We know what you’re thinking. With all the retro systems out there, why are we talking about the GameCube? What do GameCube party games have that you can’t get from other systems?
Actually, a lot of the best party games ever made are found exclusively on the GameCube, like Super Smash Bros Melee. And yes, we know that most of the franchises on this list have moved on to newer, “better” systems.
- Ok, fine. So tell us, where else can you find another Mario Kart: Double Dash title besides the GameCube?
- The answer: nowhere. Double Dash is a super-unique Mario Kart game that was only released on GameCube.
- And this is just one of many GameCube exclusives we’re going to review for you today.
- Oh, and don’t forget: GameCube games are playable on Wii consoles, too.
The Table of Contents
Best GameCube Party Games – Multiplayer Hits You Still Need to Try
Mario Kart: Double Dash
- After that lovely introduction, let’s say a little more about Double Dash. It’s like any other great Mario Kart title, but with one main twist: each kart features
two drivers instead of one.
- The drivers you choose can each obtain exclusive items that other drivers can’t get. And your choice of drivers also determines which karts you can choose.
- But what makes Double Dash truly epic is its support for up to 16 simultaneous players via LAN. Want to relive that madness? Learn how GameCube expansion ports and LAN adapters made it possible.
Super Smash Bros Melee
- Playing Super Smash Bros Melee feels the way that every Smash game should feel.
- Fast physics, better graphics, and more stages without gimmicky nonsense.
- Melee is still the competitive standard—and with good reason [According to IGN].
SoulCalibur II
- SoulCalibur II is the most technical fighter on GameCube, and the only version with Link as a playable character.
- Master the 8-direction movement and weapon-based tactics for a serious challenge.
Mario Party 5
- This party game has the best minigames of the entire Mario Party series.
- It’s best played with 4 human players—unless you like watching CPUs take forever.
Wario Ware
- Wario Ware serves up 5-second microgames at breakneck speed.
- While some game modes get repetitive, others will have your whole party laughing for hours.
Gauntlet Dark Legacy
- Hack, slash, and level up in 4-player co-op through endless dungeons.
- It’s a classic arcade-style romp, now at home on your GameCube. For fans of beat-em-ups and couch co-op, this is a must-play.
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
- This co-op Zelda gem uses 4 GBAs and link cables to create a 5-screen multiplayer puzzle-solving quest.
- If you love rare experiences like Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem, which we cover in our retro horror guide, you’ll love this one too.
Play the Best Multiplayer GameCube Games
Looking for even more reasons to love Nintendo’s purple cube? Check out our full feature on why you should own a GameCubeGameCube, or read our top GameCube facts and beginner games for more.
Ready to sell your GameCube games or consoles? Don’t miss our top retro consoles list, or compare trade-in values in our Decluttr vs Game Vault guide.
We even accept GameCube consoles and accessories—just check our GameCube console trade-in page and review our Quality Requirements for details.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are some good co-op GameCube games not on the main list?
- Some great GameCube co-op games not on our primary list include:
- Kirby Air Ride, Super Mario Strikers, F-Zero GX, the Super Monkey Ball series, and TimeSplitters with co-op modes.
What was the best multiplayer game on the GameCube?
- Hands down, Mario Kart: Double Dash was the best multiplayer GameCube game.
- Mario Kart delivered pure gold gameplay and was a massive leap forward from the 16-bit and N64 versions.
What are some 4-player GameCube games worth trying?
- Great 4-player GameCube games include:
- Crash Tag Team Racing, Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee, 1080° Avalanche, Sonic Adventure 2 Battle, and TimeSplitters.
