Nintendo is adding Super Mario Sunshine to the Nintendo GameCube Classics app for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members on August 13, 2026. This move brings one of the most distinctive entries in the 3D Mario series to the current generation of Nintendo consoles.
Super Mario Sunshine joins a growing library of classic games available through the Nintendo Switch Online service. The base Nintendo Switch Online subscription, priced at $19.99 per year, offers online play, cloud saves, exclusive profile icons, and access to games from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. The more comprehensive Expansion Pack tier, costing $49.99 annually, includes all base features plus access to games from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, Sega Genesis, and Virtual Boy platforms, along with access to DLC content and upgrade packs for major Nintendo titles. This tier effectively provides access to hundreds of classic titles for approximately $4 per month.
The GameCube Classics app itself was first revealed during a Nintendo Direct in April of last year and launched in July alongside the Switch 2. While the initial release featured a limited selection of titles, Nintendo has been steadily adding more games over time, as indicated in promotional materials that showcased future additions, including Super Mario Sunshine.
The inclusion of Super Mario Sunshine is particularly notable as the game was previously only available as part of the limited-time Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection. This limited availability meant many players missed the opportunity to experience the game on modern hardware. The upcoming release via the GameCube Classics app offers a new chance for fans to play as Mario as he attempts to clear his name and clean up the tropical Isle Delfino, solving the mystery of who framed him.
The version of Super Mario Sunshine available on the GameCube Classics app will be an emulation of the original GameCube release. While it will be scaled to fit modern display resolutions, it will not feature visual enhancements beyond what was present in the 2002 original. Nintendo's distinctive art style has historically allowed many of its older titles to age gracefully, maintaining their visual appeal for decades.