While GameCube fans were impatient to see more ports to the Nintendo Switch 2, Big N took everyone by surprise. This December 11, a new trailer posted on YouTube by Nintendo of America announces the immediate release of Wario Worldnow playable at no additional cost via Nintendo Switch Online. A proper “shadow drop”, and above all a welcome surprise for subscribers of the service.
A cult and underrated game from the GameCube era
Released in 2003, Wario World is an often forgotten Mario spin-off but which left its mark on those who discovered it at the time. With its short lifespan but its atypical gameplay, it stood out in the Nintendo catalog of the time.
On Reddit, fans are rejoicing: “An incredible addition that was not announced in the initial list! This game is vastly underrated and is one of the best platform games on the GameCube,” writes user Cutcutman.
Nayko214 adds: “A really underrated game. It could be better, but we still had a lot of fun. Glad it’s here. Now make a new one!”
A perfect gift… as long as you don’t expect a long game
Upon its release, Wario World was criticized for its short lifespan – around five hours on average. A detail that was disappointing at the time, especially for a game sold at full price. But put in the context of a game offered via subscription, the perspective changes.
“It’s a fun game with an amazing soundtrack, so I recommend you try it. Don’t expect to play it for more than a day, and you’ll probably end up enjoying it,” the original article points out.
An opinion shared by many players who are rediscovering it today, in an atmosphere more conducive to nostalgia than criticism.
How to play Wario World for free on Switch 2?
To access it, simply:
- Have a subscription Nintendo Switch Online + Additional Pack
- Launch the emulated GameCube app from your Switch 2 console
- Download Wario Worldnow listed in available titles
No need for additional purchase: the addition is immediate, without prior updating of the catalog, which explains the general surprise in the community. Nintendo thus continues to test the public’s reactions to its GameCube ports… and with Wario World, the bet seems successful.