Cult Classic Chibi-Robo! Joins the Switch 2’s GameCube Classics Library

In a move that is sure to delight fans of quirky Nintendo titles, the beloved GameCube cult classic, Chibi-Robo!, is the next game to be added to the Nintendo Switch 2’s growing library of Nintendo Classics. This highly anticipated addition is scheduled to arrive on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service on August 21, 2025. The announcement confirms what many have speculated since the GameCube library was first unveiled for the new console, and it brings a smile-inducing adventure to a new generation of players.

Developed by the now-defunct studio Skip Ltd., Chibi-Robo! was a hidden gem of the GameCube era. Released in 2005 in Japan and 2006 in the West, the game cast players as a four-inch-tall robot helper tasked with bringing happiness to the Sanderson family. This involved a unique blend of platforming, puzzle-solving, and light adventure mechanics. Players would clean up messes, find lost items, and help solve family disputes, all while managing Chibi-Robo’s battery life to avoid running out of power. The game’s unique charm, witty writing, and heartwarming story have earned it a devoted following over the years, and it’s become a rare and expensive physical collector’s item.

A Nostalgic Addition to the New Library

The addition of Chibi-Robo! is a significant milestone for the Nintendo Switch 2’s GameCube Classics library. It is the fifth GameCube title to be added to the service, joining a stellar lineup that already includes classics like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, SOULCALIBUR II, and Super Mario Strikers. This curated selection demonstrates Nintendo’s commitment to offering a diverse range of classic titles, from high-octane racers to beloved action-adventure games and now, a quirky, emotional platformer.

For many gamers, this release is a chance to play a title that has become increasingly difficult to access. The game’s scarcity on the second-hand market has driven prices to over $200 for a physical copy. By making it available to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers, Nintendo is not only preserving a piece of its history but also making it accessible to a much wider audience at no additional cost beyond the subscription fee. This move is particularly exciting for fans who have long been waiting for a reason to revisit the game’s unique world, or for new players who have only heard whispers of its cult status.

What to Expect from Chibi-Robo on Switch 2

While the port is a direct emulation of the original GameCube game, it will benefit from the modern features of the Nintendo Switch Online service. Players can expect quality-of-life improvements such as save states and a rewind function, which can be particularly helpful for navigating some of the game’s more challenging sections. The game’s unique aesthetic, with its mix of detailed 3D environments and vibrant character models, is expected to hold up well on the Switch 2’s high-definition screen. The game’s core appeal—its focus on micro-management, environmental interaction, and a charming, heartfelt narrative—remains intact, and the opportunity to revisit or discover this hidden gem is a major win for the subscription service.

The release of Chibi-Robo! reinforces Nintendo’s strategy of using its new console to both celebrate its past and provide new value to its subscription service. With more titles like Super Mario Sunshine and Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance already confirmed for future releases, the GameCube Classics library is quickly becoming a major selling point for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. For now, fans can look forward to reconnecting with the tiny robot with a big heart when he arrives on August 21st.