Retro GameCube Classic Returns

Sunshine Returns as the Only Legal Way to Play

Sunshine originally launched on the Nintendo GameCube in 2002. Nintendo re-released it in September 2020 as part of Super Mario 3D All-Stars on Switch. That collection was delisted in March 2021, making physical copies the only way to play. The new NSO release ends that gap for subscribers, PCMag noted.

Access requires the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack at $49.99 per year. The base NSO plan costs $19.99 per year but does not include GameCube titles. The Expansion Pack also covers N64, Game Boy Advance, and Virtual Boy games, plus DLC for titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

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Sunshine's Divisive Design Still Sparks Debate Today

Sunshine is famous for its FLUDD backpack — a water-spraying device Mario uses to hover, clean, and attack. The mechanic splits fans. Some love how it opens new movement options. Others find it clunky. Early 2000s camera and physics systems add to the friction, PCMag wrote.

One famous section involves a giant pachinko-like level with invisible collision boxes and unpredictable physics. It is widely cited as one of the game's most frustrating moments. Still, Sunshine's tropical Isle Delfino setting earns consistent praise. PCMag called this

calling it a strong pick for summer play given its beach-resort atmosphere and bright visual style.

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Sunshine Introduced Key Mario Characters in 2002

Sunshine was the debut game for Bowser Jr., who appears as a central villain. It also introduced Petey Piranha, the Piantas — a tropical island species — and Toadsworth, Mario's elderly aide. These characters went on to appear across many later Mario titles. The game's world-building gave the broader franchise several lasting additions.

Virtual Boy Titles and a Summer Retro Slate on Switch 2

Alongside Sunshine, Nintendo will add Zero Racers and D-Hopper to NSO on August 4. Both games were developed for the Virtual Boy but never officially released. Their arrival on Switch 2 marks the first time players can access them through an official Nintendo platform.

Nintendo is also adding color customization options to the Virtual Boy app on August 4, letting players adjust the display beyond the console's original red-and-black style. Together, the August releases form a retro-focused summer lineup. GamingBolt framed the Sunshine launch as part of Nintendo's ongoing effort to revive classic GameCube titles for modern hardware.

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