One of the advantages of being a gaming company with many years of experience and a global audience is the ability to gradually refer back to old experiences that have marked the lives of many players. And that’s what Nintendo did with the launch of the Switch 2, bringing back sounds and games that were significant many years ago.
Switch 2 brings back old — and good — memories
Many times, remembering moments from the past can be a challenge. Our memory is flawed, and the more time passes from an experience, the fewer details we can hold onto. But one of the things that most evokes past moments is the auditory memory, and even if you don’t remember the events in detail, the sound can, in a way, bring back incredible sensations from the past.
A few days after the launch of the Switch 2, a new feature in the game created a wave of excitement among fans of Nintendo games. A new feature that allows access to the sounds of traditional games from the GameCube console, released in 2001, was included, and it has been a great nostalgic experience for old-school players around the world.
The new, or rather, old sounds are available for those who have access to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service, being able to trigger a special animation that plays the classic startup sound of the console released over 20 years ago, along with two more variations that were present in the original GameCube version: one with sound similar to a dog’s toy and children laughter, and the other with a drum effect and a bell at the end.
How to unlock all three hidden GameCube startup sounds on Switch 2
Have you just acquired a new Nintendo Switch 2 and are curious to know how to enable these sound experiences? We’ll tell you. It is worth recalling that it is necessary to be a subscriber of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, as they are available in the GameCube game catalog.
Original GameCube startup sound
- Access the Switch home menu.
- Open the Nintendo Classics: GameCube catalog.
- Before selecting, quickly hold the left joystick in any direction.
- The original GameCube animation and startup sound will play.
Squeaky toy sound with a giggle
- On the same Nintendo Classics: GameCube catalog, hold the left joystick in any direction.
- While holding the joystick, quickly press the R button (or Z, if you’re using the official GameCube controller).
- You’ll hear a squeaky sound effect ending with a child’s laugh.
Drum sound with bell chime (hard mode)
- This one requires four controllers connected to Switch 2.
- Player 1 selects the Nintendo Classics: GameCube catalog.
- All four players must press the R (or Z) button at the same time.
- The animation will play with a drumbeat sound with a bell chime.
Why GameCube on Switch 2 is more than nostalgia
Besides the eggs, Nintendo also released three titles from the traditional GameCube console: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur 2, and F-Zero GX. Each title retains the visual styles of the original, but with a modern interface and wireless controller support from Switch 2. And it doesn’t stop there, Nintendo has already hinted that more GameCube games will be added to the catalog over time.
Bringing back the GameCube startup sounds on the Switch 2 isn’t just a nod to longtime fans — it’s also a thoughtful move by Nintendo to bridge generations through a single platform. It reflects the company’s awareness of its own legacy and how tapping into that past can help reinforce brand identity and maintain a strong and lasting connection with its audience.
