Super Mario Sunshine Arrives on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Next Month

Nintendo is expanding its growing GameCube library on Nintendo Switch Online with the addition of Super Mario Sunshine.

Nintendo took to its social media platforms to reveal the arrival of Super Mario Sunshine on August 13. Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will be able to play this largely beloved game on Nintendo Switch 2.

Originally released for the GameCube in 2002, Super Mario Sunshine follows Mario as he heads to the tropical Isle Delfino for what should have been a relaxing vacation. Instead, he’s framed for covering the island in graffiti by Bowser Jr., forcing players to clean up the mess using the iconic F.L.U.D.D. water-powered backpack. The gadget introduced new movement mechanics, including hovering, jet-powered boosts, and high-speed water dashes, giving the platformer a distinct identity among Mario’s 3D adventures.

Dark days loom over Isle Delfino!

Clean up a polluted island with FLUDD at your side in Super Mario Sunshine, coming to Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics on Nintendo Switch 2 for #NintendoSwitchOnline + Expansion Pack members on Aug 13! pic.twitter.com/8j5iWvjnJz

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) July 31, 2026

While the game was initially divisive thanks to its unique mechanics and increased difficulty, Super Mario Sunshine has since become a fan favourite.  The game is widely regarded as one of the strongest entries in the franchise. It also introduced Bowser Jr., alongside characters like Petey Piranha, Piantas, Cataquacks, and Toadsworth, many of whom have become recurring faces throughout the Mario series.

Outside of the limited-release Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection in 2020, the GameCube classic has been largely unavailable on modern Nintendo hardware, making its arrival on Nintendo Switch Online one of the easiest ways to revisit the title in years.

Players will need a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription to access the GameCube library, which is currently exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. For many subscribers, however, Super Mario Sunshine is likely to be the biggest draw, giving a new generation of players the chance to experience one of Mario’s most memorable 3D adventures.

Nintendo will also add two unreleased Virtual Boy games to the service on August 4: D-Hopper and Zero Racers. Originally developed for Nintendo’s ill-fated handheld before being cancelled, both titles will be officially playable for the first time, offering a rare look at games that never reached store shelves.

An annual subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is available for $69.99 in Canada. Additionally, Nintendo offers a 12-month Family Membership, including up to eight accounts, for $99.99.