25 Years Later, the GameCube’s 5 Best Launch Games Are Still As Good as Ever
A retrospective marking the GameCube’s 25th anniversary identifies five launch-period games that remain especially enjoyable. It argues that the console’s appeal was built not only on Nintendo exclusives, but also on distinctive, high-quality third-party support.
The games highlighted are Wave Race: Blue Storm, praised for its fast racing and impressive water effects; Luigi’s Mansion, remembered as an inventive but initially awkward showcase for the controller; and Super Monkey Ball, whose physics-based puzzles and speedrunning appeal have endured. Star Wars Rogue Squadron 2: Rogue Leader offered memorable aerial combat, while Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 demonstrated the strength of the GameCube’s wider software lineup and remains the author’s personal favourite.
- Five GameCube launch games still stand out 25 years later.
- Third-party titles were central to the console’s early appeal.
- Rogue Leader and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 receive particular praise.