Nintendo promised a strong lineup of GameCube titles when the Switch 2 launched, but the first six months of the new console generation have been a little quieter than fans expected. Aside from a handful of excellent releases—The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Soulcalibur II, F-Zero GX, Super Mario Strikers, Luigi’s Mansion, and Chibi-Robo!—many players were still waiting for that big, surprising moment. This week, Nintendo finally delivered it. The long-requested Wario World has officially joined the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack GameCube library, and the reaction from players has been immediate excitement.

Why This Update Matters

This update is especially meaningful because of how strongly Nintendo emphasized GameCube support when the Switch 2 was revealed. Early teasers highlighted a number of highly anticipated classics, including Super Mario Sunshine, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, and Pokémon Colosseum. While those titles haven’t arrived yet, the sudden drop of Wario’s chaotic 3D adventure is exactly the kind of refresh fans hoped to see as the year wraps up.

If you haven’t played Wario World before, you’re in for one of the strangest, punchiest, and most unrestrained platformers Nintendo ever produced. Originally released in 2003 and developed by the cult-favorite studio Treasure—known for Gunstar Heroes, Sin & Punishment, and other high-energy action games—the title blends colorful cartoon brawling with collectible-driven progression. The story is classic Wario: a cursed gem called the Black Jewel has warped his castle and stolen his treasure, and the only logical response is to smash absolutely anything standing in his way.

Wario’s move set reflects that energy. He can punch, piledrive, swing enemies in wide circles, or launch them into the distance. Each action feels exaggerated in the best possible way, giving the game a level of personality that stands apart from Mario’s more graceful platforming. Combat flows directly into exploration as players seek out Spritelings, hidden treasures, and trapdoors that lead to short challenge rooms. These rooms range from puzzle-focused layouts to small platforming trials, both of which feed into the game’s satisfying loop of collecting, upgrading, and uncovering secrets.

Smooth Integration Into Switch 2

What makes this update stand out is how seamlessly Wario World integrates into the Switch 2’s GameCube Classics app. Simply launch the app, download the new update prompt, and the game appears in your library—ready to play instantly. It’s a clean, frictionless experience that feels like the GameCube library is slowly, steadily becoming everything Nintendo promised.

For players who maintain a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, this is a free addition and a welcome one. If you’re new to the service or planning to renew, remember that adding funds to your account is easy; many players simply top up their balance digitally by buying a Nintendo eShop Gift Card so they can manage subscriptions and purchases without linking a bank card. It’s a straightforward option that keeps everything flexible.

The conversation surrounding GameCube titles on Switch 2 has been lively in recent months. Some fans have grown restless, hoping Nintendo would accelerate releases and bring forward those big hitters like the mainline Pokémon GameCube entries. But Wario’s arrival is a reminder that this project is continuing, and that Nintendo hasn’t forgotten about the library’s depth. Japan’s version of the service received Wario World simultaneously, and Treasure’s official acknowledgment of the update—even celebrating how six of its titles are now available on Switch Online—suggests there is still momentum behind these classic releases.

Beyond the excitement of playing an old favorite again, Wario World benefits from being one of those rare platformers that truly hold up. It’s compact, punchy, and endlessly entertaining, the kind of game that’s easy to complete over a weekend but still memorable enough to revisit years later. With enhanced stability and the convenience of modern hardware, the Switch 2 version feels smooth and accessible, offering both nostalgic value and genuine replayability.

Free for Expansion Pack Subscribers

For subscribers of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, Wario World is added at no extra cost. Topping up your account balance is simple, and many players prefer using a Nintendo eShop Gift Card to manage purchases and subscriptions without linking a bank card.

As Nintendo continues expanding its retro catalog, this update demonstrates the company’s commitment to reviving both iconic classics and overlooked gems from the GameCube era. For players who prefer digital codes, you can also redeem content on the eShop with Buy Nintendo Gift Card, just as you would for any other Nintendo Switch Online feature.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're returning to Wario’s chaotic adventure or experiencing it for the first time, now is the perfect moment to dive in. With Wario World joining the lineup, the Switch 2’s GameCube library feels more active and promising than ever. If this update is a preview of what’s ahead, Nintendo’s vision for a rich and fully revived GameCube catalog may soon become a reality.