Nintendo has finally confirmed when Super Mario Sunshine will join Nintendo Switch Online, giving Switch 2 owners another major GameCube release to look forward to.
The tropical Mario adventure will arrive on August 13, 2026, through the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics app. Access will require a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, and the GameCube catalogue remains exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2.
Super Mario Sunshine Gets Its Switch 2 Release Date
Nintendo previously confirmed Super Mario Sunshine as part of its planned GameCube lineup. However, players had been waiting for an exact release date. The August launch now places it among the most recognisable games available through the service.
Originally released for Nintendo GameCube in 2002, Super Mario Sunshine sends Mario to Isle Delfino for what should have been a peaceful holiday. Instead, he is blamed for covering the island in a strange substance and must clean up the damage with FLUDD, a water-powered device that changes how Mario moves and reaches new areas.
Its tropical setting, unusual movement mechanics and demanding platforming stages helped separate it from other 3D Mario games. Even so, some of its missions remain famous for being less relaxing than the island atmosphere suggests.
This Is Not a New Remaster
The Nintendo Switch Online release should not be confused with a new remake or remaster. Nintendo has not announced new levels, major visual changes or a higher frame-rate mode specifically for Super Mario Sunshine.
Instead, the game will join the GameCube catalogue alongside titles such as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, Soulcalibur II and Super Mario Strikers. GameCube titles on the service support improved image quality and higher resolutions compared with their original releases.
Super Mario was previously available on the original Switch through Super Mario 3D All-Stars. However, Nintendo ended digital sales of that collection in March 2021. Its return through Nintendo Switch Online gives Switch 2 owners a more accessible official option, although the game will remain tied to an active subscription.
Nintendo has also announced more GameCube additions for the service, including Luigi’s Mansion, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness. Release dates for those games have not yet been confirmed.
Super Mario Sunshine joins Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on August 13 through the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics app.
