Unlockable GameCube Easter Eggs Found in Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has tucked away some delightful GameCube Easter eggs within the Switch 2, as discovered by dedicated fans.

Following the debut of Nintendo's new console, players can now access GameCube titles via Nintendo Switch Online. However, if you launch a game from the iconic purple cube's era, you'll quickly notice something absent: the console's legendary boot-up sequence.

Every GameCube owner has that memorable scene etched into their mind—the console's logo gracefully unfolding across the screen, accompanied by its cheerful theme music. Interestingly, Nintendo has included a way to bring back this animation with a simple button combination, though the system never explicitly explains how.

Credit goes to Spawn Wave for uncovering that you can trigger the GameCube startup animation by holding the control stick in any direction while launching the Nintendo Switch Online GameCube app. This action plays the nostalgic boot sequence exactly as you recall—or perhaps even better.

In fact, the sequence isn't just a simple recreation—it’s been beautifully enhanced in 4K. This polished logo variant originally debuted during Nintendo's Switch 2 Direct presentation earlier this year, which first confirmed GameCube compatibility.

One fan humorously noted, "Great—so when stick drift kicks in, you’ll get to see it every single time," after learning about the hidden feature.

As verified by IGN, there's another layer to this Easter egg: you can replicate the secondary GameCube boot sound, originally triggered on the GameCube by holding the Z button. On the Switch 2, this is done by tilting the control stick and holding the R button (precisely as the '2' appears on the app logo).

Now, players are speculating whether the third GameCube startup sound might also be included, possibly activated through an even more obscure controller combination. In the original system, this sound played when the Z button was pressed on four GameCube controllers simultaneously.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 - GameCube Games

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Over the weekend, players testing their new wireless GameCube controllers made for the Switch 2 noticed they now include gyro controls—a first for these pads. This opens up fresh gameplay possibilities for a variety of retro titles.

At the moment, the Nintendo GameCube collection on Switch Online remains fairly limited, featuring the original Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and SoulCalibur 2.

That said, Nintendo has confirmed several other classics will join the lineup—such as Super Mario Sunshine, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, Mario Smash Football, Luigi's Mansion, and Chibi-Robo!—though specific release dates are still under wraps.