Nintendo has long been the king of gaming nostalgia, and now the Nintendo Switch 2 is continuing the tradition with a delightful nod to the past. Players have recently discovered a secret GameCube startup screen hidden within the system — a throwback that’s winning over fans of Nintendo’s early 2000s console.
How to Unlock the GameCube Startup Screen on Switch 2
With the launch of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass support for GameCube games, a surprise was discovered. As highlighted by popular tech and gaming YouTuber SpawnWave, players can trigger a hidden GameCube startup animation when launching the Nintendo Classics app.
To access the Easter egg:
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Open the Nintendo Classics app on the Nintendo Switch 2.
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Move the left thumbstick in any direction while the app is launching.
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Instead of the static red screen, you’ll be greeted by the iconic GameCube animation and chime — a near-perfect recreation of the beloved startup from the sixth-generation console.
It’s a small addition, but one that packs a huge nostalgia punch.
GameCube Games Now on Nintendo Switch 2
This Easter egg coincides with the long-awaited addition of GameCube titles to the NSO + Expansion Pass. At launch, three beloved classics are available:
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The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
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F-Zero GX
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SoulCalibur 2
Nintendo has already confirmed more titles are coming soon, including fan favorites such as Super Mario Sunshine and Luigi’s Mansion.
This move expands the value of the NSO Expansion Pack dramatically and brings the GameCube library to a new generation of gamers — with a neat startup homage to boot.
A Touch of Retro Magic
While games like Mario Kart World are grabbing headlines, it’s hidden gems like this Easter egg that showcase Nintendo’s unmatched ability to connect modern innovation with classic charm. For longtime fans, the inclusion of the GameCube startup screen is more than just an animation — it’s a reminder of the legacy behind every Switch console.
Whether you grew up with the GameCube or are just discovering its magic, the Nintendo Switch 2 GC startup screen is a heartwarming bonus tucked inside the new console’s expanding features. Don’t miss the chance to relive a piece of gaming history — just a thumbstick flick away.