The Easter eggs in question all cause the Switch to replicate the GameCube’s original tinkly (and oft-memed) startup animation, along with a pair of alternative startup sequences that were included with the GameCube. It’s a nice nod to the nostalgia of the GameCube era, which is being revived by Switch 2’s exclusive Nintendo Switch Online game offerings. At launch, Switch 2 owners with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership can play The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur 2, and F-Zero GX. More are expected to come.
Here’s how to access the three Switch 2 GameCube Easter eggs yourself, if you want to dazzle your friends and family who fondly recall early aughts Nintendo gaming:
Original sound Easter egg
“Squeaky” sound Easter egg
Hard mode: drum sound Easter egg
The Switch 2 may be Nintendo’s main focus at the moment, but it’s clear the gaming giant still has a soft spot for its previous consoles as well — especially the beloved GameCube.