Nintendo has confirmed that Super Mario Sunshine (2002) will be the next title added to its expanding Nintendo Classics GameCube library.
According to the announcement, the game will launch on August 13, 2026, through the “Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics” app and will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.
Background
Super Mario Sunshine originally debuted on Nintendo’s GameCube in 2002 and was developed by Nintendo EAD.
The title remains a standout in the Super Mario series for its Sunshine-specific gameplay mechanics, level design and FLUDD system.
In 2020, Super Mario Sunshine was included in the limited-time compilation Super Mario 3D All-Stars for Nintendo Switch; that collection was discontinued in 2021, meaning physical and digital availability has been limited since its removal from sale.
Paraphrased statement
In clear, journalistic terms, Nintendo’s message says that Super Mario Sunshine will be added to the Nintendo Classics GameCube catalog and made available on August 13, 2026.
The company states the release will arrive via the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics app and will be playable only on the Nintendo Switch 2 platform.
What this means for players
For Switch owners who already acquired Super Mario 3D All-Stars prior to its discontinuation in 2021, Super Mario Sunshine remains accessible on the original Nintendo Switch through that compilation.
For those who did not purchase 3D All-Stars before it was delisted, the newly announced Nintendo Classics release offers an official route to play Sunshine on Nintendo’s next-generation hardware.
Details on pricing, any potential enhancements, and eShop availability were not included in the announcement.
Context and platform notes
The Nintendo Classics GameCube app is positioned as a way for Nintendo to reintroduce key GameCube-era titles to modern audiences.
The tie to Nintendo Switch 2 underlines Nintendo’s strategy of leveraging its legacy catalog on new hardware.
As always, players should check the Nintendo eShop and official Nintendo Direct communications for follow-up information and any downloadable content or compatibility details ahead of the August 13, 2026 launch.
According to the announcement, the game will launch on August 13, 2026, through the “Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics” app and will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.
Background
Super Mario Sunshine originally debuted on Nintendo’s GameCube in 2002 and was developed by Nintendo EAD.
The title remains a standout in the Super Mario series for its Sunshine-specific gameplay mechanics, level design and FLUDD system.
In 2020, Super Mario Sunshine was included in the limited-time compilation Super Mario 3D All-Stars for Nintendo Switch; that collection was discontinued in 2021, meaning physical and digital availability has been limited since its removal from sale.
Paraphrased statement
In clear, journalistic terms, Nintendo’s message says that Super Mario Sunshine will be added to the Nintendo Classics GameCube catalog and made available on August 13, 2026.
The company states the release will arrive via the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics app and will be playable only on the Nintendo Switch 2 platform.
What this means for players
For Switch owners who already acquired Super Mario 3D All-Stars prior to its discontinuation in 2021, Super Mario Sunshine remains accessible on the original Nintendo Switch through that compilation.
For those who did not purchase 3D All-Stars before it was delisted, the newly announced Nintendo Classics release offers an official route to play Sunshine on Nintendo’s next-generation hardware.
Details on pricing, any potential enhancements, and eShop availability were not included in the announcement.
Context and platform notes
The Nintendo Classics GameCube app is positioned as a way for Nintendo to reintroduce key GameCube-era titles to modern audiences.
The tie to Nintendo Switch 2 underlines Nintendo’s strategy of leveraging its legacy catalog on new hardware.
As always, players should check the Nintendo eShop and official Nintendo Direct communications for follow-up information and any downloadable content or compatibility details ahead of the August 13, 2026 launch.
