Nintendo’s GameCube didn’t win the console wars, but it won the hearts of those who owned it. Compact, quirky, and unapologetically Nintendo, this purple lunchbox carved a lane of its own with unforgettable titles that still hold up decades later. Whether you were blasting through space pirates, speeding through Rainbow Road, or screaming at ghosts in a haunted mansion, the GameCube had something special for everyone.

Here’s our curated list of the 25 best GameCube games of all time—ranked not just by nostalgia, but by legacy, design, and sheer joy factor.

A pure arcade rush. Tight level design and maddening difficulty made it a party game turned obsession.

A JRPG with an inventive card-based combat system and stunning art direction. Cult status earned.

Fast-paced, absurd, and full of personality. One of the best multiplayer games for chaos and laughter.

Stylish side-scrolling action with a comic book twist. Hard as nails, but brilliant.

The one that started the obsession. A life simulator where the weird became comfortingly normal.

Lightning speed, blistering soundtrack, and gravity-defying difficulty. The racing game equivalent of a high-speed punch to the brain.

Avant-garde, bizarre, and narrative-heavy. Suda51's most divisive but fascinating creation.

Launched with the console and set the mood. Atmospheric, charming, and packed with personality.

Yes, it used bongos. And yes, it was better than it had any right to be.

Underrated and ahead of its time. A smart blend of stealth, combat, and photography.

Solid fighter with a GameCube-exclusive Link cameo that made Nintendo fans very happy.

Divisive, but still impressive. A Zelda-like take on the Star Fox universe.

Mess with your mind? Yes, please. Psychological horror done right.

Tactical brilliance with the debut of Ike. Deep combat and emotional storytelling.

Arguably the most balanced of the GameCube era. Still responsible for broken friendships.

Atmospheric, tense, and a prequel that added surprising depth to the horror series.

Strategy, exploration, and adorable plant-creatures. A refined sequel that expanded everything.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was bold. FLUDD gave Mario new tricks and Delfino felt alive.

A darker, tougher sequel that dared to do something different. More cerebral and moody.

Witty, polished, and endlessly clever. Turn-based battles with more charm than most RPGs can dream of.

Multiplayer Zelda done right. Chaotic co-op puzzles and timeless dungeons.

Game-changer. Reinvented the survival horror genre and still influences design today.

Fast, technical, and competitive gold. Defined an entire era of esports before esports was cool.

A bold art direction that proved timeless. Sweeping oceans, emotional moments, and perfect dungeons.

The crown jewel. First-person exploration and shooter mechanics blended into a masterclass of atmospheric storytelling. A genre-defining masterpiece.

The GameCube may not have dominated sales charts, but its library reads like a love letter to gaming creativity. These 25 titles captured hearts, inspired developers, and continue to influence the gaming landscape.

Still holding your WaveBird? You’re not alone.