Discover Hidden GameCube Easter Eggs on Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has secretly embedded some nostalgic GameCube Easter eggs within the new Switch 2 console, and dedicated fans have already uncovered them. While the Switch 2 now allows players to enjoy GameCube titles through Nintendo Switch Online, there’s a surprising twist: the classic startup animation of the GameCube is missing from the standard experience.

Revealing the Classic Startup Animation

If you owned a GameCube, you’ll vividly remember the iconic logo animation that unfurled across the screen with a cheerful soundtrack. Interestingly, with just a simple button press, Nintendo lets you restore this nostalgic startup sequence—though the process isn’t immediately obvious or officially explained.

Thanks to the insights of content creator Spawn Wave, we know that you can trigger the GameCube startup animation on Switch 2 by holding the control stick in any direction while launching the Nintendo Switch Online GameCube app. Doing so will play the familiar startup sequence, just as you remember it from the original console.

Enhanced in 4K for a Modern Feel

But here’s the twist: the restored animation isn’t just a direct port—it’s been upgraded in stunning 4K resolution. This shiny new version of the logo made its debut during Nintendo’s Switch 2 Direct earlier this year, coinciding with the announcement that GameCube games would be available on the platform.

One enthusiastic fan joked, “Cool, now I can get the stick drift every time,” highlighting the playful nature of these hidden features.

Unlocking the GameCube Startup Sounds

Further experimentation by IGN reveals that players can also trigger the secondary startup sound associated with the original GameCube. On the classic console, this sound played when pressing and holding the Z button. On Switch 2, you can achieve this by tilting the control stick and pressing the R button—try doing this just as the ‘2’ logo appears on the screen.

Fans are now speculating about a potential third secret startup sound. In the original GameCube, this was activated by pressing the Z button on four controllers simultaneously. Could a similar hidden feature be lurking behind another button combination?

New Controls and Upcoming Game Classics

Over the weekend, owners of Nintendo’s new wireless GameCube controllers, designed specifically for Switch 2, discovered they now feature gyro controls—an exciting addition that opens up more possibilities for gameplay, especially in retro titles.

Currently, the Nintendo Switch Online collection of GameCube classics is modest, including only The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and SoulCalibur 2. However, Nintendo has announced plans to add more titles, such as Super Mario Sunshine, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, Mario Smash Football, Luigi’s Mansion, and Chibi-Robo! No official release dates have been provided yet.

Emma Blake

Emma is a tech-savvy news editor who thrives on staying ahead of the curve. With a background in digital journalism and media studies, she brings readers up-to-the-minute updates on gaming, tech, and entertainment trends. Emma’s writing is sharp, insightful, and always backed by credible sources. Her mission is to keep the community informed and curious about the fast-changing digital world.