Super Mario Sunshine Set to Launch on Switch 2

Super Mario Sunshine is set to launch for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members this August. Players will soon be able to dive into this laid-back summer adventure through the Nintendo GameCube Classics app on Switch 2.

With a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, gamers can access online features on both Switch and Switch 2, enjoy exclusive profile icons, back up their game data in the cloud, utilize the Nintendo Music app, and play a variety of retro games from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy. This service is available for just $19.99 per year, which breaks down to less than $2 a month. For those looking for more, the NSO Expansion Pack is available for $49.99 annually, offering additional benefits like games from the GameCube, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64, Virtual Boy, and Sega Genesis, along with access to DLC content and upgrade packs for major Nintendo titles. For around $4 a month, players can explore hundreds of classic games, with the library continually growing as Nintendo regularly adds new titles to the Nintendo Classic apps.

The Nintendo GameCube Classics app was unveiled during a Nintendo Direct in April and launched in July of the previous year alongside the Switch 2. Initially, it featured only a small selection of titles, likely to maintain focus on the console’s debut and newer releases. However, the Nintendo Direct announcement trailer hinted at a broader lineup coming to the app over time, with Super Mario Sunshine being one of the highlighted games.

After a wait of over a year, the moment has finally arrived: Super Mario Sunshine is joining the Nintendo GameCube Classics app on Switch 2. The game will be available on Thursday, Aug. 13. Many fans have eagerly anticipated this release, especially since the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection, which includes Sunshine, was only available for a limited time. As a result, numerous gamers missed their chance to purchase it and thought they might never experience Super Mario Sunshine on a modern console. Now, players can help Mario clear his name on Isle Delfino, cleaning up the island while uncovering the truth behind the accusations against him.

Unlike the version in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection, the GameCube Classics rendition of the game is a faithful emulation of the original. While it has been scaled to fit modern screens, it hasn’t received any visual enhancements. Despite its original release on the GameCube in 2002, Super Mario Sunshine remains visually impressive even after two decades. Nintendo’s distinctive art style ensures that older games age gracefully, allowing fans to enjoy them without feeling hindered by outdated graphics.

Super Mario Sunshine will be available on the Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Classics app on Aug. 13, 2026.