Nintendo Switch Owners Are Playing Wii and GameCube Games Again, But There’s a Catch

A new development in the Nintendo community is giving players a way to revisit classic titles from older consoles, as Nintendo Switch users are now running Dolphin emulator to play Wii and GameCube games. While this breakthrough has excited longtime fans, it also raises questions about accessibility, legality, and Nintendo’s own approach to preserving its legacy library.

The update, tied to the Tico Alpha 0.7.0 release, expands emulator support on the Switch, allowing users to run titles that are not officially available on the platform. For many players, this means finally revisiting classics like The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess without waiting for an official port.

Emulator Update Unlocks Classic Nintendo Games

The latest update to the Dolphin emulator has introduced support for both Wii and GameCube titles on the Switch. This advancement comes from the Tico project, which has also made parts of its source code publicly available, encouraging further development within the emulator community.

With this setup, users can run a wide range of classic games directly on their Switch hardware. However, the process is not as simple as downloading an app. Players must install custom firmware, often referred to as CFW, which allows the console to run unofficial software.

This requirement creates a barrier for many users, especially since newer Switch models may require hardware modifications to enable such functionality.

Early testing suggests that several popular titles are already playable, though performance varies depending on the game. Titles like Luigi’s Mansion reportedly run well, although some menu lag has been observed. Meanwhile, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker can experience slowdowns in larger environments, even if indoor sections perform more smoothly.

Wii titles have shown more consistent results, with games like Rayman Origins and Rhythm Heaven Fever running reliably. However, not every game is fully stable. For example, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has reportedly faced crashes during early gameplay sequences.

These mixed results highlight both the progress and limitations of emulation on the Switch, as developers continue refining compatibility and performance.

Nintendo Switch users are finding new ways to access classic games beyond the official library (Image via Nintendo)

The Risks Behind Modding Your Switch

While the ability to play classic games is appealing, it comes with notable risks. Installing custom firmware can void warranties and may lead to system instability if not done correctly. Additionally, accessing game files often requires downloading ROMs, which introduces legal concerns depending on how the files are obtained.

This makes the emulator route more suitable for advanced users who understand the technical and legal implications. For casual players, the process may be too complex or risky to justify.

For those who prefer a safer option, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack provides an official way to access select classic games. The service includes a curated library from older consoles such as the Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Advance, along with additional perks like downloadable content for certain games.

Nintendo has also released updated versions of some Wii-era titles, including The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD and Super Mario Galaxy. These versions are optimized for modern hardware and can be purchased directly through the Nintendo eShop.

However, the official library remains limited compared to what emulation can offer, which is why many players continue to explore alternative methods.