The Nintendo GameCube, originally released in 2001, didn’t top the sales charts during its time, selling around 21 million units worldwide. However, what it lacked in total sales, it made up for with its incredible library of innovative games. The smaller sales numbers have now turned the GameCube and its games into rare and valuable collector’s items. Today, finding complete, well-preserved copies of GameCube classics is becoming increasingly difficult. But that’s exactly what makes them so special.

Let’s dive into 7 of the most sought-after GameCube games, explore why they’re so desired, and relive some personal memories that make these titles unforgettable.

1. Super Smash Bros. Melee (Released: December 3, 2001)

Super Smash Bros. Melee was one of the best-selling games on the GameCube, with 7.41 million copies sold. While that sounds like a lot, compare it to Mario Kart Wii, which sold over 37 million copies. Melee is rare today, not just because of its lower sales numbers but because of its continued popularity in the competitive gaming scene. It’s a staple in fighting game tournaments, and even though new Smash games have been released, many still consider Melee the gold standard.

Why it’s valuable today:
Despite being the best-seller on the GameCube, finding a complete, mint-condition Melee is tough due to its high demand in the competitive gaming world. Even the employees at DKOldies carry their GameCube to the breakroom just to play it. The combination of its timeless gameplay and its limited availability make it highly collectible.

2. Luigi’s Mansion (Released: November 18, 2001)

At launch, Luigi’s Mansion sold 3.3 million copies, lower than expected for a Mario-related game. But Luigi’s ghost-hunting adventure was unlike anything seen before in the Mario universe. Playing as Luigi, capturing ghosts with the Poltergust 3000, and navigating the spooky mansion was a blast. It has since become a cult favorite, especially around Halloween.

Why it’s valuable today:
Luigi’s Mansion wasn’t as popular when it launched, which is why it’s become a rare collector’s item now. The game’s unique charm and the fact that it was a GameCube launch title make it a must-have for any serious collector. Finding a complete copy in excellent condition can be quite difficult, driving up its value.

3. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (Released: November 17, 2003)

Mario Kart: Double Dash!! sold 6.96 million copies, but it stands out as one of the most innovative games in the Mario Kart series. With two characters per kart, each with their own unique abilities, the game introduced a whole new layer of strategy and fun. It’s the perfect multiplayer experience, and I’ve had countless family races, even knocking my 8-year-old daughter off the track at the last second to win. Hey, that’s just good parenting!

Why it’s valuable today:
Double Dash!!’s unique two-character mechanic has never been revisited, making it a one-of-a-kind entry in the series. Collectors love the exclusivity of this gameplay mechanic, and the fact that it’s still a favorite in the Mario Kart community makes it even more valuable.

4. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (Released: December 13, 2002)

The Wind Waker sold 4.6 million copies, but its cel-shaded art style made it stand out in the Zelda series. At the time, the cartoonish graphics faced criticism, but the game has aged beautifully. Its open-world exploration on the high seas was something I couldn’t wait to try when the game was announced. Sailing around the world of The Wind Waker felt like a whole new experience for the series, and it’s one of the most memorable Zelda games to this day.

Why it’s valuable today:
Despite being well-loved now, the initial backlash over the art style meant it didn’t sell as much as other Zelda titles. This lower demand at launch made The Wind Waker a rare and valuable game today. Collectors now appreciate the game’s visual style and innovative gameplay, and finding a complete copy with its original packaging is becoming more difficult, increasing its value.

5. Metroid Prime (Released: November 17, 2002)

Metroid Prime brought the Metroid series into 3D for the first time, and it was a masterpiece. Selling 2.84 million copies, it didn’t move as many units as some of the bigger titles, but its impact on the action-adventure genre was massive. I remember talking to my father-in-law, who played the original Metroid with his kids (including my wife), and he couldn’t believe how immersive Metroid Prime felt. Watching me play brought back memories for him, and it’s one of my personal favorites on the GameCube.

Why it’s valuable today:
Metroid Prime may not have sold as many copies as other big-name GameCube games, but its critical acclaim has made it a highly desirable collectible. The lower sales, combined with its importance in gaming history, make finding a well-preserved copy a rare treat for collectors.

6. Super Mario Sunshine (Released: August 26, 2002)

With 6.28 million copies sold, Super Mario Sunshine introduced the FLUDD water jetpack, a unique mechanic in the Mario series. The game took a different approach from previous Mario titles, with Mario tasked with cleaning up pollution on Isle Delfino. It wasn’t as universally loved as Super Mario 64, but over time, fans have grown to appreciate its charm. I still remember the thrill of using FLUDD and the eerie Shadow Mario character that gave me a scare.

Why it’s valuable today:
Super Mario Sunshine’s distinct gameplay and the fact that it’s one of only a few core Mario games on the GameCube make it highly collectible. Complete copies are becoming rarer, and demand for this game continues to rise as more collectors seek out unique Mario experiences.

7. Resident Evil 4 (Released: January 11, 2005)

Resident Evil 4 is often hailed as one of the best games of all time. It sold 1.6 million copies on the GameCube, and while it was later ported to multiple platforms, the GameCube version is still one of the most collectible. The over-the-shoulder camera and intense action changed the survival horror genre forever. I spent weeks playing this game, and the story kept me hooked the entire time.

Why it’s valuable today:
The GameCube version of Resident Evil 4 has become a rare and prized find for collectors. While the game was ported to other consoles, the GameCube edition holds a special place as the original and has become increasingly rare to find in good condition.

Why Is the Nintendo GameCube So Valuable Today?

The GameCube’s relatively lower sales numbers compared to its competitors have made both the console and its games rare and highly valuable today. Many of its most iconic titles didn’t sell as much as their counterparts on other platforms, but that’s exactly why they’re so hard to find now. The demand for these games has only increased as retro collectors realize just how ahead of its time the GameCube was.

Games like Super Smash Bros. Melee and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker weren’t just great for their time, they’ve become enduring classics that are still played today. Finding complete, mint-condition copies of these games has become increasingly difficult, driving up their value. This combination of innovation, nostalgia, and rarity is what makes the GameCube one of the most valuable retro consoles on the market today.

These games, along with others on the platform, are becoming harder to find, especially in good condition with complete packaging. That’s why the Nintendo GameCube remains one of the most valuable consoles for retro collectors today.