and Super Mario Bros. Wonder Switch 2 Edition (March 26).
Technical Implications for Switch 2
Switch 2's ARM-based SoC with DLSS-like upscaling handles GameCube emulation flawlessly, targeting 60fps. Metroid Prime 2's beam weapons, morph ball boosts, and boss fights like Emperor Ing gain from Joy-Con motion controls. Pikmin 2's 100+ Pikmin hordes stress CPU, but Switch 2's improvements prevent original hardware dips. Save states, rewind, and online co-op (where applicable) enhance accessibility.
Impact? This cements NSO + Expansion Pack as a value kingover 20 GameCube titles for $50/year. Fans of Metroid's isolation dread or Pikmin's management sim will flock back. Amid eShop bustle like Mario Tennis Fever page opening Jan 28 and PBA Pro Bowling 2026 review (praised for authenticity, critiqued for no online multiplayer), this leak steals the spotlight.
Tomorrow's Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream Direct (Jan 29, 6am PT) might confirm, but Walmart's evidence feels ironclad. Nintendo's retro push counters live-service fatigue, preserving history on modern hybrid hardware.
- Key Additions Teased: Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (dark world puzzles), Pikmin 2 (cave exploration).
- Requirements: NSO + Expansion Pack, Switch 2.
- Current Library Stars: Wind Waker, Sunshine, Path of Radiance.