Walmart just accidentally revealed that two beloved GameCube-era sequels are headed to Nintendo Switch Online soon. The year has only just begun, but Nintendo’s online subscription service has already gotten off to a solid start, with a strong lineup of games coming to its retro library. Now, fans have gotten a surprise sneak peek at what’s next in line for Nintendo Switch Online, and it’s equal parts exciting and disappointing.
Nintendo started 2026 with a bang by shadow dropping Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance on Nintendo Switch Online within the first two weeks of the year. While GameCube titles require the Expansion Pack, which costs another $30 a year on top of the regular NSO price, and a Switch 2 console, Path of Radiance can cost $100 or more out in the wild. With most of the year left to go, there are likely multiple retro games still in the pipeline for NSO, and two of them have already leaked.
Now is a Great Time to Check Out Nintendo Switch Online If You’re Not Already a Member
With 2026 just getting underway, Nintendo reveals a new promotion that could make this a good time to check out Nintendo Switch Online.
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes and Pikmin 2 Are Coming to Nintendo Switch Online
A now-removed promotional image on Walmart’s Nintendo page displayed several titles available on Nintendo Switch Online, including two that have yet to be announced: Metroid Prime 2 and Pikmin 2. Both were originally launched for the GameCube, and Nintendo has prioritized bringing GameCube titles to NSO over the past few months. The move could also paint a promising picture of what’s to come.
While a game as beloved as Metroid Prime 2 coming to NSO may be exciting news for some, it’s disappointing for others. Ever since Nintendo remastered the first Metroid Prime, it’s been rumored that Metroid Prime 2 and 3 may get remasters, too, but now that seems less likely. If the games become playable on Switch 2 via NSO, it may make the argument for remasters less compelling, as fans can still play them without a GameCube and Nintendo can still make money off of them through NSO subscriptions. For reference, the first Prime game, which did get a full remaster, is not on Nintendo Switch Online, so Prime 2 coming to NSO does not seem to bode well for hopes of a remake.
Still, the second Metroid Prime game becoming playable in some form on newer hardware still gives fans something to look forward to. The arrival of Pikmin 2 is worth celebrating, too, as the Pikmin series is loved by fans but doesn’t always get the same attention from Nintendo as its other franchises. There are also rumors that Pikmin 4 could get a Switch 2 upgrade before too long, so if that’s true, then it could be a big year for Pikmin.
It’s unclear when Metroid Prime 2 and Pikmin 2 will make their way onto Nintendo Switch Online, but it may not be long if retailers like Walmart already have promotional art featuring the games. There may not be an official announcement for them either, as Nintendo has made a habit of shadow dropping games on NSO lately, so anyone looking forward to these titles should keep their eyes peeled. Beyond that, players hoping for a Prime 2 remaster or other GameCube games for Nintendo Switch Online will have to wait for more details.
- Released
-
November 15, 2004
- ESRB
-
T For Teen Due To Animated Blood, Violence
- Publisher(s)
-
Nintendo
- Engine
-
Heavily modified Metroid Prime engine
Source: Insider Gaming
